PRODUCT REVIEW
EltaMD UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF36+ Untinted Serum
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Sun protection
zinc oxide
20.15%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Mineral
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
iron oxides
0.05% -
0.15%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Rich in powerhouse antioxidants like high-purity niacinamide and ergothioneine , it brightens skin, protects against daily skin-aging aggressors, and promotes the appearance of healthy, glowing skin.
niacinamide
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
lactic acid
0.15% -
0.25%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Niacinamide also helps improve and even skin tone—perfect for anyone with skin prone to discoloration.
niacinamide
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
lactic acid
0.15% -
0.25%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
This all-mineral sunscreen brightens and hydrates skin for a dewy, healthy glow.
niacinamide
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
cocos nucifera fruit extract
0.35% -
0.65%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
glycerin
1.6% -
1.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
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Anti-blemish
niacinamide
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Sun protection | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
90/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
zingiber officinale root extract
0.1% -
0.15%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
2.2% -
2.6%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
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Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl myristate
3.1% -
3.8%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
2.2% -
2.6%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
Show more
User reviews (0)
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| WIMJ similarity score |
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| SPF | SPF 36 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
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LOW
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LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish,
Moisturizing,
Evens skin tone,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Reduces redness,
Antibacterial
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
bisabolol
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-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
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Potential irritants
zingiber officinale root extract
0.1% -
0.15%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
2.2% -
2.6%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl myristate
3.1% -
3.8%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
2.2% -
2.6%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
Show more
All ingredients
zinc oxide
20.15%
Irritation risk:
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
coco-caprylate/caprate
6.5% -
7.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
Show more
Ingredient list view
Zinc oxide, Water, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Niacinamide, Isopropyl myristate, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Ethyl macadamiate, Mica, Glycerin, Propanediol, Cetearyl nonanoate, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Undecane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Tridecane, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Disteardimonium hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium chloride, Magnesium sulfate, Tocopheryl acetate, Isostearic acid, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Xanthan gum, Bisabolol, Silica, Sodium hyaluronate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Lactic acid, Zingiber officinale root extract, Ergothioneine, Iron oxides
Sources
- A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreens
- Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen products
- Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorods
- ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cells
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Safety Assessment of Magnesium Sulfate as Used in Cosmetics
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research
- A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L‐ergothioneine and idebenone