PRODUCT REVIEW
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Essential Smart Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF20
polymethylsilsesquioxane
0.35% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
sodium hyaluronate
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
faex extract
0.65% -
1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Yeast extract. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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Anti-oxidation
imperata cylindrica root extract
0.45% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer
sodium ascorbyl phosphate
0.2% -
0.35%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
yeast extract
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin
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Sun protection
benzophenone-3
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
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
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
5.1% -
6.2%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
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
ethylhexyl salicylate
3.6% -
4.4%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
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
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
• Delivers UVA/UVB protection • Provides antioxidant defence to help prevent premature skin-ageing • Delivers exceptional hydration • Improves skin’s suppleness, firmness, plumpness and bounce • Helps skin maintain its natural moisture barrier Main Actives.
algae extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
retinyl palmitate
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
sodium ascorbyl phosphate
0.2% -
0.35%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
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Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Sun protection | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-aging |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
58/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 4
Potential irritants
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
5.1% -
6.2%
Irritation risk:
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
benzophenone-3
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
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
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Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl palmitate
1.2% -
1.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
cetearyl alcohol
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
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User reviews (0)
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| Price | |||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
36%
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35%
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35%
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35%
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34%
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34%
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34%
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34%
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34%
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33%
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| SPF | SPF 20 | SPF 45 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 20 | SPF 50 | SPF 21 | SPF 50 | SPF 25 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 |
| Key ingredients |
| Common:
Other:
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
yeast extract
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin
retinyl palmitate
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation
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
Show more
Potential irritants
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
5.1% -
6.2%
Irritation risk:
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
benzophenone-3
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl palmitate
1.2% -
1.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
cetearyl alcohol
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
Show more
All ingredients
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
5.1% -
6.2%
Irritation risk:
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
benzophenone-3
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Propylene glycol, Cyclomethicone, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Isopropyl palmitate, Glycerin, Faex extract, Yeast extract, Lycopodium clavatum extract, Imperata cylindrica root extract, Unknown, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Citric acid, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone/divinyldimethicone/silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium hyaluronate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Unknown, Acrylates crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Algae extract, Citrus sinensis peel oil expressed, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Retinyl palmitate, Fucus vesiculosus extract, Maris sal, Sea salt, Boswellia carterii oil, Olibanum, Unknown, Hydrolyzed silk, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Decylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Limonene
Sources
- Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3
- Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients A Randomized Clinical Trial
- On Photostability of Oxybenzone
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearate
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- The natural yeast extract isolated by ethanol precipitation inhibits melanin synthesis by modulating tyrosinase activity and downregulating melanosome transfer
- Evaluation of dermatological effects of cosmetic formulations containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract and vitamins
- Allergic contact dermatitis from grasses
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Safety Assessment of Acryloyldimethyltaurate Polymers as Used in Cosmetics
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Moisturizing efficiency of silk protein hydrolysate: Silk fibroin
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsions
- Final report of the safety assessment of L-Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate as used in cosmetics
- Regulation of collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts by the sodium and magnesium salts of ascorbyl-2-phosphate
- Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment
- Application of l-ascorbic acid and its derivatives (sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) in topical cosmetic formulations: stability studies