EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Butyloctyl salicylate has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,butyloctyl salicylate technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Lightweight, stable emollient that solubilizes oil-soluble actives for excellent delivery without greasy feel.

Why It's Used: Universal lightweight emollient base and solubilizer for oil-soluble actives in serums and low-viscosity formulations where mineral oil or petrolatum would be too heavy.

How It Works: Medium-chain length provides ideal balance of spreading coefficient, penetration rate, and barrier-sealing properties. excellent solubilizer for vitamin e, retinoids, and other lipophilic actives.

Typically Found In: Serums,facial oils,sunscreens,anti-aging products,hair products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – medium-chain triglyceride emollient

Secondary Functions: Active solubilizer,spreading agent

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–50%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from coconut/palm kernel oil

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Fractionated by hydrolysis and re-esterification of coconut oil. only c8 and c10 fatty acids retained.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – very low; medium-chain length generally non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Mct oil's medium-chain length (c8/c10) provides superior oxidative stability vs longer polyunsaturated chains and better skin aesthetics (lighter, less greasy) vs longer chain emollients (c16/c18). excellent solubilizer for retinoic acid, tocopheryl esters, and other lipophilic actives.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides o/w emulsification with emolliency and skin feel improvement from a natural glycerol ester.

Why It's Used: Standard cosmetic monoglyceride emulsifier – widely used for o/w cream formation with clean, natural-origin credentials and good sensory profile.

How It Works: Monoglyceride structure (one fatty acid + glycerol) provides amphiphilic hlb ~3-4 for o/w emulsification when combined with higher hlb co-emulsifiers. forms alpha-gel lamellar structure with water for emulsion stabilization. direct skin conditioning via fatty acid film.

Typically Found In: Creams,lotions,moisturizers – standard in o/w emulsions

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – monoglyceride emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from vegetable glycerol and stearic acid

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Glyceryl stearate's alpha-gel lamellar phase formation (distinguishable by x-ray crystallography from beta crystalline phase) provides superior emulsion stability compared to its beta crystalline form. the alpha-gel phase creates a viscoelastic network that resists droplet coalescence – the fundamental mechanism behind gms's long use as a reliable primary emulsifier.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Methyl glucose sesquistearate has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,methyl glucose sesquistearate technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides ultra-light spreading emolliency from the sterically hindered acid with the branched c20 octyldodecyl alcohol skeleton — the non-linear chain geometry creating low skin drag and non-greasy finish that distinguishes octyldodecyl esters from all linear-chain equivalents.

Why It's Used: Octyldodecyl neopentanoate is selected for the octyldodecyl ester's luxury-texture benchmark — the 2-octyldodecanol branched c20 skeleton provides the lowest skin drag, fastest spreading, and most elegant non-greasy feel in the cosmetic ester range, making it the reference standard for high-performance emollient texture.

How It Works: Octyldodecyl branching: c8 + c12 chains at c2 position → molecular footprint mismatch → reduced crystal packing → liquid at skin temperature → rapid spreading with negligible film residue.

Typically Found In: Premium skin care,serums,luxury formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–25%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Octyldodecyl esters are among the highest-cost emollient ingredients — reserved for premium formulas where the elegantly lightweight texture justifies the cost premium over isopropyl or ethylhexyl alternatives.

Last Verified: Cosing database,octyldodecyl neopentanoate octyldodecyl ester emollient review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides high-hlb o/w emulsification as a co-emulsifier partner in standard cream formulations.

Why It's Used: Standard high-hlb co-emulsifier for gms/fatty alcohol/peg-100 stearate classic cream formulation systems.

How It Works: High peg chain length provides hlb ~18 for strong water-phase affinity. combined with low-hlb gms (hlb ~3) at appropriate ratio achieves target hlb for stable o/w emulsification. high hydrophilicity also provides solubilization of oil-soluble ingredients.

Typically Found In: Classic creams and lotions

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – peg ester emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional – peg from petroleum; stearate from vegetable

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics regulation: peg compounds may contain 1,4-dioxane impurity from peg manufacture. quality-grade peg-100 stearate should have <10ppm 1,4-dioxane.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Peg-100 stearate's hlb value of ~18 paired with gms's hlb of ~3 provides the classic 'required hlb matching' for emulsification of common cosmetic oils. when combined at approximately a 1:3 gms:peg-100 ratio, the blended hlb (~7) matches the required hlb of most mineral and vegetable oils, providing the theoretical basis for one of the most widely used cream formulation systems.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend together in creams and lotions while conditioning and moisturizing skin.

Why It's Used: Selected for hlb ~12–14 o/w emulsification and skin conditioning; the methyl glucose sesquistearate chain provides natural affinity with skin lipids.

How It Works: 20 eo units give hlb ~12–14; methyl glucose sesquistearate tail provides oil-phase anchoring and skin conditioning; nonionic character enables broad ph compatibility and electrolyte tolerance.

Typically Found In: O/w emulsions,creams,lotions,skin conditioning products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,surfactant,moisturizing

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Methyl glucose from starch; stearic acid from palm/soy; eo from petrochemical.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. peg-based; trace 1,4-dioxane concern for certified organic use.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Emollients,humectants,fatty alcohols,other peg emulsifiers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Peg-20 esters of methyl glucose sesquistearate provide hlb ~12–14, appropriate for o/w emulsification and/or solubilization depending on oil phase. glucose-derived emulsifier peg-20; natural-origin; stearate chain; o/w hlb ~12-14.

Last Verified: Cosing database,inci dictionary,specialchem formulations

Primary Sources: 2026-03-27

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Silica has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,silica technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12