Versus

Tula Skincare Ultimate Sun Serum PentaPeptide Sunscreen SPF 50 Versus EltaMD, Inc UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on November 08, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA, SPF and Vitamin E

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, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Ultimate Sun Serum PentaPeptide Sunscreen SPF 50

Titanium Dioxide 6%

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Zinc Oxide 5%

Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Isododecane

Emollient

Triethylhexanoin

Masking

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Skin Conditioning
Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Caprylyl Methicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Magnesium Sulfate

Triolein

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentapeptide-34 Trifluoroacetate

Emollient
Peptide Icon

Pentapeptide-21

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Lactobacillus

Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate

Skin Conditioning

Beta Vulgaris Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Prunus Persica Fruit Extract

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Prunus Persica Leaf Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Resveratrol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Morus Alba Root Extract

Bleaching

Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract

Masking
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract

Masking

Inulin

Skin Conditioning

Lactic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice

Skin Conditioning

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

Cleansing

Lithothamnion Calcareum Powder

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Zinc Sulfate

Antimicrobial

Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Scutellaria Lateriflora Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract

Emollient

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Diatomaceous Earth

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Hydrangea Arborescens Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Disteardimonium Hectorite

Stabilising

Isostearic Acid

Cleansing
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Maltodextrin

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Mannitol

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

Nylon-12

Non-Reef-Safe Icon

PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Propylene Carbonate

Solvent

Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract

Astringent

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Sodium Metabisulfite

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconPreservative Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Chloride

Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ammonium Hydroxide

Buffering

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Benzyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 5%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Triethylhexanoin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Triolein, Pentapeptide-34 Trifluoroacetate, Pentapeptide-21, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Resveratrol, Morus Alba Root Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Inulin, Lactic Acid, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Lithothamnion Calcareum Powder, Zinc Sulfate, Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane, Butylene Glycol, Scutellaria Lateriflora Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Diatomaceous Earth, Hydrangea Arborescens Root Extract, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isostearic Acid, Maltodextrin, Mannitol, Mica, Nylon-12, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Propylene Carbonate, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Ammonium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, CI 77891

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

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

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.

Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.

Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.

Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.

Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Lactic Acid
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.

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
Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. It also has skin protectant and skin soothing properties.

Zinc oxide is one of the most effective broad-spectrum UV filters. It protects against UVB, UVAII, and UVAI. In comparison to its counterpart titanium dioxide, zinc oxide provides uniform and extended UVA protection.

Another great benefit? This ingredient is highly photostable so it won't degrade easily under sunlight.

A common myth is that mineral UV filters are widely believed to primarily reflect UV light.

However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).

Zinc oxide has great skin soothing properties so you'll likely find this in sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin or babies/children. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
Regulatory agencies consider zinc oxide to be non-toxic and safe. It has also been shown to not penetrate the skin.

Unfortunately, this ingredient does leave a visible white cast. This is why mineral sunscreens are often less cosmetically elegant than chemical or hybrid ones.

In cosmetics, zinc oxide can be found in both non-nano and nano-sized forms. The nano version is used to reduce white cast and improve the texture of sunscreen formulas.

There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-zinc oxide's impact on marine ecosystems and whether it can be absorbed into skin.

Regarding marine ecosystems and coral reefs, there is no conclusive evidence that any form of zinc oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.

Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.

There has also been some stir about whether micronized or nano zinc oxide has potential photoxicity and absorption through the skin/lungs.

An in-vitro (done in a test tube or petri dish) study demonstrated micronized zinc oxide to have potential phototoxicity. There's no need to fret; the EU Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has stated, "The relevance of these findings needs to be clarified by appropriate investigations in vivo." Or in other words, further studies done on living organisms are needed to prove this.

Current research shows zinc oxide nanoparticles do not penetrate intact or sunburned skin. They either remain on the surface or in the outermost layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).

Zinc oxide is one of only two classified mineral UV filters with titanium dioxide being the other one.

Fun fact: 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

When to use

7 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
86% use every day
1,022 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

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