Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen - 14W Versus EltaMD, Inc UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Updated on October 12, 2024
Overview
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, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances or parabens
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
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate 9%
Skin Conditioning
Titanium Dioxide 1.8%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 0.9%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Talc
Abrasive
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsododecane
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Isopentyldiol
HumectantSorbitol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLecithin
EmollientBenzoic Acid
Masking
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAlumina
Abrasive
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Propylene Carbonate
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Odorata Root Extract
RefreshingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Homosalate 9%, Titanium Dioxide 1.8%, Zinc Oxide 0.9%, Water, Dimethicone, Talc, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isododecane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isopentyldiol, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Potassium Sorbate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lecithin, Benzoic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alumina, Dehydroacetic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Nymphaea Odorata Root Extract, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Alumina
Abrasive
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Iron Oxides
Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 DioxideZinc 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 OxideWater. 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 WaterDimethicone 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 DimethiconePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 ChlorideHydrogen Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateAlumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolAscorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 19 ingredients
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
Initially, the texture feels too thick and the tint too dark, but it blends well and feels lighter shortly after putting it on. However, I am someone lucky enough to have only had maybe a dozen zits in my life total and this made even my dry skin break out after a few weeks of consistent use. Might be a good option if you were to alternate it Show more
