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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 versus Milani SPF BFF SPF30 Primer .

Published on June 01, 2023

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Face Primer American Brand United States

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Face Primer

A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.

Price

Shop

Buy UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Shop

Buy SPF BFF SPF30 Primer

Starts at $11.97

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Retinoid
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (4)
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Milani SPF BFF SPF30 Primer contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. 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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Milani SPF BFF SPF30 Primer contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 14.

Milani SPF BFF SPF30 Primer contains this as ingredient number 15.

4
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Milani SPF BFF SPF30 Primer contains this as ingredient number 17.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

21% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
58% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet
16% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
53% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 34 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40.

See 34 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Milani SPF BFF SPF30 Primer.

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