Versus

EltaMD, Inc UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen - Tinted Versus Cotz Skincare Flawless Complexion SPF 50 Tinted - Lightly

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on July 19, 2024

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture

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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Flawless Complexion SPF 50 Tinted

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

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 Oxide

Hydrogen Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Emulsifying

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20
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.

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

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

When to use

40 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
22 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
95% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

EltaMD, Inc UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen - Tinted 24 ingredients

UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen - Tinted hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Cotz Skincare Flawless Complexion SPF 50 Tinted 30 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Broke Me Out (1) Expensive (1) Heavy (1)
marjoriesaul's avatar

Marjorie Saul

6 months ago
Review

Love this, it's my daily sunscreen. Adds enough coverage for most of my face, feels nice and clean. Doesn't break me out!

#light
#works well
Dez1's avatar

Dez1

1 month ago
Review

Broke me out badly, too dark for light skin and heavy.

#expensive
#broke me out
#heavy