Clarins

Clarins SOS Primer UV SPF30

Name: Clarins - SOS Primer UV SPF30
Brand: Clarins

SPF 30Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium·7 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 30 · 7 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filters

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

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Homosalate

Octocrylene

Octisalate

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Polysilicone-15

Titanium Dioxide

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable 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~6.5–7.9%

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" sunscreen~4.4–5.4%

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~2.5–3.1%

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~2.3–2.8%

Polysilicone-15UVB Photo-stable A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light~0.65–0.95%

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~0.5–0.75%

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.~2–2.4%

~ 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.

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Furcellaria lumbricalis extract, Tocopherol + 1 more

Works well

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.

Furcellaria lumbricalis extractEffect: LowMight be able to support collagen production, but no solid research is available~0.15–0.3%

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%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.15–0.3%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Pancratium maritimum extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Works well

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).

Pancratium maritimum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentation~0.15–0.3%

Moisturizing

Side benefit the brand mentions · Glycerin, Dimethicone + 7 more

Works

What the product description says

“Key ingredient: Sea Lily – Illuminates and hydrates the skin.”

Source: Allbeauty

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, butylene glycol.

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, dimethiconol.

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~1.2–1.5%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.3–0.55%

DimethiconolKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time~0.25–0.4%

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~3–3.7%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.4–0.65%

Lapsana communis flower/leaf/stem extractEffect: LowUsed for its fragrance. Can be irritating~0.1–0.2%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Parfum, Lapsana communis flower/leaf/stem extract

Medium risk

We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Pancratium maritimum extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentationHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Lapsana communis flower/leaf/stem extractUsed for its fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%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~6.5–7.9%est.

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" sunscreenMedium~4.4–5.4%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~2.3–2.8%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.Medium~2–2.4%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.95–1.15%est.

Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateUsed to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Polysilicone-15A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA lightMedium~0.65–0.95%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.65%est.

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

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Peg-8 laurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.4%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~0.2–0.4%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.2–0.35%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 glycerinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

T-butyl alcoholUsed to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritatingMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Furcellaria lumbricalis extractMight be able to support collagen production, but no solid research is availableMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Maris salUsed to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentrationMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Homosalate~6.5–7.9%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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

Octocrylene~4.4–5.4%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene

Butylene glycol~3–3.7%

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~2.3–2.8%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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

Ethylhexyl salicylate~2.5–3.1%

UV filter

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

Silica~1.8–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2–2.4%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Avobenzone. 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.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

Glycerin~1.2–1.5%

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

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.95–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Styrene/acrylates copolymer~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters

More about Styrene/acrylates copolymer

Triacontanyl pvp~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Triacontanyl pvp

Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate

Polysilicone-15~0.65–0.95%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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

Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products

More about Synthetic fluorphlogopite

Titanium dioxide~0.5–0.75%

UV filterUnder-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 dioxide

Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Stearyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol

Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6

Phenethyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol

Parfum~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Dimethicone~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Peg-8 laurate~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-8 laurate

Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.4%

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

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Dimethiconol~0.25–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol

T-butyl alcohol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating

More about T-butyl alcohol

Tin oxide~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide

Furcellaria lumbricalis extract~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-aging

Might be able to support collagen production, but no solid research is available

More about Furcellaria lumbricalis extract

Pancratium maritimum extract~0.15–0.3%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentation

More about Pancratium maritimum extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Lapsana communis flower/leaf/stem extract~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Used for its fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Lapsana communis flower/leaf/stem extract

Maris sal~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Exfoliation

Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration

More about Maris sal

Ingredient list view

Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Butylene glycol, Butyloctyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Silica, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glycerin, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Triacontanyl pvp, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Polysilicone-15, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Titanium dioxide, Caprylyl glycol, Stearyl alcohol, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Phenethyl alcohol, Parfum, Dimethicone, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg-8 laurate, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Tocopherol, Dimethiconol, T-butyl alcohol, Tin oxide, Furcellaria lumbricalis extract, Pancratium maritimum extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Phenoxyethanol, Lapsana communis flower/leaf/stem extract, Maris sal

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)

Price unavailable Out of stock

Check

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	ClarinsSOS Primer UV SPF30YOUR PRODUCT	SkinCeuticalsLight Moisture UV Defense SPF 50 Oil free sunscreen for face and body	Face Reality SkincareBrilliant Defense SPF 50	La Roche-PosayAnthelios Gentle Lotion Kids Sunscreen SPF 50
Match	—	38%	38%	37%
Price	—	$40.00	$42.00	$32.99
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 13	7 of 13	7 of 13
Key difference	—	Polymethylsilsesquioxane	Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 30	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Coco & Eve Daily Radiance Primer SPF50 Sunscreen Eucerin Age Defense, Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion For Face, SPF 50

Cheaper alternatives? Browse formulas in the same category.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Clarins - SOS Primer UV SPF30" can offer reliable sun protection. 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).

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

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: avobenzone 2.00% - 2.40%, butyloctyl salicylate 2.30% - 2.80%, octisalate 2.50% - 3.00%, homosalate 5.70% - 7.00%, octocrylene 4.40% - 5.40% and polysilicone-15 0.65% - 0.95%.

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 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.