EltaMD, Inc UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Versus Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50
Updated on July 23, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
EltaMD, Inc UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 27 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50 39 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
EltaMD, Inc UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 27 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Iron Oxides
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Carnosine
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
MaskingAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCanola Oil
Emollient
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingZinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Alumina, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Chloride, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Carnosine, Dipropylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Citrate, Canola Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Zinc Oxide 12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tridecyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningTrilaureth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
Emollient
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Chloride
Masking
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate
CleansingTocopheryl Phosphate
CleansingBisabolol
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Isoceteth-10
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Iron Oxides
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantZinc Oxide 12%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Salicylate, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Dimethiconol, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Maltodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate, Tocopheryl Phosphate, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Isoceteth-10, Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Iron Oxides, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylatePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
This ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideBisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
EltaMD, Inc UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 27 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50 39 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
EltaMD, Inc UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 27 ingredients
Dermatologist recommended this. I tried it the next day and it broke my skin out. The consistency and tinting worked well.
Onto the next!
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50 39 ingredients
I was quite impressed with this sunscreen and I like the fact that is mineral and suitable for fungal acne prone skin. It has a tint which is very minimal but it adds a slight layer of colour to your skin. Its not matte but the finish seems to settle after a few minutes into a natural glow. The price is quite high and unless you need a fungal acne safe sunscreen, I wouldn’t necessarily pay that Show more
