EltaMD, Inc UV Replenish SPF 44 Versus MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50
Updated on November 06, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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
EltaMD, Inc UV Replenish SPF 44 29 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 31 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
EltaMD, Inc UV Replenish SPF 44 29 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide 5.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC15-19 Alkane
SolventOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Zinc Oxide 10%, Titanium Dioxide 5.5%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C15-19 Alkane, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Mica, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Behenate, Silica, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Isostearate
Emollient
Polyester-8
Skin Conditioning
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentWater
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyester-8, Polysilicone-15, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Water, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, 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 OxideTitanium 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 DioxideWater. 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 WaterThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideButyloctyl 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 SalicylateDimethicone 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 DimethiconePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
EltaMD, Inc UV Replenish SPF 44 29 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
EltaMD, Inc UV Replenish SPF 44 29 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 31 ingredients
This is the only mineral sunscreen I’ve used that doesn’t leave my face greasy. My skin is incredibly acne prone, but I have had only had one pimple in the nearly two weeks since I’ve started using it (which is a MIRACLE for me). It feels so smooth and soft. Doesn’t feel like a sunscreen at all.
