Dermalogica Clear Start Oil Clearing Matte Moisturiser
Works for
0 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 5 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Moisturizing8 ingredients credited for this claimLimited support
“Clear Start Oil Clearing Matte Moisturiser”
Does not contain the most effective ingredients for moisturization. The emollients (c12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetyl alcohol) can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Keep in mind though that this product lacks humectants that attract water. You might want to use a separate product with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin in addition (use before this product for the best results).
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimLimited support
“SPF helps shield against the UV rays that can make breakouts worse and cause dark spots.”
This product contains ingredients (glycyrrhiza glabra root extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy14 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil + 12 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate6%
- 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 methoxycinnamateEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- 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 salicylateBenzophenone-34%
- Irritation risk
- High
Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption
More about Benzophenone-3Water~45–55%
Butylene glycol~6.7–8.2%
- 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 glycolCyclopentasiloxane~5.5–6.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneC12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.3–5.3%
- 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 benzoateSilica~3.3–4%
Dimethyl capramide~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients, especially sunscreens
More about Dimethyl capramideCitrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilCoriandrum sativum fruit oil~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Coriandrum sativum fruit oilCitrus aurantifolia peel oil~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus aurantium amara peel oil~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus aurantium dulcis flower oil~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
More about Citrus grandis peel oilCitrus limon peel oil~0.5–0.8%
Elettaria cardamomum seed oil~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilEugenia caryophyllus leaf oil~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and sensitizing
More about Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oilLavandula hybrida oil~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen
More about Lavandula hybrida oilSalvia sclarea oil~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Zingiber officinale root oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that is likely to be irritating and can cause photosensitivity
More about Zingiber officinale root oilEnantia chlorantha bark extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A bark extract that might help clam down inflammation and neutralize free radicals , but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Enantia chlorantha bark extractArctium lappa root extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
More about Arctium lappa root extractArnica montana flower extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can be irritating. It can have some anti-bacterial properties, but there are no evidence of a beneficial effect for skin
More about Arnica montana flower extractBetula alba bark extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Has astringent properties. Creates a tightening and drying effect on the skin. Can be irritating
More about Betula alba bark extractGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractSalix alba bark extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect
More about Salix alba bark extractOleanolic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin
More about Oleanolic acidTocopherol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 TocopherolCetearyl phosphate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Stearic acid~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerNylon-12~0.4–0.6%
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCetyl alcohol~0.45–0.65%
- 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 alcoholAminomethyl propanol~0.25–0.5%
Sodium benzoate~0.2–0.4%
Disodium edta~0.25–0.4%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTitanium 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 77891~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Water, Butylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Silica, Dimethyl capramide, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Coriandrum sativum fruit oil, Citrus aurantifolia peel oil, Citrus aurantium amara peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis flower oil, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus limon peel oil, Elettaria cardamomum seed oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil, Lavandula hybrida oil, Salvia sclarea oil, Zingiber officinale root oil, Enantia chlorantha bark extract, Arctium lappa root extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Betula alba bark extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Salix alba bark extract, Oleanolic acid, Tocopherol, Cetearyl phosphate, Stearic acid, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Nylon-12, Xanthan gum, Cetyl alcohol, Aminomethyl propanol, Sodium benzoate, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891
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Product summary
"Dermalogica - Clear Start Oil Clearing Matte Moisturiser" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this product does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called" chemical ") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty" Dermalogica "is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 29.20A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
- 4Oil composition of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) fruit-seedslink.springer.com
- 5
- 6
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