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Clarins Refreshing After Sun Gel
Clarins

Clarins Refreshing After Sun Gel

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
13 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“Containing Aloe Vera and Watermelon, the smooth gel texture soothes and hydrates skin after sun exposure.”
Source: Feelunique

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: glycerin, mannitol.

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: helianthus annuus seed oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.

MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.4%
Faex extractKey activeEffect: HighYeast extract. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
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~1–1.2%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.2–0.35%
C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances 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~1.7–2%
Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~5.9–7.3%
Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~0.4–0.6%
Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~2.3–2.9%
Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.2–0.35%
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~0.3–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%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) yetMedium~4.4–5.4%est.
HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~3.6–4.4%est.
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 ownMedium~1.9–2.4%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) yetMedium~1.7–2.1%est.
Polysilicone-15A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA lightMedium~1–1.2%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.Medium~0.75–1.15%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) yetMedium~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~0.3–0.55%est.
Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%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~0.2–0.35%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Pisum sativum extractMight be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lackingMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Cassia alata leaf extractMight have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Olea europaea leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Dibutyl adipate~5.9–7.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Dibutyl adipate
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~4.4–5.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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

More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate
Homosalate~3.6–4.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate
Butylene glycol~2.3–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Butyloctyl salicylate~1.9–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.7–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 benzoate
Ethylhexyl salicylate~2–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Octisalate. 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

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate
Ethylhexyl triazone~1.7–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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

More about Ethylhexyl triazone
Glycerin~1–1.2%
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
Polysilicone-15~1–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light

More about Polysilicone-15
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.75–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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.

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine
Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~0.65–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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

More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol
Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene
Polyester-7~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polyester-7
Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate
Parfum~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterialReduces irritationAnti-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
Inulin lauryl carbamate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Inulin lauryl carbamate
Mannitol~0.25–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Decyl glucoside~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.35%
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
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol
Cyclodextrin~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of sugar that is used to support delivery of active ingredients and can enhance their penetration into the skin without disrupting the skin's barrier

More about Cyclodextrin
Pisum sativum extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

Might be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lacking

More about Pisum sativum extract
Cassia alata leaf extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Cassia alata leaf extract
Faex extract~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Faex extract
Yeast extract~0.2–0.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract
Propylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Dextrin~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin
Hydrolyzed adansonia digitata extract~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hydrolyzed adansonia digitata extract
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A 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

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Olea europaea leaf extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Olea europaea leaf extract
Platanus occidentalis bark extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Platanus occidentalis bark extract
Citric acid~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

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

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Ingredient list view

Water, Dibutyl adipate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Homosalate, Butylene glycol, Butyloctyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Glycerin, Polysilicone-15, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Polyester-7, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Parfum, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Inulin lauryl carbamate, Mannitol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Decyl glucoside, Tocopheryl acetate, Potassium sorbate, Disodium edta, Tocopherol, Cyclodextrin, Pisum sativum extract, Cassia alata leaf extract, Faex extract, Yeast extract, Propylene glycol, Xanthan gum, Dextrin, Hydrolyzed adansonia digitata extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Olea europaea leaf extract, Platanus occidentalis bark extract, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Opinion on Homosalate - Scientific Committee on Consumer Products ec.europa.eu
  2. 2
    Safety assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MEA-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Final report of the cosmetic ingredient review expert panel on the safety assessment of Polyisobutene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene as used in cosmeticssemanticscholar.org
  5. 5
    Ecofriendly surfactant is allergen of the yearmdedge.com
  6. 6
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Clarins Refreshing After Sun Gel
ClarinsRefreshing After Sun Gel
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.