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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ versus EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 .

Last updated on March 31, 2024. Published on June 30, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, 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, oils, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen 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.

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.

Price

Shop

Buy UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+

Shop

Buy UV Clear Tinted SPF 46

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
spf rating
30
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
46

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 (2)
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter
AHA
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
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 Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 1.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: 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

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 2.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
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 Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 3.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isopropyl Palmitate is a texture enhancer and emollient. It is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

Palmitates are emollients. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier that traps moisture in.

When added to cosmetics, Isopropyl Palmitate creates a silky texture and improves spreadability.

Isopropyl Palmitate may not be fungal acne safe. It can worsen acne prone skin.

Learn more about Isopropyl Palmitate

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 5.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 17.

5
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl Stearate is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and texture enhancer.

As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating.

Its emollient property helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients form a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Stearate

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 6.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 18.

6
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 11.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 8.

7
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.

It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.

Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.

Learn more about Polyisobutene

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 12.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 9.

8

This helper ingredient is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is created from coconut alcohol.

Surfactants help reduce surface tension while emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating.

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 13.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 10.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 14.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 11.

10
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 15.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 12.

11
What it does:

Oleth-3 Phosphate is created from phosphoric acid and Oleth-3.

It is used as an emulsifier to prevent ingredients from separating.

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 18.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 14.

12
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 Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 19.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 15.

13
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 20.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 7.

14
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative.

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 21.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 16.

15
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 22.

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains this as ingredient number 20.

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

18% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
64% are disliked or very disliked
14% have no rating yet
30% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
45% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

EltaMD, Inc UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ 22 ingredients

UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 20 ingredients

4.7 /5
from 3 ratings
MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

6 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Forever on my Empties List
It is viral for a REASON. The application is so smooth and luxurious. It literally melts into my skin. I love that it...

Forever on my Empties List
It is viral for a REASON. The application is so smooth and luxurious. It literally melts into my skin. I love that it has Lactic Acid and Niacinamide. It is much more than a sunscreen, it is an additional step in your skincare routine. I hate spending more than $25 on a product, and only do so for masks or when I reeealllyyyy love a product. This is the ONE. I love to get it on sale, but regardless - this is permanent staple.

Beepbop3's avatar

Beepbop3

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Not sure if I love it but I dont hate it...
The product itself is not bad, it gives a very nice finish with a sheer tint that doesnt feel cakey or...

Not sure if I love it but I dont hate it...
The product itself is not bad, it gives a very nice finish with a sheer tint that doesnt feel cakey or pill on your skin. In the winter though this irritated my neck greatly, im not sure if its because of the skin already being dry from where I live but I had to stop using it because of this.

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