Dermaquest SheerZinc SPF30
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 1 UV filterBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Polygonum aviculare extract, Imperata cylindrica root extract + 4 moreStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (polygonum aviculare extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - imperata cylindrica root extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Arabidopsis thaliana extract, Tocopherol + 2 moreStrong evidence
This product can 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.
These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: arabidopsis thaliana extract.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Ascorbic acidStrong evidence
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).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Sodium lactate, Micrococcus lysate + 17 moreGood 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:
glycerin, imperata cylindrica root 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, cetyl alcohol.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy17 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Zinc oxide~44–54%
- 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~12–15%
Cyclopentasiloxane~5.2–6.4%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneButylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
- 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 glycolGlycerin~2.4–2.9%
- 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 GlycerinGlyceryl stearate~1.9–2.4%
- 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~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateCyclohexasiloxane~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxanePolyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sorbitan stearate~1–1.3%
Dimethicone~0.9–1.1%
- 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 DimethiconeImperata cylindrica root extract~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer
More about Imperata cylindrica root extractTriethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%
- 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 alcoholLecithin~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinTocopherol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 TocopherolAscorbyl palmitate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
More about Ascorbyl palmitateAscorbic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidCitric acid~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidTocopheryl linoleate/oleate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Teprenone~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–0.65%
- 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 triglyceridePhoenix dactylifera fruit extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonum aviculare extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that contains a flavanol Juglanin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce inflammation
More about Polygonum aviculare extractSodium lactate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.3–0.55%
- 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 glycyrrhizateArabidopsis thaliana extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant extract that might be helpful in repairing sun damage but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking
More about Arabidopsis thaliana extractPlankton extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Plankton extractMicrococcus lysate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Consists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin. It is claimed to be a "DNA repair enzyme"
More about Micrococcus lysatePolyacrylamide~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideC13-14 isoparaffin~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinLaureth-7~0.35–0.6%
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPeg-8~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Carbomer~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%
- 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 crosspolymerPhenoxyethanol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.65%
Hexylene glycol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolDisodium edta~0.35–0.65%
Tin~0.35–0.65%
Zinc~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~0.35–0.65%
Cyclopentasiloxane~0.45–0.65%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneButylene glycol~0.35–0.65%
- 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 glycolGlycerin~0.45–0.65%
- 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 GlycerinCaprylic/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 triglycerideGlyceryl stearate~0.45–0.65%
- 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~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearatePolyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneSorbitan stearate~0.4–0.6%
Dimethicone~0.45–0.7%
- 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 DimethiconePolyacrylamide~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideC13-14 isoparaffin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinLaureth-7~0.4–0.6%
Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.65%
Hexylene glycol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolImperata cylindrica root extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer
More about Imperata cylindrica root extractPeg-8~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Carbomer~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerTriethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl 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 alcoholLecithin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinTocopherol~0.35–0.65%
- 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 TocopherolAscorbyl palmitate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
More about Ascorbyl palmitateAscorbic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidCitric acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidXanthan gum~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPolyester-7~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoateTocopheryl linoleate/oleate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Teprenone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonum aviculare extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that contains a flavanol Juglanin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce inflammation
More about Polygonum aviculare extractSodium lactate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.45%
- 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 glycyrrhizateArabidopsis thaliana extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant extract that might be helpful in repairing sun damage but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking
More about Arabidopsis thaliana extractPlankton extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Plankton extractMicrococcus lysate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Consists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin. It is claimed to be a "DNA repair enzyme"
More about Micrococcus lysateTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.15–0.3%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.1–0.2%
- 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 crosspolymerIron oxides~0.1–0.2%
- 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
Zinc oxide, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Sorbitan stearate, Dimethicone, Imperata cylindrica root extract, Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbic acid, Citric acid, Tocopheryl linoleate/oleate, Teprenone, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract, Polygonum aviculare extract, Sodium lactate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Arabidopsis thaliana extract, Plankton extract, Micrococcus lysate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Xanthan gum, Peg-8, Carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Disodium edta, Tin, Zinc, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sorbitan stearate, Dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Imperata cylindrica root extract, Peg-8, Carbomer, Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbic acid, Citric acid, Xanthan gum, Polyester-7, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Tocopheryl linoleate/oleate, Teprenone, Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract, Polygonum aviculare extract, Sodium lactate, Disodium edta, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Arabidopsis thaliana extract, Plankton extract, Micrococcus lysate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, 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.
| DermaquestSheerZinc SPF30YOUR PRODUCT | BeautyStatUniversal C Skin Refiner Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | ZO Skin HealthBroad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 | ILIAC Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C 10% + Niacinamide | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 68% | 64% | 62% |
| Price | — | $85.00 | $54.00 | $62.16 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 13 | 4 of 13 | 4 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Linoleic Acid | Retinyl Palmitate | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 40 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Dermaquest - SheerZinc SPF30" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This product is a mineral sunscreen. It uses zinc oxide for sun protection. Zinc oxide almost never irritates the skin or stings eyes, but it can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 56.00$ 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 16 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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