Biossance 4-Step Age Defense
Works for
3 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 1 UV filter · Broad spectrumWeak protectionLow zinc dose
This product uses a single UV filter (zinc oxide) in a relatively low concentration and might not be able to provide a reliable sun protection.
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.
Moisturizing14 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Experience a trifecta of visible results—brightness, firmness, and hydration—with this luxuriously lightweight vitamin C oil .”
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: squalane, jojoba esters.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl tripeptide-5
Anti-aging4 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
“These time-reversing bestsellers feature science-backed ingredients to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots for immediate and long-term results.”
This product contains astaxanthin, palmitoyl tripeptide-5. These ingredients 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).
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
“These time-reversing bestsellers feature science-backed ingredients to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots for immediate and long-term results.”
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (astaxanthin) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy16 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.4–5.4%
- 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 Glycerin3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidSqualane~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneLentinus edodes mycelium extract~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractSodium hyaluronate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateCitric acid~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acacia senegal gum~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumXanthan gum~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium gluconate~0.45–0.7%
Sodium citrate~0.45–0.65%
- 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 citratePhenoxyethanol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.4–0.6%
Water~0.35–0.6%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.4–0.6%
- 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 triglycerideSqualane~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneGlycerin~0.3–0.55%
- 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 GlycerinSorbitan olivate~0.25–0.5%
Cetearyl olivate~0.25–0.5%
Jojoba esters~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersGlyceryl stearate se~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient
More about Glyceryl stearate sePanthenol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCetyl palmitate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateSpilanthes acmella flower extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skin
More about Spilanthes acmella flower extractPalmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Sorbitan palmitate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation
More about Sorbitan palmitateDunaliella salina extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Dunaliella salina extractAstaxanthin~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help to calm down inflammation
More about AstaxanthinSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePhenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 TocopherolCitric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidZinc oxide14%
- 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~0.25–0.45%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.3–0.55%
- 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 triglycerideSqualane~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneGlycerin~0.25–0.5%
- 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 GlycerinCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%
- 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 alcoholMethyl dihydroabietate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Methyl dihydroabietateSorbitan olivate~0.25–0.45%
Coco-glucoside~0.35–0.65%
- 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-glucosideCetyl palmitate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitatePolyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateCaprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Caprylyl/capryl glucosideNymphaea alba flower extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acacia senegal gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumEthyl ferulate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium gluconate~0.2–0.35%
Lecithin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinSodium palmitoyl proline~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIsostearic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Isostearic acidIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Squalane, Lentinus edodes mycelium extract, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Citric acid, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Acacia senegal gum, Xanthan gum, Sodium gluconate, Sodium citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Sorbitan olivate, Cetearyl olivate, Jojoba esters, Glyceryl stearate se, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Cetyl palmitate, Spilanthes acmella flower extract, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Sorbitan palmitate, Dunaliella salina extract, Astaxanthin, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citric acid, Zinc oxide, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Methyl dihydroabietate, Sorbitan olivate, Coco-glucoside, Cetyl palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Nymphaea alba flower extract, Acacia senegal gum, Ethyl ferulate, Xanthan gum, Sodium gluconate, Lecithin, Sodium palmitoyl proline, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Isostearic acid
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Product summary
"Biossance - 4-Step Age Defense" uses a single UV filter (zinc oxide) in a relatively low concentration and might not be able to provide reliable sun protection.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This product 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
There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 6
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