Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen versus e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 .

Published on March 29, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 25 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, niacinamide and peptides

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Day Moisturizer 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.

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Price

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
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger (2)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

Ingredients Compared

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

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

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

Loading ingredients...

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: 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

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 1.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 2.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 3.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 4.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 5.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: 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.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 6.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.

7
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising
Community Rating: Loved

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.

In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.

Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.

Learn more about Trehalose

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 7.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.

8
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Silica

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 8.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a signal peptide. This means it tells our skin to create collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 can help reduce wrinkles and make the skin look more youthful.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 9.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

This ingredient consists of four amino acids and palmitic acid. These amino acids are arginine, proline, glutamine, and glycine.

This ingredient has many benefits. These benefits include boosting collagen production, fighting inflammation, and reversing UV damage.

By preventing our bodies from producing interleukins, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 helps fight inflammation. An interleukin is a chemical that signals to the body to produce an inflammatory response. Interleukin production is accelerated by UV radiation.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 10.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 12.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.

12
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 13.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.

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.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 14.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.

14
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.

Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.

Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Stearic Acid

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 15.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 15.

15
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.

As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also

Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.

Learn more about Cetearyl Olivate

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 17.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 16.

16
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.

Sorbitan Olivate is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.

Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.

Learn more about Sorbitan Olivate

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 18.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.

17
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 19.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 18.

18
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is a citric acid ester of glyceryl stearate.

It is an emulsifier, emollient, and a surfactant.

Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating. Common ingredients include oils and water, which do not mix naturally. Emulsifiers have properties that help keep ingredients such as these together.

Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

Surfactants help gather oils, dirt, and other pollutants from the skin. This helps them to be easily rinsed away.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 20.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 19.

19
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Stearyl Heptanoate is a waxy compound derived from stearyl alcohol.

As an emollient, it helps hydrate the skin by trapping moisture. However, this can exacerbate acne and oily skin.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 21.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 7.

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

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 24.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 21.

21
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 26.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.

22
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 27.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 28.

23
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.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 28.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 29.

24
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 29.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.

25
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 30.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 22.

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

30% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet
31% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
53% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

Loading routine usage...
Loading routine usage...

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 21 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen.

See 21 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 19 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30.

See 19 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...