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EltaMD, Inc UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Versus Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Liquid Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on June 03, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne

Free From

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

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
spf rating
44
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Titanium Dioxide Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Ascorbyl Palmitate Antioxidant, Masking
2 / 0 Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Vitamin CVitamin C Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 6 Benefits Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

Disliked Full details ->
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate Emollient

We don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate.

Unknown Full details ->
Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer

We don't have a description for Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Tocopherol Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 4 Benefits May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

0-3 Com. / 0-3 Irr.
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

Disliked Full details ->
Alumina Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon

Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Hydrogen Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Potassium Sorbate Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

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

Disliked Full details ->
CI 77492 Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.

Sensitive Skin Liquid Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Titanium Dioxide Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

Disliked Full details ->
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Trisiloxane Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Trisiloxane is a type of silicone.

Disliked Full details ->
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer

We don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Silica Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Disliked Full details ->
Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Bisabolol Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Aluminum Hydroxide Emollient, Humectant, Skin Protecting

Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.

Disliked Full details ->
Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Stearic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Magnesium Sulfate
Sulfate Icon
SulfateSulfate Icon

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

Very Disliked Full details ->
DMDM Hydantoin Preservative
Preservative IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon 2 Concerns

DMDM Hydantoin has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is a preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde over time.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

Disliked Full details ->
BHT Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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 Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Mixed

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.

Learn more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Ingredient Ratings

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

UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
4
2
12
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Sensitive Skin Liquid Face Sunscreen SPF 50
4
1
12
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

42 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
5 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

EltaMD, Inc UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 19 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Broke Me Out (1)
elltea11's avatar

elltea11

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
Initially, the texture feels too thick and the tint too dark, but it blends well and feels...

Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
Initially, the texture feels too thick and the tint too dark, but it blends well and feels lighter shortly after putting it on. However, I am someone lucky enough to have only had maybe a dozen zits in my life total and this made even my dry skin break out after a few weeks of consistent use. Might be a good option if you were to alternate it with other products or if you have a deeper cleansing routine, which I don’t due to my dry skin and lack of makeup wearing.

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Liquid Face Sunscreen SPF 50 19 ingredients

Sensitive Skin Liquid Face Sunscreen SPF 50 hasn't been rated yet.
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