Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ Versus EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen
Updated on June 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 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, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 50 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen 30 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 50 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 2.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C13-16 Isoparaffin
Solvent
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polyurethane-35
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Bisabolol
Masking
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
Abrasive
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Methylpropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenylpropanol
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 2.7%, Zinc Oxide 10%, Water, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyurethane-35, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Silica, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Stearate, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77491, CI 77492
Zinc Oxide 15%
Cosmetic Colorant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
Emollient
Pullulan
Dimethicone
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Zinc Oxide 15%, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl Behenate, Saccharide Isomerate, Xanthan Gum, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Dimethicone, Mica, Polysorbate 60, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This 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 TriglycerideDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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 AcidSilica 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 SilicaTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneZinc 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 OxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 50 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen 30 ingredients
Reviews
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Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 50 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen 30 ingredients
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