Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-aging
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
- Sun protection
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Key actives
Product Summary
"Dermalogica - Sheer Tint SPF 20 - Dark" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of it is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
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 from 39.00£ up to 64.99£ in the United Kingdom, for 45.00$ in the United States and for 57.20A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Moisturize your skin with this creamy, effortlessly blendable texture to get a radiant complexion that also takes care of your skins health.
Source: Dermstore
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, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer.
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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea
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
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
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
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich walnut seed extract deliver moisture to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Source: Dermstore
This product contains serine. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works. The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Dark is ideal for dark skin tones.
Source: Dermstore
This product contains ingredients () 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).
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Sun protection
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
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
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
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
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
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Sun protection | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 68/100.
We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more
Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
User reviews (0)
Averages from community submissions.
No reviews yet for this product.
Be the first to share your experience!
Tried this product?
Help capture what the ingredient list can't—texture, finish, pilling, scent, and more. Answer what you can, skip the rest.
Takes ~30 seconds.
Reviews are shown in aggregate. No personal details.
| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF 20 - Dark | Current | $39.00 | |
 SkinMedica Glow On the Go Travel Essentials | 53% | $199.00 | |
Malibu High Protection SPF50 Lotion | 45% | $3.99 | |
The INKEY List CA Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 30 | 45% | $-1.00 | |
 DCL Skincare Super Sheer SPF50 Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen | 45% | $46.00 | |
 Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 | 45% | $53.90 |
Key Actives
Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
All ingredients
Ingredient list view
Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Methyl gluceth-20, Lactamide mea, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Sorbitan stearate, Sorbityl laurate, Hydrolyzed pearl, Silanetriol, Juglans regia seed extract, Olea europaea fruit extract, Lavandula spica flower oil, Lavandula hybrida oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Lavandula angustifolia extract, Allantoin, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Pentylene glycol, Glycerin, Lac, Lactic acid, Serine, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium chloride, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl alcohol, Panthenol, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Xanthan gum, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Citric acid, Disodium edta, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylpropanediol, Silica, Iron oxides, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Zinc oxide, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethicone, Dimethyl isosorbide, Methyl gluceth-20, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Stearic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Hydrolyzed pearl, Juglans regia seed extract, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Silanetriol, Lavandula spica flower oil, Lavandula hybrida oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Squalane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl alcohol, Silica dimethyl silylate, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Pentylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Tin oxide, Iron oxides, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
- Topical urea in skincare: A review
- Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations
- Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
- Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, Fuller's earth, hectorite, kaolin, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolite
- Extracellular matrix in cutaneous ageing: the effects of 0.1% copper-zinc malonate-containing cream on elastin biosynthesis
- A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreens
- Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen products
- Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorods
- ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cells
- Activity enhancement of ferulic acid with dimethyl isosorbride in cosmetic compositions
- Safety Assessment of Tin(IV) Oxide as Used in Cosmetics