What's In My Jar
Burt's Bees Sensitive Calming Day Lotion SPF30
Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees Sensitive Calming Day Lotion SPF30

SPF 30Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·1 UV filter
See all ingredients In 1 routines
Edit

Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 1 UV filter
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersNo white cast

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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable 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 colorant16.9%
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-aging
1 ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Clinically shown to reduce the look of deep wrinkles and improve skin?s firmness with nature?s best ingredients in a lightweight moisturizer with SPF 30.”
Source: Walmart

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.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.6–0.9%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support

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 · 24 ingredients credited for this claim
Good 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: fructose, 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: beeswax, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.2–0.4%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: 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~6.3–7.7%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~0.7–1.05%
FructoseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
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~4.9–6%
InositolKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.25–0.5%
InulinKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking~0.95–1.15%
Saccharomyces fermentKey activeEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.8%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.65–1%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.35–0.65%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~0.8–1.2%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
BeeswaxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~0.6–0.85%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.5%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.5–0.75%
Polyglyceryl-6 stearateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~3.2–3.9%
HoneyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen~0.6–0.85%
Arachidyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.2–0.4%
C15-19 alkaneEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.6–1.9%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2–2.4%
Myristyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating~0.2–0.4%
Argania spinosa kernel oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.6–0.9%
Oryza sativa extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.8%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.6–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
16 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Myristyl alcoholHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%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~6.3–7.7%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2–2.4%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.7–1.05%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.65–1%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.5–0.75%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~0.5–0.7%est.
Polyglyceryl-6 behenateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.7%est.
Glyceryl laurateHelps water and oil mix together and has an anti-microbial effect helping to preserve product formulationsMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Edit
Cheaper Alternatives
Similar formulations, better price
No cheaper similar product found.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide16.9%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 oxide
Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.3–7.7%
Key activeIrritant · 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
Glycerin~4.9–6%
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
Polyglyceryl-6 stearate~3.2–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-6 stearate
C13-15 alkane~2.3–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in the formula

More about C13-15 alkane
Pentylene glycol~2–2.4%
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
Mica~1.8–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
C15-19 alkane~1.6–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about C15-19 alkane
Silica~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Cetearyl nonanoate~1.2–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cetearyl nonanoate
Inulin~0.95–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking

More about Inulin
Squalane~0.8–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Squalane
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.7–1.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~0.7–1.05%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.65–1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Honey~0.6–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterial

Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen

More about Honey
Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.6–0.9%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Saccharomyces ferment~0.5–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment
Beeswax~0.6–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Beeswax
Oryza sativa extract~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Oryza sativa extract
Acacia senegal gum~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum
Tocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.7%
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
Polyglyceryl-6 behenate~0.5–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 behenate
Stearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Xanthan gum~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Glyceryl laurate~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and has an anti-microbial effect helping to preserve product formulations

More about Glyceryl laurate
Sodium pca~0.35–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Sodium citrate~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Citric acid~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Sodium phytate~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Bisabolol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

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 Bisabolol
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Fructose~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose
Glucose~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Inositol~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Inositol
Sucrose~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose
Trehalose~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Myristyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating

More about Myristyl alcohol
Arachidyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Arachidyl alcohol
Benzoic acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-6 stearate, C13-15 alkane, Pentylene glycol, Mica, C15-19 alkane, Silica, Cetearyl nonanoate, Inulin, Squalane, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Honey, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Saccharomyces ferment, Beeswax, Oryza sativa extract, Acacia senegal gum, Tocopheryl acetate, Polyglyceryl-6 behenate, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, Glyceryl laurate, Sodium pca, Sodium citrate, Citric acid, Sodium phytate, Bisabolol, Potassium sorbate, Fructose, Glucose, Inositol, Sucrose, Trehalose, Myristyl alcohol, Arachidyl alcohol, Benzoic acid, Sodium benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Burt's Bees US
Price unavailable
Check

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Burt's Bees - Sensitive Calming Day Lotion SPF30" can offer reliable sun protection. 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 should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. 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 some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. 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.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Burt's Bees" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreensncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen productsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorodsiopscience.iop.org
  5. 5
    ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Burt's Bees Sensitive Calming Day Lotion SPF30
Burt's BeesSensitive Calming Day Lotion SPF30
Buy at Burt's Bees USCheck priceAmazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Burt's Bees USCheck priceAmazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.