Australian Gold Sunscreen High Strength SPF 15 Waterproof Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion
Works for
1 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 3 UV filters · Partial spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
MoisturizingHelianthus annuus seed oil, Theobroma cacao seed butter + 6 moreGood evidence
“Sunscreen High Strength SPF 15 Waterproof Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion”
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:
allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
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: helianthus annuus seed oil, isopropyl myristate.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Retinyl palmitateModerate evidence
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: retinyl palmitate.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Retinyl palmitate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceModerate evidence
This product contains retinyl palmitate. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works. The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Dmdm hydantoin, Parfum + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic6 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale6 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~26–31%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerAllantoin~5.5–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinAloe barbadensis leaf juice~5.2–6.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceButylphthalimide~4.4–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isopropylphthalimide~3.3–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Carbomer~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerTheobroma cacao seed butter~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Theobroma cacao seed butterDisodium edta~0.5–1%
Dmdm hydantoin~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative that releases formaldehyde and can be irritating
More about Dmdm hydantoinParfum~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumHelianthus annuus seed oil~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilHydroxypropyl methylcellulose~0.95–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseIsopropyl myristate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic
More about Isopropyl myristateMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
More about Olea europaea fruit oilPolyethylene~1–1.3%
Polysorbate 20~0.65–1%
Propylene glycol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolPropylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Retinyl palmitate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateSorbitan oleate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateSorbitol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolTocopheryl acetate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateTriethanolamine~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineWater~0.55–0.85%
Ci 15985~0.55–0.8%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateEthylhexyl salicylate3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 salicylateBenzophenone-32%
- Irritation risk
- High
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-3Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerAllantoin~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinAloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceButylphthalimide~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isopropylphthalimide~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Carbomer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerTheobroma cacao seed butter~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Theobroma cacao seed butterDisodium edta~0.55–0.8%
Dmdm hydantoin~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative that releases formaldehyde and can be irritating
More about Dmdm hydantoinParfum~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilHydroxypropyl methylcellulose~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseIsopropyl myristate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic
More about Isopropyl myristateMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
More about Olea europaea fruit oilPolyethylene~0.75–1.1%
Polysorbate 20~0.6–0.85%
Propylene glycol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolPropylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Retinyl palmitate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateSorbitan oleate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateSorbitol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolTocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateTriethanolamine~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineWater~0.3–0.55%
Ci 15985~0.25–0.45%
Ingredient list view
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Allantoin, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Butylphthalimide, Isopropylphthalimide, Carbomer, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Disodium edta, Dmdm hydantoin, Parfum, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Isopropyl myristate, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Methylparaben, Olea europaea fruit oil, Polyethylene, Polysorbate 20, Propylene glycol, Propylparaben, Retinyl palmitate, Sorbitan oleate, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl acetate, Triethanolamine, Water, Ci 15985, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Allantoin, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Butylphthalimide, Isopropylphthalimide, Carbomer, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Disodium edta, Dmdm hydantoin, Parfum, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Isopropyl myristate, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Methylparaben, Olea europaea fruit oil, Polyethylene, Polysorbate 20, Propylene glycol, Propylparaben, Retinyl palmitate, Sorbitan oleate, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl acetate, Triethanolamine, Water, Ci 15985
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Product summary
We do not recommend "Australian Gold - Sunscreen High Strength SPF 15 Waterproof Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion" because it does not provide good UVA protection. UVA sun rays don't burn the skin, but they still lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
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 2.00% (declared), octinoxate 5.00% (declared) and octisalate 3.00% (declared).
Irritation risk
This sunscreen contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this product 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Australian Gold" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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