Dior One Essential City Defense SPF 50 PA++++
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 3 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
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-agingTocopherolWorks well
“anti-adhesion, anti-penetration, anti-oxidisation .”
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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Dipotassium glycyrrhizateWorks well
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).
MoisturizingSide benefit · Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane + 17 moreWorks
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, butylene 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, peg-10 dimethicone.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Bellis perennis flower extract + 7 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate4.49%
- 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 methoxycinnamateBenzophenone-32%
- 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-3Zinc oxide20.9%
- 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 oxideCyclopentasiloxane~23–34%
- 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~3.3–5%
- 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 benzoateVinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~4.3–6.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerIsododecane~3.8–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneDimethicone~3.1–4.6%
- 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 DimethiconeButylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~2.2–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicapratePeg-10 dimethicone~1.9–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeGlycerin~1.3–1.9%
- 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 GlycerinAcrylates/dimethicone copolymer~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen), evenly disperse pigements and create a nice product consistency
More about Acrylates/dimethicone copolymerCetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin
More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconePhenyl trimethicone~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
More about Phenyl trimethiconeButylene glycol~0.45–1%
- 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 glycolBellis perennis flower extract~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Bellis perennis flower extractMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerPentylene glycol~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolBarium sulfate~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Silica~0.5–1.15%
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerAluminum hydroxide~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideStearic acid~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSodium myristoyl glutamate~0.2–0.75%
Disteardimonium hectorite~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoritePeg-10 dimethicone~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeGlycerin~0.2–0.7%
- 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 GlycerinDimethicone~0.3–0.75%
- 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 DimethiconeSea salt~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Sea saltParfum~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.15–0.6%
- 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 glycyrrhizateLecithin~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinTromethamine~0.15–0.65%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.3–0.7%
- 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 triglyceridePropylene carbonate~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture
More about Propylene carbonateBht~0.15–0.6%
Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products
More about Synthetic fluorphlogopiteLinalool~0.15–0.5%
Limonene~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneDisodium phosphate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphateCitric acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidBht~0.1–0.4%
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeGeraniol~0.1–0.45%
Tocopherol~0.1–0.45%
- 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 TocopherolSea salt~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Sea saltCitronellol~0.1–0.35%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractPlankton extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Plankton extractHibiscus sabdariffa flower extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractErgothioneine~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking
More about ErgothioneinePotassium chloride~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium phosphate~0.05–0.25%
Ci 14700~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Zinc oxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Peg-10 dimethicone, Glycerin, Acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Phenyl trimethicone, Butylene glycol, Bellis perennis flower extract, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Pentylene glycol, Barium sulfate, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Sodium myristoyl glutamate, Disteardimonium hectorite, Peg-10 dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Sea salt, Parfum, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Lecithin, Tromethamine, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Propylene carbonate, Bht, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Linalool, Limonene, Disodium phosphate, Citric acid, Bht, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Geraniol, Tocopherol, Sea salt, Citronellol, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Plankton extract, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Ergothioneine, Potassium chloride, Potassium phosphate, Ci 14700
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| DiorOne Essential City Defense SPF 50 PA++++YOUR PRODUCT | Dr SebaghSun and City Protection SPF 50+ | IOPEMen Air Cushion - 2 Colors | Etude HouseBeauty Shot Face Blur SPF 33 PA++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 38% | 37% | 37% |
| Price | — | — | $16.40 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 11 | 8 of 11 | 8 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Uvinul A Plus | Niacinamide | Titanium Dioxide |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 33 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: KARADIUM Snail Repair Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++DCL Skincare Super Sheer SPF50 Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen
Product summary
We assess that this product can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: oxybenzone and octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This product contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 123.20A$ 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 27 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
- 4A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.