DermExcel

DermExcel DermDefence SPF 50

Name: DermExcel - DermDefence SPF 50
Brand: DermExcel

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyLow·5 UV filters

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 5 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octinoxate

Octisalate

Homosalate

Tinosorb S

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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~5.9–8.9%

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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~2.9–4.4%

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation~0.95–1.4%

Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.~1.3–2%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. 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.~4.2–6.3%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Anti-aging

Ubiquinone, Tocopherol

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Dermdefence SPF 50 minimise erythema (redness) and provides excellent anti-aging effects.”

Source: Dermal Health Store

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.

UbiquinoneEffect: LowCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.35–0.85%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.55%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

Strong 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).

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Ubiquinone, Tocopherol

Strong evidence

This product contains antioxidants (ubiquinone) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.35–0.85%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.15–0.55%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Glycerin, Ubiquinone + 5 more

Good 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, propylene 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, squalane.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.5–2.3%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.45%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~0.5–1.1%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~1.8–2.7%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~2.8–4.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

9 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 9 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. 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 irritatingHigh~5.9–8.9%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~2.8–4.2%est.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. 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.Medium~4.2–6.3%est.

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.Medium~1.3–2%est.

HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.95–1.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Acrylates crosspolymerHelps create a nicer product textureMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~5.9–8.9%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

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 methoxycinnamate

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~4.2–6.3%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 methoxydibenzoylmethane

Propylene glycol~2.8–4.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Ethylhexyl salicylate~2.9–4.4%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 salicylate

Cetyl alcohol~1.8–2.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Glycerin~1.5–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Sorbitan stearate~1.2–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate

Polysorbate 20~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.3–2%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine

Homosalate~0.95–1.4%

UV filterUnder-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate

Squalane~0.5–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Squalane

Ubiquinone~0.35–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Coenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen

More about Ubiquinone

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Tocopherol~0.15–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 Tocopherol

Triethanolamine~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Dimethicone~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Acrylates crosspolymer~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a nicer product texture

More about Acrylates crosspolymer

Disodium edta~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ingredient list view

Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Propylene glycol, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Cetyl alcohol, Glycerin, Sorbitan stearate, Polysorbate 20, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Homosalate, Squalane, Ubiquinone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone, Acrylates crosspolymer, Disodium edta

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≈ $23.00

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "DermExcel - DermDefence SPF 50" 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).

It should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.30% - 1.90%, avobenzone 4.20% - 6.30%, octinoxate 5.50% - 8.30%, octisalate 2.90% - 4.40% and homosalate 1.00% - 1.50%.

Irritation risk

This product contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be low. 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 381.74ZAR in Saudi Arabia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.

1
Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
4
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Opinion on Homosalate - Scientific Committee on Consumer Products ec.europa.eu
6
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
8
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
9
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com

DermExcelDermDefence SPF 50

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