EltaMD

EltaMD UV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50

Name: EltaMD - UV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50
Brand: EltaMD

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·2 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 2 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filters

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octisalate

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen5%

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant11%

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Anti-aging

Carnosine, Hyaluronic acid + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“100% of clinical subjects saw improvement in hydration, visible plumpness, and fine lines and wrinkles**”

Source: EltaMD

This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

These ingredients in the product can also help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. There is some human evidence for them, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best anti-aging ingredients: carnosine.

CarnosineKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.1–0.4%

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~23–34%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.25%

Moisturizing

Petrolatum, Hyaluronic acid + 6 more

Works well

What the product description says

“EltaMD UV Daily Hydration+ is the sun protection dermatologists love, with the hydration of a serum* — a formula that combines SPF 50 and Hyaluronic Acid to deliver clinically proven 24-hour hydration**.”

Source: EltaMD

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: carnosine, hyaluronic acid.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: petrolatum

PetrolatumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~3.7–5.6%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~23–34%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~1.1–1.7%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.1–1.7%

CarnosineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.1–0.4%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.1%

Isopropyl palmitate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~2.4–3.6%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · No ingredient credited for this claim

Works well

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Carnosine, Zingiber officinale root extract + 3 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (carnosine) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

CarnosineKey activeEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.1–0.4%

Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.01–0.05%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.1–0.45%

BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.05–0.2%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Zingiber officinale root extract

Medium risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.

Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2.4–3.6%est.

Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownMedium~1.8–2.6%est.

Ethylhexyl methoxycryleneHelps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectivenessMedium~1.4–2.1%est.

Oleth-3 phosphateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.45–1.05%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.4–1%est.

Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.75%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.1–0.45%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency3/5~2.4–3.6%est.

Oleth-3 phosphateHelps water and oil mix together3/5~0.45–1.05%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.1–1.7%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

Cheaper52% match

$18.00

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide11%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide

Ethylhexyl salicylate5%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate

Hyaluronic acid~23–34%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Water~8.6–12.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Petrolatum~3.7–5.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum

Isopropyl palmitate~2.4–3.6%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Isopropyl palmitate

Butyloctyl salicylate~1.8–2.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own

More about Butyloctyl salicylate

Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene~1.4–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectiveness

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene

Cetearyl alcohol~1.1–1.7%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Dimethicone~1.1–1.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Oleth-3 phosphate~0.45–1.05%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Oleth-3 phosphate

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.4–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate~0.35–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate

Polyisobutene~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene

Cetearyl glucoside~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Pongamia pinnata seed extract~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pongamia pinnata seed extract

Polyether-1~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyether-1

Tocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Carnosine~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage

More about Carnosine

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Bisabolol~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Tocopherol~0.05–0.25%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether

Sodium hyaluronate~0.05–0.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.01–0.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Zingiber officinale root extract~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract

Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Hyaluronic acid, Water, Petrolatum, Isopropyl palmitate, Butyloctyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Oleth-3 phosphate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, Polyisobutene, Cetearyl glucoside, Pongamia pinnata seed extract, Polyether-1, Tocopheryl acetate, Carnosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, Sodium hyaluronate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Zingiber officinale root extract

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	EltaMDUV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50YOUR PRODUCT	MDSolarSciencesMineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40	KoseX-Barrier Protect Repair Face Oil No Color SPF 50+ PA++++	Piz BuinGlacier Cream - High SPF30
Match	—	52%	50%	43%
Price	$45.00	$18.00−$27.00	—	$14.67−$30.33
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 6	2 of 6	2 of 6
Key difference	—	Butyrospermum Parkii Butter	Mineral Oil	Mineral Oil
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Medium
SPF	SPF 50	SPF 40	SPF 50	SPF 30
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.

1
A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
2
Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreensncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen productsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorodsiopscience.iop.org
5
ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
8
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
9
Safety assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MEA-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
11
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
12
Sensitization to oleth-3-phosphate and oleth-5 in a hair waxncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Final report of the cosmetic ingredient review expert panel on the safety assessment of Polyisobutene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene as used in cosmeticssemanticscholar.org
14
Biological activities of the natural imidazole-containing peptidomimetics n-acetylcarnosine, carcinine and l-carnosine in ophthalmic and skin care productssciencedirect.com
15
α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
16
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
18
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
19
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
20
Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent researchsciencedirect.com

EltaMDUV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50

Buy at EltaMD$45.00 $45.00as of 11/14 09:12 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at EltaMD$45.00 $45.00as of 11/14 09:12 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.