Clinique

Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup SPF15

Name: Clinique - Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup SPF15
Brand: Clinique

SPF 15Efficacy 83/100·Medium irritancy ·7 UV filters

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 2 of 3 advertised claims delivered

"Clinique - Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup SPF15" does not provide enough UVA protection.

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Product summary

"Clinique - Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup SPF15" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.

It should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

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: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

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 it 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 29.45£ up to 31.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 46.75A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sun protection

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

UV spectrum

UVB290 nmUVA II320 nmUVA I340 nmVisible400 nm+

Octinoxate

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating~3.3–4%

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~2.2–2.7%

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA+Visible Photo-stable 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~1.8–2.2%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Product claims breakdown

Moisturizing

14 ingredients contribute at the levels below

Strong evidence

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: faex, glycerin.

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, methicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl glucosamine

ACETYL GLUCOSAMINERole: Key activeAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.4–0.6%

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACTRole: Key activeCan 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~0.55–0.8%

DIMETHICONERole: Key activeA 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~2.1–2.6%

FAEXRole: Key activeYeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

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~0.55–0.85%

JOJOBA ESTERSRole: Key activeAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.45–0.65%

METHICONERole: Key activeA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface~0.35–0.65%

PEG-10 DIMETHICONERole: Key activeA silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss~0.75–1.15%

PHENYL TRIMETHICONERole: Key activeA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~4.3–5.3%

SACCHAROMYCES LYSATE EXTRACTRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can have some anti-inflammatory effect~0.5–0.75%

SODIUM HYALURONATERole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.6%

TRIETHYLHEXANOINRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.9–3.5%

YEAST EXTRACTRole: Under-dosedHelps 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~0.35–0.6%

ASTROCARYUM MURUMURU SEED BUTTERRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. Could be comedogenic due to the myrisic acid content~0.45–0.7%

Evens skin tone

ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE at ~0.4–0.6% + 3 more curated actives

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

This product can also help with skin tone because it offers 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).

SALICYLIC ACIDRole: HeroUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.35–0.65%

Anti-aging

ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE at ~0.4–0.6% delivers this without it being on the label

Quiet bonus

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains acetyl glucosamine.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Phenyl trimethiconeRole: Key activeA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~4.3–5.3%

TriethylhexanoinRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.9–3.5%

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateRole: Key activeOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating~3.3–4%

DimethiconeRole: Key activeA 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~2.1–2.6%

Titanium dioxideRole: Key activeWorks 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~2.2–2.7%

Peg-10 dimethiconeRole: Key activeA silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss~0.75–1.15%

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~0.6–0.9%

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~0.55–0.85%

Saccharomyces lysate extractRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can have some anti-inflammatory effect~0.5–0.75%

Astrocaryum murumuru seed butterRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. Could be comedogenic due to the myrisic acid content~0.45–0.7%

Salicylic acidRole: Key activeUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.35–0.65%

Jojoba estersRole: Key activeAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.45–0.65%

MethiconeRole: Key activeA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface~0.35–0.65%

FaexRole: Key activeYeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Sodium hyaluronateRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.6%

Irritancy

16 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritatingHigh~3.3–4%est.

Betula alba bark extractHas astringent properties. Creates a tightening and drying effect on the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.7%est.

Citrus grandis peel extractAn aromatic irritating plant extract that can cause photosensitivity in skinHigh~0.4–0.65%est.

Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.35–0.65%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinLow~2.9–3.5%est.

Astrocaryum murumuru seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. Could be comedogenic due to the myrisic acid contentLow~0.45–0.7%est.

Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionLow~0.45–0.65%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureLow~0.4–0.6%est.

Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.4–0.6%est.

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.35–0.6%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.Low~0.35–0.65%est.

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highLow~0.35–0.6%est.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Low~0.35–0.6%est.

Isopropyl titanium triisostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherLow~0.45–0.65%est.

Laureth-7Helps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.35–0.6%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationLow~0.3–0.55%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

Low risk

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.