Versus

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30 Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30

Day Moisturizer
Day Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on March 06, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free day moisturizers. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and SPF

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, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright SPF 30

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Homosalate 5%

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Octocrylene 2.7%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Skin Conditioning
Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Nylon-12

Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate

Emollient

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Myristyl Myristate

Emollient
0-5 / 2 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Esters

Emollient
1 / 1 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Polyethylene

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Cananga Odorata Flower Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Jasminum Officinale Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract

Masking

Polianthes Tuberosa Extract

Masking

Farnesol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Eugenol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Benzyl Salicylate

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Citral

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Benzyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract

Tonic

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Moisturising

Citrus Grandis Peel Extract

Astringent
Fragrance Icon

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Palmaria Palmata Extract

Skin Protecting

Morus Nigra Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Punica Granatum Fruit Juice

Masking

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning

Gentiana Lutea Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sucrose

Humectant

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-100 Stearate

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-6

Humectant

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Salicylic Acid

Masking
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate

Emollient

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Steareth-21

Cleansing

Trehalose

Humectant

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Myristyl Laurate

Trisiloxane

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride

Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Myristyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 4 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Tromethamine

Buffering

Sodium Dehydroacetate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 2.7%, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Nylon-12, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Cetyl Esters, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polyethylene, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale Oil, Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract, Polianthes Tuberosa Extract, Farnesol, Eugenol, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Morus Nigra Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Sucrose, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-6, Glycerin, Cholesterol, Linoleic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Steareth-21, Trehalose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Myristyl Laurate, Trisiloxane, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Squalane, Myristyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol

Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone
Perfuming, Tonic

Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.

Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.

Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.

Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.

Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.

Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.

2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-

Learn more about Geraniol
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Humectant, Moisturising

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
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

When to use

1 Routine
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
72 Routines
92% use in am
8% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->