All-Physical Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF 50 | Dr. Dennis Gross

Name: Dr Dennis Gross - All-Physical Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF 50 | Dr. Dennis Gross
Brand: Dr Dennis Gross

SPF 50Efficacy 90/100·Medium irritancy ·2 UV filters· In 1 routines

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 4 of 4 advertised claims delivered

We believe that "Dr Dennis Gross - All-Physical Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF 50 | Dr. Dennis Gross" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed.

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Product summary

We believe that "Dr Dennis Gross - All-Physical Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF 50 | Dr. Dennis Gross" 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).

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

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: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be medium. 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 "Dr Dennis Gross" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 45.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sun protection

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290 nmUVA II320 nmUVA I340 nmVisible400 nm+

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA 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~8.3–10.2%

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA+Visible Photo-stable 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 colorant16%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Product claims breakdown

Anti-aging

FERULIC ACID at ~1.2–1.5% + 2 more curated actives

Strong 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: ferulic acid.

FERULIC ACIDRole: HeroA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~1.2–1.5%

GLUCONOLACTONERole: Under-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.15–0.3%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.55–0.8%

Evens skin tone

FERULIC ACID at ~1.2–1.5% + 1 more curated active

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).

Zinc oxideRole: Key activeA broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant16%

Butyloctyl salicylateRole: Key activeA 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~8.3–10.2%

DimethiconeRole: Key activeA 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~5.3–6.4%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideRole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.2–4%

GlycerinRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.4–2.9%

Coconut alkanesRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin~2–2.4%

QuercetinRole: Key activeMight be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.55–0.85%

SucroseRole: Key activeCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.45–0.65%

Polyglutamic acidRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.~0.35–0.6%

TriheptanoinRole: Key activeA synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Coco-caprylate/caprateRole: Key activeHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.3–0.55%

PolymethylsilsesquioxaneRole: Key activeA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.25–0.5%

Moisturizing

9 ingredients contribute at the levels below

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, polyglutamic acid.

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.

DIMETHICONERole: Key activeA 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~5.3–6.4%

GLYCERINRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.4–2.9%

POLYGLUTAMIC ACIDRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.~0.35–0.6%

POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANERole: Key activeA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.25–0.5%

SUCROSERole: Key activeCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.45–0.65%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.55–0.8%

TRIHEPTANOINRole: Key activeA synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDERole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.2–4%

Anti-oxidation

FERULIC ACID at ~1.2–1.5% delivers this without it being on the label

Quiet bonus

This product contains antioxidants (ferulic acid) 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 - quercetin also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

QUERCETINRole: Key activeMight be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.55–0.85%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.55–0.8%

Irritancy

16 low-risk flags; mostly mild

Some risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Butyloctyl salicylateA 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 ownLow~8.3–10.2%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinLow~3.2–4%est.

Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinLow~2–2.4%est.

Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lackingLow~1–1.3%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinLow~0.6–0.95%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Low~0.5–0.75%est.

XanthophyllsA yellow colorantLow~0.5–0.75%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeLow~0.45–0.65%est.

Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyLow~0.3–0.6%est.

Dimethicone/polyglycerin-3 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.7–1.05%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationLow~0.3–0.55%est.

Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationLow~0.2–0.35%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsLow~0.15–0.3%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsLow~0.15–0.25%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHLow~0.15–0.25%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeLow~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

Coconut alkanes ~2–2.4% — rinse-off or low %

Low risk

We flag 1 ingredient with a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating — at these concentrations, or in rinse-off use, they're unlikely to clog pores for most skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinMed~2–2.4%est.

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

All-Physical Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF 50 | Dr. Dennis Gross

Product summary

Sunscreen filters

Irritation risk

About the brand

Price

Sun protection

Product claims breakdown

Ingredients

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