Cetaphil Redness Control Calming Moisturizer SPF 20
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 2 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
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.
MoisturizingAllantoin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 7 moreWorks
“Redness Control Calming Moisturizer SPF 20”
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:
allantoin, dipotassium glycyrrhizate.
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: dimethicone, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Evens skin toneDipotassium glycyrrhizateNot delivered
“Specially formulated for redness-prone skin, this neutral-tinted moisturizer neutralizes the appearance of redness, evens skin tone and hydrates the natural protective skin barrier, leaving it soothed and balanced BROAD SPECTRUM SPF.”
This product contains ingredients (dipotassium glycyrrhizate) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
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-agingTocopherolNot delivered
“Spending time in the sun increases your risk of cancer and early skin aging.”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 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.
Titanium dioxide10.1%
- 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 oxide7.8%
- 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 oxideAllantoin~23–35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinBenzyl alcohol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholC12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.9–8.9%
- 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 benzoateCaffeine~3.8–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineCaprylyl methicone~2.8–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconeCetyl diglyceryl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl dimethicone~2.5–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Chromium oxide greens~2.2–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dicaprylyl carbonate~1.9–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateDimethicone~1.5–2.3%
- 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 DimethiconeDipotassium glycyrrhizate~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEthylhexylglycerin~0.9–1.35%
Glycerin~0.85–1.25%
- 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 GlycerinHydrogenated lecithin~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinIron oxides~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesIsohexadecane~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneMagnesium sulfate~0.35–0.8%
Methylpropanediol~0.15–0.65%
Silica~0.35–0.8%
Tocopherol~0.1–0.45%
- 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.1–0.4%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTrisiloxane~0.1–0.3%
Water~0.05–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Allantoin, Benzyl alcohol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caffeine, Caprylyl methicone, Cetyl diglyceryl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl dimethicone, Chromium oxide greens, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Dimethicone, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Hydrogenated lecithin, Iron oxides, Isohexadecane, Magnesium sulfate, Methylpropanediol, Silica, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trisiloxane, Water
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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.
| CetaphilRedness Control Calming Moisturizer SPF 20YOUR PRODUCT | Summer FridaysShadedrops Broadspectrum SPF50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen | BabyganicsKids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+ | EucerinDaily Protection Face Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 44% | 44% | 44% |
| Price | $15.99 | — | $9.78−$6.21 | $13.49−$2.50 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 7 | 3 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Ascorbyl Glucoside | Butyloctyl Salicylate | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 20 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Face Sunscreen LotionClinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face
Product summary
"Cetaphil - Redness Control Calming Moisturizer SPF 20" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This moisturizer is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 15.99$ 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 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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