P.Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ Versus EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Updated on November 08, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
P.Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 17 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
P.Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tromethamine
BufferingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterAloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyether-1
Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Polysilicone-15, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Adenosine, Polyether-1, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glutathione, Lactobacillus Ferment, Madecassoside, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol
Zinc Oxide 9%
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclomethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Oleth-3 Phosphate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Zinc Oxide 9%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Water, Cyclomethicone, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideButylene 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
P.Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
P.Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
This is GOAT, no cap. I have never liked SPF so much that l went out of my way to stock up on it, but this one. It is just top-tier: calming, lightweight, spreads easily, doesn't smell at all, and sinks in IMMEDIATELY (* no excessive rubbing and fussing). If you think Skin1004 is great, this takes it to another level.
Texture/oilyness, who? This stuff will be a great base for any of your Show more
Lightweight and fragrance free, not greasy or dewy. It leaves a natural glow
EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 17 ingredients
Feels SO comfortable on the skin, I want to keep using it. I also love that it's FA safe. But it pills after I blend out concealer with a sponge and I wonder how much of it is still on my face after that. It's supposed to be good for sensitive skin and while it's actually calming for my skin overall after I put it on, it also irritates the skin around my eyes - at the end of the day, there's Show more
No for me.
I actually really enjoy the consistency. It glides really nicely but oh my lord this thing PILLS like no other. It doesn’t matter if I rub, gently pat it in, or wait however amount of time after my moisturizer; it will pill making it especially impossible to wear under makeup.
