Carbon Theory

DAY-LITE SPF 50+

Name: Carbon Theory - DAY-LITE SPF 50+
Brand: Carbon Theory

SPF 50Efficacy 100/100·Low irritancy ·6 UV filters· In 3 routines

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

We believe that "Carbon Theory - DAY-LITE SPF 50+" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed.

Edit

Product summary

We believe that "Carbon Theory - DAY-LITE SPF 50+" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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).

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.

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

Sunscreen filters

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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: tinosorb s 0.70% - 1.05%, uvinul a plus 3.20% - 3.90%, octisalate 3.70% - 4.50%, uvinul t 1.50% - 1.80%, tinosorb m 0.75% - 1.15% and tinosrob a2b 1.50% - 1.80%.

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. 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.

What our users say

Based on 2 reviews 50% recommend this product

When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
As for the white cast, two out of two reviewers say that the product does not leave a white cast.
When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, two out of two reviewers report that the product does not pill under makeup.
As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, two out of two reviewers say that it doesn't sting eyes.

Our users describe the finish of this product as dewy, They find the product's texture to be light and In terms of the smell, our users report that no smell.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Carbon Theory" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 15.99£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sun protection

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290 nmUVA II320 nmUVA I340 nmVisible400 nm+

Uvinul T

Octisalate

Tinosrob A2b

Tinosorb M

Tinosorb S

Uvinul A Plus

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Uvinul TEthylhexyl TriazoneUVB Photo-stable Uvinul 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~1.5–1.8%

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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—

Tinosrob A2bTris-biphenyl TriazineUVBUVA2 Photo-stable Tinosorb A2B. A UV filter. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Soluble in water, which helps to create lighter sunscreen formulations. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA in the US yet~1.5–1.8%

Tinosorb MMethylene Bis-benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolUVBUVA+Visible Photo-stable Tinosorb 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~0.75–1.15%

Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA+Visible Photo-stable Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.~0.7–1.05%

Uvinul A PlusDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUVA1 Photo-stable Uvinul 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~3.2–3.9%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Product claims breakdown

Evens skin tone

Brand does not advertise this — the formula does

Quiet bonus

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).

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateRole: Key activeUvinul 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~3.2–3.9%

Propylheptyl caprylateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2–2.5%

GlycerinRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.8–2.2%

Tris-biphenyl triazineRole: Key activeTinosorb A2B. A UV filter. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Soluble in water, which helps to create lighter sunscreen formulations. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA in the US yet~1.5–1.8%

UndecaneRole: Key activeHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin~1.2–1.5%

Ethylhexyl triazoneRole: Key activeUvinul 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~1.5–1.8%

Cetearyl alcoholRole: Key activeA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.8–1.2%

Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolRole: Key activeTinosorb 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~0.75–1.15%

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineRole: Key activeTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.~0.7–1.05%

Anti-aging

Brand does not advertise this — the formula does

Quiet bonus

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.

Propylheptyl caprylateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2–2.5%

GlycerinRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.8–2.2%

UndecaneRole: Key activeHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin~1.2–1.5%

Cetearyl alcoholRole: Key activeA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.8–1.2%

Irritancy

14 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.6%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateUvinul 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) yetLow~3.2–3.9%est.

Tris-biphenyl triazineTinosorb A2B. A UV filter. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Soluble in water, which helps to create lighter sunscreen formulations. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA in the US yetLow~1.5–1.8%est.

UndecaneHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skinLow~1.2–1.5%est.

Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul 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) yetLow~1.5–1.8%est.

Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolTinosorb 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) yetLow~0.75–1.15%est.

TridecaneHelps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skinLow~0.5–0.75%est.

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.Low~0.7–1.05%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesLow~0.25–0.45%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeLow~0.16–0.32%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationLow~0.2–0.35%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHLow~0.15–0.3%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeLow~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

Cetearyl alcohol ~0.8–1.2% — rinse-off or low %

Low risk

We flag 1 ingredient with a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating — at these concentrations, or in rinse-off use, they're unlikely to clog pores for most skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product textureMed~0.8–1.2%est.

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels