Dermalogica Sheer Tint Dark SPF20
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 3 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.
MoisturizingPanthenol, Urea + 17 moreWorks well
“A lightly-tinted SPF moisturizer that provides an all-day sheer wash of color.”
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: panthenol, urea
Anti-agingSerine, Magnesium aluminum silicate + 1 moreMay help
“Hydrolyzed Pearl amino acids, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant Walnut Seed extracts help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine dehydration lines.”
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Lavandula hybrida oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.5–6.7%
- 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 triglycerideButylene glycol~4.3–5.2%
- 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 glycolDimethicone~3.3–4%
- 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 DimethiconeMethyl gluceth-20~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it
More about Methyl gluceth-20Lactamide mea~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateStearic acid~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCetearyl alcohol~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholSorbitan stearate~0.9–1.1%
Sorbityl laurate~0.65–1%
Hydrolyzed pearl~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Silanetriol~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Juglans regia seed extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Olea europaea fruit extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
More about Olea europaea fruit extractLavandula spica flower oil~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lavandula hybrida oil~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen
More about Lavandula hybrida oilEucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilLavandula angustifolia extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skin
More about Lavandula angustifolia extractAllantoin~0.25–0.45%
- 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 AllantoinSodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerPentylene glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolGlycerin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinLactic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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)
More about Lactic acidSerine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about SerineUrea~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about UreaSorbitol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolSodium chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chloridePolysorbate 60~0.25–0.45%
Cetyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 alcoholPanthenol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolMagnesium aluminum silicate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Magnesium aluminum silicateXanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPotassium sorbate~0.25–0.5%
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Citric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneCaprylhydroxamic acid~0.25–0.5%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Methylpropanediol~0.25–0.5%
Silica~0.45–0.65%
Iron oxides~0.25–0.45%
- 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 oxidesTitanium dioxide~0.4–0.6%
- 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 dioxideEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate4.5%
- 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 oxide9.5%
- 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~0.25–0.5%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.3–0.6%
- 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 triglycerideDimethicone~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 DimethiconeDimethyl isosorbide~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbideMethyl gluceth-20~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it
More about Methyl gluceth-20Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholHydrolyzed pearl~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Juglans regia seed extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerSilanetriol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lavandula spica flower oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lavandula hybrida oil~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen
More about Lavandula hybrida oilEucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilLavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.25–0.45%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidSqualane~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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.
More about SqualaneTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilanePolysorbate 60~0.3–0.55%
Cetyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 alcoholSilica dimethyl silylate~0.3–0.55%
Magnesium aluminum silicate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Magnesium aluminum silicatePentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Silica~0.3–0.55%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTin oxide~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
More about Tin oxideIron oxides~0.15–0.25%
- 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 oxidesTitanium dioxide~0.15–0.25%
- 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 dioxideIngredient 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, Unknown, 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, 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
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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.
| DermalogicaSheer Tint Dark SPF20YOUR PRODUCT | RosaliqueSkincare 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50 | Sand & SkyTinted Glow Primer SPF30 Sunscreen | MalibuHigh Protection SPF50 Lotion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 53% | 51% | 50% |
| Price | — | — | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 12 | 6 of 12 | 6 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Avobenzone | Lactic Acid | Avobenzone |
| Irritancy | High | Low | High | High |
| SPF | SPF 20 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: M-61 Hydraboost Moisturizer SPF 30DCL Skincare Super Sheer SPF50 Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen
Product summary
"Dermalogica - Sheer Tint Dark SPF20" 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 this product 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
This product contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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 32.00$ up to 36.00$ 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 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
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