BABOR Protect RX Mineral SPF30 Sunscreen
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 1 UV filterBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · GluconolactoneStrong evidence
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).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Gluconolactone, TocopherolStrong evidence
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains gluconolactone.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also 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.
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · GluconolactoneStrong evidence
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: gluconolactone.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Gluconolactone, Bisabolol + 1 moreModerate evidence
This product contains antioxidants (gluconolactone) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Glycerin, Gluconolactone + 12 moreGood evidence
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:
glycerin, inositol.
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: bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Zinc oxide~44–54%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Zinc oxideWater~13–16%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.3–6.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideC13-15 alkane~3.2–3.9%
Pentylene glycol~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolC15-19 alkane~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about C15-19 alkanePropanediol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolBis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface
More about Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2Gluconolactone~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
More about GluconolactonePolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyhydroxystearic acid~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidCetearyl alcohol~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholInositol~0.7–1.05%
Isostearic acid~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Isostearic acidLecithin~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPolyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateCoco-glucoside~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating
More about Coco-glucosideArachidyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholGlycerin~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPolyglyceryl-3 lactate/laurate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Tocopherol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolBisabolol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about BisabololXanthan gum~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumBehenyl alcohol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholSodium citrate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateSodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sclerotium gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumArachidyl glucoside~0.25–0.45%
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPhysalis alkekengi calyx extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium phytate~0.15–0.25%
Calcium gluconate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product
More about Calcium gluconateGlucose~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseBeta-carotene~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Zinc oxide, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, C13-15 alkane, Pentylene glycol, C15-19 alkane, Propanediol, Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Gluconolactone, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Inositol, Isostearic acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Coco-glucoside, Arachidyl alcohol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 lactate/laurate, Sodium benzoate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Xanthan gum, Behenyl alcohol, Sodium citrate, Sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine, Sclerotium gum, Arachidyl glucoside, Citric acid, Physalis alkekengi calyx extract, Sodium phytate, Calcium gluconate, Glucose, Beta-carotene
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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.
| BABORProtect RX Mineral SPF30 SunscreenYOUR PRODUCT | Farmacy BeautyGreen Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen | |
|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 65% |
| Price | $49.00 | $36.00−$13.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Polyglycerin-3 |
| Irritancy | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "BABOR - Protect RX Mineral SPF30 Sunscreen" can offer reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
It is a mineral sunscreen. It uses zinc oxide for sun protection. Zinc oxide almost never irritates the skin or stings eyes, but it can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
This product contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 49.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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- 6
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