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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of EltaMD, Inc UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 versus Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 .

Published on March 07, 2022

Overview

What they are

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

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, oils, 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
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45

Starts at $44.99
Shop

Buy 'Screen SPF 43

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
45
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
43

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E

Benefits

Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (3)
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (2)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea
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Ingredients Side-by-side

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

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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: 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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 2.

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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 4.

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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 5.

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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 13.

7
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 12.

8
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Cetearyl Glucoside is a surfactant and emulsifier. It can be produced from synthetic of natural sources of cetearyl alcohol and glucose.

Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters. It can also be used to enhance the texture of products.

As a surfactant, Cetearyl Glucoside helps during the cleansing process. By gathering all the dirt and oils, it allows these molecules to be washed away easily.

Learn more about Cetearyl Glucoside

EltaMD, Inc UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 10.

9
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 14.

10
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 16.

11
What it does:

We don't have a description for Polyether-1.

EltaMD, Inc UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 13.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 17.

12
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 14.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 19.

13

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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 15.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 20.

14
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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 22.

15
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative.

EltaMD, Inc UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 contains this as ingredient number 23.

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

16% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
63% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet
25% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
17% 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 Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 19 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 reviews
a.b.c.d.e's Avatar'
Aug 4, 2023

Lesvds me glowing and hydrated
I use this every morning and it blends in perfectly with no White cast at the end and leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated, dewy, and glowy!

Lesvds me glowing and hydrated
I use this every morning and it blends in perfectly with no White cast at the end and leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated, dewy, and glowy!

BrodyTosi's Avatar'
Dec 27, 2023

This was the first product by EltaMD I ever used, and overall my experience was good through three months of use. This SPF in particular is a dual chemical/physical filter using 9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate. Sometimes in particular...

This was the first product by EltaMD I ever used, and overall my experience was good through three months of use. This SPF in particular is a dual chemical/physical filter using 9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate. Sometimes in particular with chemical UV filters irritation is an important consideration, and I bring this up because while researching this product I did find a small amount of study findings that point to octinoxate causing an inflammatory/irritating response for some individuals (especially skin types with rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis). Speaking anecdotally, (while I do have very sensitive skin) this chemical filter in particular did not cause me any irritation, as did not any other ingredients in this product. I found UV Shield to have almost no scent as well as leaving a finish that isn't particularly shiny or overly matte (I love this aspect in particular comparative to other EltaMD sunscreens). My only concern with this product is something I think is seldom considered in choosing moisturizers/sunscreens, and that is its emollient ingredient contents and potential for breakouts, especially in acne-prone skin. Oftentimes individuals look to the term "pore-clogging" and first think of heavy occulsive ingredients such as petrolatum and dimethicone. Personally, while I do agree that heavier occulsives can indirectly contribute to clogged pores they are not the culprit in many cases. When looking at comedogenicity (measure of "pore-clogging" potential) for ingredients, occulsives more often than not rank low because they act as a physical barrier to the skin that doesn't readily penetrate the outermost stratum corneum. On the other hand, emollients are more prone to rank higher in comedogenicity because they function to help soften and smooth skin via (much) better penetrating the stratum corneum. Both emollients and occulsives can be crucial for prevention of transepidermal water loss, with the latter being more often heavily implicated in extreme cases of dryness. In the instance of this product, I came to find out isopropyl palmitate is ranked high on the comedogenicity scale (3-4 out of 5). I did also end up suffering from increased breakout incidences with my personal use this product. The ultimate silver lining to this spiel, however, is that all skin reacts differently and while emollients ranking high in comedogenicity like isopropyl palmitate may quite visibly worsen acne in some individuals, a null effect may just as likely be observed in others.

Expensive
Hydrating
Broke Me Out
Absorbs Well
No Scent
Light Scent
Works Well

Apostrophe 'Screen SPF 43 24 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 review

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