BABOR

BABOR Doctor Babor Protect Cellular: Protecting Balm SPF50

Name: BABOR - Doctor Babor Protect Cellular: Protecting Balm SPF50
Brand: BABOR

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyLow·5 UV filters

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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 5 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad 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

Octinoxate

Uvinul T

Ensulizole

Tinosorb S

Uvinul A Plus

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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~6.1–7.5%

Uvinul TEthylhexyl TriazoneUVB Photo-stable Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet~3.3–4%

EnsulizolePhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidUVB Photo-stable Ensulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulations~2.1–2.5%

Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.~1.7–2.1%

Uvinul A PlusDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUVA1 Photo-stable Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet~4.7–5.7%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Anti-aging

2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Protection against pollu-ageing Biosaccharides and vitamin E provide protection against free radicals and harmful environmental influences.”

Source: Allbeauty

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.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.25–0.45%

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~0.25–0.4%

Evens skin tone

1 ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Used regularly, it aids in preventing premature light-induced and environmentally induced skin ageing and helps to counteract the formation of new pigment spots.”

Source: Allbeauty

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).

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · 16 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

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: arginine, glycerin.

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: arginine, dimethicone.

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

Polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearateKey activeEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.95–1.2%

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~0.5–0.75%

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~2.1–2.5%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.15–0.25%

Helianthus annuus sprout extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can help support the skin barrier~0.15–0.3%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.4–0.6%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%

UndecaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin~0.75–1.1%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.25–0.45%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~3.3–4%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.3–0.55%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

17 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 17 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. 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 irritatingHigh~6.1–7.5%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateUvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~4.7–5.7%est.

Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~3.3–4%est.

Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidEnsulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulationsMedium~2.1–2.5%est.

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.Medium~1.7–2.1%est.

UndecaneHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skinMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Lauryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.95%est.

TridecaneHelps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skinMedium~0.45–0.7%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~0.45–0.7%est.

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Cassia alata leaf extractMight have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Medium~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~6.1–7.5%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

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 methoxycinnamate

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~4.7–5.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate

Dibutyl adipate~3.3–4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Dibutyl adipate

Ethylhexyl triazone~3.3–4%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Ethylhexyl triazone

Glycerin~2.1–2.5%

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

Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer~1.8–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Helps thicken the product consistency

More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer

Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~2.1–2.5%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Ensulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulations

More about Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.7–2.1%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine

Arginine~0.95–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Undecane~0.75–1.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin

More about Undecane

Polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate

Lauryl glucoside~0.6–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Lauryl glucoside

Tridecane~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skin

More about Tridecane

Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.7%

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

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

Dimethicone~0.5–0.75%

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

Panthenol~0.4–0.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Maltodextrin~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Butylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Ethylparaben~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Ethylparaben

Disodium edta~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Propylene glycol~0.25–0.45%

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

Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Cassia alata leaf extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Cassia alata leaf extract

Citric acid~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan

Tocopherol~0.25–0.4%

Formula

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

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizing

A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Biosaccharide gum-4~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps improve the product texture

More about Biosaccharide gum-4

Helianthus annuus sprout extract~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can help support the skin barrier

More about Helianthus annuus sprout extract

Pantolactone~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Carbomer~0.1–0.2%

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

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 oil

Dna~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dna

Ingredient list view

Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Dibutyl adipate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Glycerin, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Arginine, Undecane, Polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl glucoside, Tridecane, Tocopheryl acetate, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Maltodextrin, Xanthan gum, Butylene glycol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Disodium edta, Propylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Cassia alata leaf extract, Citric acid, Caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Biosaccharide gum-4, Helianthus annuus sprout extract, Pantolactone, Carbomer, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Dna

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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
	BABORDoctor Babor Protect Cellular: Protecting Balm SPF50YOUR PRODUCT	Dr. Barbara SturmSun Drops	BionikeAKNET SUN SPF 50+ PROTEZIONE MOLTO ALTA
Match	—	62%	51%
Price	$37.08	$152.03+$114.95	—
Shared key ingredients	—	12 of 16	6 of 16
Key difference	—	Carnosine	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

We believe that "BABOR - Doctor Babor Protect Cellular: Protecting Balm SPF50" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because 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).

It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.70% - 2.10%, uvinul a plus 4.70% - 5.70%, octinoxate 6.10% - 7.50%, uvinul t 3.30% - 4.00% and ensulizole 2.10% - 2.50%.

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be low. 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.