Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Sun protectionSPF 40 · 4 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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Acetyl glucosamine, Pantethine + 16 moreStrong 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, saccharomyces cerevisiae extract.
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, pantethine.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl glucosamine
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Citrus unshiu peel extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractMedium risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~6–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. 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
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateZinc oxide~5.4–6.6%
- 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 oxideButylene glycol~3.3–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolTitanium dioxide~3.6–4.4%
- 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 dioxideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.3–2.8%
- 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 benzoateCetyl alcohol~1.9–2.3%
- 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 alcoholLaureth-4~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Laureth-4Ethylhexyl salicylate~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 salicylatePeg-100 stearate~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateRosa roxburghii fruit extract~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing
More about Rosa roxburghii fruit extractCitrus unshiu peel extract~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Porphyra yezoensis extract~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Porphyra yezoensis extractHydrogenated lecithin~0.65–1%
- 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 lecithinChamomilla recutita flower extract~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractOryza sativa bran extract~0.6–0.9%
Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A moisturizing ingredient that works as a humectant to attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
More about Saccharomyces cerevisiae extractCucumis sativus fruit extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
More about Cucumis sativus fruit extractHordeum vulgare extract~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten
More about Hordeum vulgare extractRosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractHelianthus annuus seedcake~0.55–0.8%
Gentiana lutea root extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help strengthen the skin barrier function and improve skin moisture levels
More about Gentiana lutea root extractSalicornia herbacea extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Plankton extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Plankton extractYeast extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 extractFaex~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Yeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FaexYeast extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 extractPolyglyceryl-3 beeswax~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)
More about Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxMagnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A 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 high
More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.4–0.6%
- 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 glycyrrhizateTocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetatePantethine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to hydrate the skin by improving its barrier funciton
More about PantethineVp/hexadecene copolymer~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates a nice product texture and can support water-resistance of sunscreens
More about Vp/hexadecene copolymerAcetyl glucosamine~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An 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
More about Acetyl glucosaminePropylene glycol dicaprate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Propylene glycol dicaprateCaprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPolyethylene~0.55–0.8%
Caffeine~0.35–0.65%
- 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 CaffeineIsohexadecane~0.5–0.7%
- 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 IsohexadecaneDimethicone~0.3–0.6%
- 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 DimethiconeNylon-12~0.3–0.55%
Zeolite~0.3–0.55%
Lecithin~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPolysorbate 80~0.3–0.55%
Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures
More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymerIsostearic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Isostearic acidCalcium chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritating
More about Calcium chlorideSilica~0.3–0.6%
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumHexylene glycol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolDisodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Bht~0.1–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIron oxides~0.1–0.15%
- 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 oxidesIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Zinc oxide, Butylene glycol, Titanium dioxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Cetyl alcohol, Laureth-4, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Peg-100 stearate, Rosa roxburghii fruit extract, Citrus unshiu peel extract, Porphyra yezoensis extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Oryza sativa bran extract, Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Hordeum vulgare extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Gentiana lutea root extract, Salicornia herbacea extract, Plankton extract, Yeast extract, Faex, Yeast extract, Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl acetate, Pantethine, Vp/hexadecene copolymer, Acetyl glucosamine, Propylene glycol dicaprate, Caprylyl glycol, Polyethylene, Caffeine, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Zeolite, Lecithin, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Isostearic acid, Calcium chloride, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Xanthan gum, Hexylene glycol, Disodium edta, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Iron oxides
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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.
| CliniqueSuper City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 40YOUR PRODUCT | NEOSTRATASheer Hydration SPF 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 51% |
| Price | — | $53.25 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Avobenzone |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 40 | SPF 40 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that this product can offer reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: octinoxate and octisalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both octinoxate and octisalate.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 59.69$ 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 29 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Laureths 4 and 23journals.sagepub.com
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