
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
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.
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.
“Additional benefits include skin-brightening and anti-wrinkle effects.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
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.
“The lightweight essence is formulated with centella asiatica extract to soothe skin, and ceramide NP and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate skin and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.”
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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: oryza sativa bran oil, coco-caprylate/caprate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide, phytosphingosine
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).
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.


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Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipateActs as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneUvinul 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 benzoateUvinul 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 triazoneIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideTinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconeUvasorb HEB. A UV filter. Is effective against UVB and UVA II rays (but not UVA I). It is photostable. Unfortunately, is not approved by FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylhexyl butamido triazoneOne 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 GlycerinUsed 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 glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholHelps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractUsed to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePure 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 TocopherolHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Oryza sativa bran oilA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineHelps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinWater, Dibutyl adipate, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Caprylyl methicone, Diethylhexyl butamido triazone, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Behenyl alcohol, Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Decyl glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan gum, Centella asiatica extract, T-butyl alcohol, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Oryza sativa bran oil, Ceramide np, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated lecithin
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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.
| BarrCentella Soothing Sun EssenceYOUR PRODUCT | Dr. Jart+Every Sun Day Waterproof Sun Milk | face republicPurity Sun Essence | ROUND LABBirch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Price | $18.80 | $19.10 | $12.08−$6.72 | $6.35−$12.45 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 15 | 10 of 15 | 9 of 15 |
| Key difference | — | — | — | Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate |
| Irritancy | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
We assess that "Barr - Centella Soothing Sun Essence" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
As a plus, this sunscreen uses some of the new generation UV filters (Tinosorb M). These filters are more stable and more gentle on the skin.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: uvinul a plus 3.20% - 3.90%, uvasorb heb 1.10% - 1.40%, uvinul t 2.50% - 3.10% and tinosorb m 2.00% - 2.40%.
This product contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
The product retails for 18.80$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 25 studies and safety reviews.
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