Alpha Skin Care

Alpha Skin Care Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 30

Name: Alpha Skin Care - Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 30
Brand: Alpha Skin Care

SPF 30Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh·5 UV filters

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 30 · 5 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

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.

UV spectrum

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

Homosalate

Octocrylene

Octisalate

Oxybenzone

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation10%

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen7%

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%

OxybenzoneBenzophenone-3UVBUVA2Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption4.5%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.3%

Moisturizing

8 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 30”

From product name

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.7–1.05%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.4–2.9%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.4%

Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycansKey active· HumectantEffect: HighLong sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1–1.2%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~6–7.4%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.6–0.9%

Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~2–2.4%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~3.9–4.8%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

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.

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

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).

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Diazolidinyl urea + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Benzophenone-3Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorptionHigh4.5%

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~1.5–1.8%est.

Diazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamateA preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.02%est.

HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium10%

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium3%

OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium7%

Glyceryl dilaurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.2–3.9%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~0.65–0.95%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Homosalate10%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

Octocrylene7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene

Benzophenone-34.5%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption

More about Benzophenone-3

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

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~6–7.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Glyceryl stearate~3.9–4.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Peg-100 stearate~4.6–5.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Glyceryl dilaurate~3.2–3.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Glyceryl dilaurate

Glycerin~2.4–2.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Stearic acid~2–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Propylene glycol~1.5–1.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Sodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.4%

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

Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans~1–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Long sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans

Panthenol~0.7–1.05%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Tocopheryl acetate~0.65–0.95%

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

Sorbitan stearate~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate

Peg-40 stearate~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 stearate

Cetyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Silica~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Bht~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Triethanolamine~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Diazolidinyl urea~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating

More about Diazolidinyl urea

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be irritating

More about Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Carbomer~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Ingredient list view

Homosalate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl dilaurate, Glycerin, Stearic acid, Propylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, Sorbitan stearate, Peg-40 stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Silica, Bht, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl urea, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Disodium edta, Carbomer

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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
	Alpha Skin CareMoisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT	DdfWeightless Defense Oil-Free Hydrator with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45	M-61Hydraboost Moisturizer SPF 30	DCLSkincare Essential SPF30 Water Resistant UVA/UVB Protection Skin Protection Cream
Match	—	63%	63%	63%
Price	$18.63	$39.00+$20.37	$78.00+$59.37	$58.17+$39.54
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 8	6 of 8	6 of 8
Key difference	—	Vitamin C	Urea	Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Irritancy	High	High	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 30	SPF 45	SPF 30	SPF 30
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Alpha Skin Care - Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 30" can offer reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: oxybenzone 4.50% (declared), avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared), homosalate 10.00% (declared) and octocrylene 7.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.