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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 versus EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 .

Last updated on August 14, 2023. Published on September 01, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 16 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or 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 DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40

Starts at $40.00
Shop

Buy UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36

Starts at $36.89

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
40
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
36

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)
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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

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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: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

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 Triglyceride

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 12.

2
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 5.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 8.

3
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.

Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.

Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.

Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.

Learn more about Mica

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 6.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 6.

4
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is an emulsifer and emollient. It comes from Isostearic Acid and Polyglycerin-3.

As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize products by preventing oils and water from separating.

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

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 8.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
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

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 9.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 25.

6
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

This ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.

As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.

This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 11.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 14.

7
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 17.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 24.

8
What it does: Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.

Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.

Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.

Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.

Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Lactic Acid

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 19.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 28.

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

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 20.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 26.

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

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 23.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 20.

11
What it does: Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.

It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.

Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.

Learn more about Disteardimonium Hectorite

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 24.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 15.

12
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

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 25.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 7.

13
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.

Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.

Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.

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

Learn more about Isostearic Acid

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 28.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 21.

14
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan 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 Gum

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 30.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 23.

15
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 31.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 18.

16
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Mixed

Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.

Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.

Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.

Learn more about CI 77492

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 37.

EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36 contains this as ingredient number 31.

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

38% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
8% have no rating yet
32% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
45% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to EltaMD, Inc UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 36.

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