Dr. Bio Waterful Sun Stick
Works for
0 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrumWeak protectionLow filter dose
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 10 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: vinyl dimethicone, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Mentha aquatica leaf extract, Melaleuca alternifolia flower/leaf/stem extract + 1 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
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Synthetic wax~25–38%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and thicken product consistency
More about Synthetic waxC12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.3–8%
- 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~4.8–7.2%
- 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 crosspolymerEthylhexyl palmitate~3.6–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Ethylhexyl palmitatePropylheptyl caprylate~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Propylheptyl caprylateTitanium dioxide~2.5–3.7%
- 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 dioxideIsopropyl palmitate~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerButyloctyl salicylate~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateSynthetic fluorphlogopite~1–1.5%
- 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 fluorphlogopitePolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneDiethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate~0.6–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ozokerite~0.55–1.3%
Vinyl dimethicone~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Vinyl dimethiconeAluminum stearate~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation
More about Aluminum stearateHydroxystearic acid~0.45–1.1%
Mentha aquatica leaf extract~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Melaleuca alternifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
A tea tree extract. Can be irritating
More about Melaleuca alternifolia flower/leaf/stem extractChamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract~0.2–0.8%
Bambusa vulgaris shoot extract~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bambusa vulgaris leaf/stem extract~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
The extract can contain up to 70% of silica. In cosmetics, silica helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product texture
More about Bambusa vulgaris leaf/stem extractBrassica oleracea italica extract~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might have some anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking
More about Brassica oleracea italica extractBambusa vulgaris water~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.75%
- 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 triglycerideCaprylyl glycol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolAlumina~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaPolyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacateTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.1–0.35%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneStearic acid~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidWater~0.05–0.25%
Butylene glycol~0.05–0.15%
- 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 glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Synthetic wax, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Propylheptyl caprylate, Titanium dioxide, Isopropyl palmitate, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Butyloctyl salicylate, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate, Ozokerite, Vinyl dimethicone, Aluminum stearate, Hydroxystearic acid, Mentha aquatica leaf extract, Melaleuca alternifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract, Bambusa vulgaris shoot extract, Bambusa vulgaris leaf/stem extract, Brassica oleracea italica extract, Bambusa vulgaris water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Caprylyl glycol, Alumina, Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic acid, Water, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol
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Product summary
We do not recommend "Dr. Bio - Waterful Sun Stick" because it does not provide good UVA protection. UVA sun rays don't burn the skin, but they still lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This sunscreen contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. 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 17.70$ 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 4 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
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