Isle Glow Face Moisturizer with SPF 45 and Niacinamide

Name: CAY SKIN - Isle Glow Face Moisturizer with SPF 45 and Niacinamide
Brand: CAY SKIN

SPF 45Efficacy 100/100·High irritancy ·6 UV filters

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

We assess that "CAY SKIN - Isle Glow Face Moisturizer with SPF 45 and Niacinamide" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list.

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Product summary

We assess that "CAY SKIN - Isle Glow Face Moisturizer with SPF 45 and Niacinamide" 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).

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: avobenzone, butyloctyl salicylate, octisalate and octocrylene. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.

Irritation risk

This product contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. 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.

Price

The product retails for 53.48$ in the United States.

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+

Octocrylene

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Octisalate

Titanium Dioxide

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen10%

Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own~5.2–6.4%

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—

Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin—

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.3%

~ 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

FERULIC ACID at ~0.2–0.4% + 1 more curated active

Strong evidence

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).

NIACINAMIDERole: Under-dosedIs 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~0.25–0.45%

FERULIC ACIDRole: Key activeA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.2–0.4%

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneRole: Key activeAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.3%

OctocryleneRole: Key activeA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen10%

Butyloctyl salicylateRole: Key activeA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own~5.2–6.4%

Diisopropyl sebacateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish~3.9–4.7%

Diisopropyl adipateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.8–3.4%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateRole: Key activeEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~1.9–2.3%

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~1.1–1.4%

Chondrus crispus extractRole: Key activeRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.25–0.5%

Helianthus annuus seed oilRole: Key activeA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

Theobroma cacao seed butterRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.25–0.4%

Sodium lactateRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.1–0.2%

Sodium pcaRole: Key activeNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.2%

Anti-oxidation

FERULIC ACID at ~0.2–0.4% delivers this without it being on the label

Quiet bonus

This product contains antioxidants (ferulic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

THEOBROMA CACAO SEED BUTTERRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.25–0.4%

Diisopropyl sebacateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish~3.9–4.7%

Diisopropyl adipateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.8–3.4%

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~1.1–1.4%

Chondrus crispus extractRole: Key activeRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.25–0.5%

Sodium lactateRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.1–0.2%

Sodium pcaRole: Key activeNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.2%

Anti-aging

FERULIC ACID at ~0.2–0.4% delivers this without it being on the label

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.

These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: ferulic acid.

Diisopropyl sebacateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish~3.9–4.7%

Diisopropyl adipateRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.8–3.4%

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~1.1–1.4%

Chondrus crispus extractRole: Key activeRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.25–0.5%

Theobroma cacao seed butterRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.25–0.4%

Sodium lactateRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.1–0.2%

Sodium pcaRole: Key activeNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.2%

Irritancy

25 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Vanilla planifolia fruit extractA plant extract used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Santalum album oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Limonium gerberi extract—High~0.1–0.25%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Low3%

OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenLow10%

Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownLow~5.2–6.4%est.

Citrullus lanatus fruit extractA plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compoundLow~0.35–0.65%est.

Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentLow~0.3–0.55%est.

Lens esculenta fruit extractA plant extract containing sugars that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed by the manufacturer to help reduce pore size but evidence is lackingLow~0.25–0.45%est.

Cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.15–0.3%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureLow~0.15–0.3%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeLow~0.1–0.2%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.2–0.4%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeLow~0.1–0.2%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationLow~0.15–0.25%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productLow~0.1–0.2%est.

Coffea arabica seed oilMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skinLow~0.1–0.2%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeLow~0.15–0.25%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 glycerinLow~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

Chondrus crispus extract ~0.25–0.5% — rinse-off or low %

Some risk

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating ≥ 2. In leave-on products at higher concentrations they can clog pores for acne-prone skin types.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistencyHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~0.25–0.4%est.

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels