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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 versus EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen .

Published on January 24, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, dark spots 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 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 KidCrème SPF 50

Shop

Buy UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen

Starts at $31.75

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
50
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

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter (2)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter (2)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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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.

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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, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

Titanium 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 Dioxide

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
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

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
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.

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 28.

4
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

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, 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.

According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.

Learn more about Butyloctyl Salicylate

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 4.

6
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a form of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and having plump skin. As an antioxidant, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.

Studies show Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is more stable when combined with stabilizing ingredients.

VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 24.

7
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

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 23.

8
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

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 21.

9
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyhydroxystearic 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 Acid

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 14.

10
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

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 8.

11
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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

MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 13.

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

36% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet
23% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
55% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 27 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50.

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