CeraVe Sunscreen Stick, Water-Resistant with Zinc Oxide,SPF 50
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 3 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
Moisturizing12 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 | Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide | Sheer Tint for Healthy Glow | 1.”
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:
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: beeswax, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: avena sativa kernel extract, ceramide 1, ceramide 3, ceramide 6 ii
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimStrong 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).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Avena sativa kernel extract~26–31%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractCi 42090~4.6–5.6%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances 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
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateButyloctyl salicylate~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A 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
More about Butyloctyl salicylateNeopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate~3.5–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Paraffin~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency
More about ParaffinEuphorbia cerifera wax~2.5–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ozokerite~1.6–2%
Dimethicone~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeBeeswax~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 BeeswaxPolyethylene~1.3–1.6%
Cetyl alcohol~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholCeramide 3~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 3Ceramide 1~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 1Cholesterol~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolSodium hyaluronate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePolyhydroxystearic acid~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidAluminum hydroxide~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideStearic acid~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidBht~0.55–0.8%
Carbomer~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIsostearic acid~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Isostearic acidSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateXanthan gum~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTitanium dioxide6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Titanium dioxideZinc oxide4.7%
- 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 oxideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances 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
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateButyloctyl salicylate~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A 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
More about Butyloctyl salicylateNeopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Paraffin~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency
More about ParaffinEuphorbia cerifera wax~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ozokerite~0.55–0.8%
Dimethicone~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeBeeswax~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 BeeswaxPolyethylene~0.7–1.1%
Cetyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholCeramide 3~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 3Ceramide 6 ii~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 6 iiCeramide 1~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 1Cholesterol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolSodium hyaluronate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePolyhydroxystearic acid~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidAluminum hydroxide~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideStearic acid~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidBht~0.3–0.55%
Carbomer~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIsostearic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Isostearic acidSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateXanthan gum~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIngredient list view
Avena sativa kernel extract, Ci 42090, Unknown, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyloctyl salicylate, Neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, Paraffin, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Ozokerite, Dimethicone, Beeswax, Polyethylene, Cetyl alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Sodium hyaluronate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Bht, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isostearic acid, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Xanthan gum, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyloctyl salicylate, Neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, Paraffin, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Ozokerite, Dimethicone, Beeswax, Polyethylene, Cetyl alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 ii, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Sodium hyaluronate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Bht, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isostearic acid, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Xanthan gum
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| CeraVeSunscreen Stick, Water-Resistant with Zinc Oxide,SPF 50YOUR PRODUCT | ObagiSun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 50% |
| Price | $8.97 | $53.00+$44.03 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "CeraVe - Sunscreen Stick, Water-Resistant with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50" can offer reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 10.99$ up to 13.82$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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