Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 - Deep
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 3 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.
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“This unique facial sunscreen features innovative, tone-adapting pigments that offer medium, buildable color coverage with a natural finish that blur imperfections and even skin tone.”
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).
Moisturizing12 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“5% of HEV (blue) light and proven to protect against free radical formation and damage100% mineral, Hydrating and antioxidant-rich formula with chemical-free active ingredientsDermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skinTip.”
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:
tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, caprylyl 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.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
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.
This product can also 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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (dimethylmethoxy chromanol, tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy12 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Niacinamide~25–31%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideTocopherol~7–8.6%
- 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 TocopherolZinc oxide12%
- 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 oxideWater~5.1–6.2%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.5–5.6%
- 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 benzoateButyloctyl salicylate~3.5–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 salicylateLauryl peg-8 dimethicone~2.6–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together
More about Lauryl peg-8 dimethiconeIsododecane~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecanePropanediol~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolCaprylyl methicone~1.3–1.5%
- 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 methiconeDimethicone~1.2–1.4%
- 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 DimethiconeNiacinamide~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideTridecyl salicylate~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerTrilaureth-4 phosphate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Trilaureth-4 phosphateDimethiconol~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconolSilica~0.95–1.15%
Lauryl peg-10 tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl dimethicone~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mica~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaPolyester-1~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Maltodextrin~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinSodium chloride~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideBisabolol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololDisodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair
More about Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphatesEthylhexylglycerin~0.5–0.75%
Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extractAllantoin~0.5–0.75%
- 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 AllantoinSilica dimethyl silylate~0.6–0.9%
Caprylyl glycol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIsoceteth-10~0.5–0.8%
Zein~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hexylene glycol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolDimethylmethoxy chromanol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Dimethylmethoxy chromanolSynthetic fluorphlogopite~0.5–0.75%
- 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 fluorphlogopiteZea mays starch~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Zea mays starchSilica~0.5–0.75%
Caesalpinia spinosa fruit pod extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract with antioxidant effect. Is often added to skincare to boost SPF
More about Caesalpinia spinosa fruit pod extractHydrogenated lecithin~0.35–0.65%
- 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 lecithinTetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideHelianthus annuus sprout extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can help support the skin barrier
More about Helianthus annuus sprout extractPhenoxyethanol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Benzoic acid~0.25–0.45%
Dehydroacetic acid~0.2–0.4%
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Sodium myristoyl glutamate~0.2–0.4%
Aluminum hydroxide~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideTitanium dioxide~0.15–0.3%
- 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 dioxideCi 77891~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Iron oxides~0.05–0.1%
- 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
Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Zinc oxide, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyloctyl salicylate, Lauryl peg-8 dimethicone, Isododecane, Propanediol, Caprylyl methicone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Tridecyl salicylate, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Trilaureth-4 phosphate, Dimethiconol, Unknown, Silica, Lauryl peg-10 tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl dimethicone, Mica, Polyester-1, Maltodextrin, Sodium chloride, Bisabolol, Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Allantoin, Silica dimethyl silylate, Caprylyl glycol, Isoceteth-10, Zein, Hexylene glycol, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Zea mays starch, Silica, Caesalpinia spinosa fruit pod extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Helianthus annuus sprout extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium myristoyl glutamate, Aluminum hydroxide, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891, 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.
| ColorescienceSunforgettable Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 - DeepYOUR PRODUCT | SkingredientsSkin Shield SPF 50 PA+++ | CetaphilSheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | CeraVeHydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 with Zinc Oxide | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 86% | 86% |
| Price | $45.00 | $67.42+$22.42 | $12.59−$32.41 | $18.49−$26.51 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 14 | 7 of 14 | 7 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate | Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Colorescience - Sunforgettable Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 - Deep" can offer reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 45.00$ up to 49.00$ 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 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 5A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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