Dr Dennis Gross

Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense SPF50

Name: Dr Dennis Gross - Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense SPF50
Brand: Dr Dennis Gross

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

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 5 of 5 advertised claims delivered

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that this product can offer reliable sun protection.

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that this product can offer reliable sun protection. 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).

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.

Irritation risk

This product contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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 from 41.58$ up to 46.00$ in the United States, for 46.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 80.50CA$ in Canada.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sun protection

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290 nmUVA II320 nmUVA I340 nmVisible400 nm+

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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 skin4.9%

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 colorant4.42%

Reef-safe

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

Product claims breakdown

Evens skin tone

GLYCOLIC ACID at ~0.65–0.95% + 2 more curated actives

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).

GLYCOLIC ACIDRole: HeroAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.65–0.95%

TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATERole: Under-dosedBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~0.95–1.15%

ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDERole: Key activeA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1–1.2%

Exfoliation

GLYCOLIC ACID at ~0.65–0.95%

Strong evidence

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Titanium dioxideRole: Key activeWorks 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 skin4.9%

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 colorant4.42%

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~6.7–8.2%

Carthamus tinctorius seed oilRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~3.6–4.4%

Olea europaea fruit oilRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~2.9–3.5%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateRole: Key activeEnhances 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~2.6–3.2%

Coconut alkanesRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin~2.2–2.6%

MelatoninRole: Key activeA compound that can regulate sleep cycles in humans and animals. When used in cosmetics, comes from plant sources. It can work as anti-oxidant in skin when applied topically in skincare~1.1–1.4%

Ascorbyl glucosideRole: Key activeA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1–1.2%

Echium plantagineum seed oilRole: Key activeA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin~0.75–1.15%

Saccharide isomerateRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.7–1.05%

Sodium hyaluronateRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.65–1%

PhospholipidsRole: Key activeEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~0.65–1%

SphingolipidsRole: Key activeSphingolipids are a group of lipids with a common chemical structure. Some of them are naturally present in skin and can be converted to ceramides~0.7–1.1%

Oenothera biennis oilRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.7–1.05%

Sodium pcaRole: Key activeNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.65–0.95%

Zinc pcaRole: Key activeA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.6–0.9%

Palmitoyl tripeptide-38Role: Key activeA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.65–0.95%

Coco-caprylate/caprateRole: Key activeHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.7–1%

Anti-aging

GLYCOLIC ACID at ~0.65–0.95% + 7 more curated actives

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: ascorbyl glucoside, palmitoyl tripeptide-38.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

This product can also 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.

PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-38Role: Key activeA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.65–0.95%

MELATONINRole: Key activeA compound that can regulate sleep cycles in humans and animals. When used in cosmetics, comes from plant sources. It can work as anti-oxidant in skin when applied topically in skincare~1.1–1.4%

OLEANOLIC ACIDRole: Under-dosedMight be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin~0.6–0.95%

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~0.95–1.15%

ZINC PCARole: Key activeA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.6–0.9%

Moisturizing

12 ingredients contribute at the levels below

Strong 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, saccharide isomerate.

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: carthamus tinctorius seed oil, oenothera biennis oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl tripeptide-38

PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-38Role: Key activeA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.65–0.95%

OENOTHERA BIENNIS OILRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.7–1.05%

SACCHARIDE ISOMERATERole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.7–1.05%

SODIUM HYALURONATERole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.65–1%

SODIUM PCARole: Key activeNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.65–0.95%

SPHINGOLIPIDSRole: Key activeSphingolipids are a group of lipids with a common chemical structure. Some of them are naturally present in skin and can be converted to ceramides~0.7–1.1%

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~0.95–1.15%

CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS SEED OILRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~3.6–4.4%

ECHIUM PLANTAGINEUM SEED OILRole: Key activeA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin~0.75–1.15%

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~6.7–8.2%

Irritancy

25 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract—High~0.6–0.9%est.

Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.65–0.95%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureLow~4.6–5.6%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationLow~2.9–3.5%est.

Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinLow~2.2–2.6%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishLow~1.6–2%est.

Ascorbyl glucosideA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsLow~1–1.2%est.

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highLow~0.95–1.15%est.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Low~0.95–1.15%est.

Nordihydroguaiaretic acidUsed to stabilize the formula of product formulation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skinLow~0.9–1.1%est.

Echium plantagineum seed oilA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skinLow~0.75–1.15%est.

Boerhavia diffusa root extractA plant extract that might help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicalsLow~0.75–1.1%est.

Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionLow~0.7–1.05%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationLow~0.65–1%est.

BhtA preservativeLow~0.6–0.95%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationLow~0.6–0.9%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHLow~0.6–0.9%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~0.5–0.8%est.

Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinUsed to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skinLow~0.6–0.9%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureLow~0.55–0.8%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.5–0.8%est.

Isopropyl titanium triisostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherLow~0.45–0.65%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeLow~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

Coconut alkanes ~2.2–2.6% — 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~2.2–2.6%est.

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide4.9%

Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense SPF50

Product summary

Sunscreen filters

Irritation risk

About the brand

Price

Sun protection

Product claims breakdown

Ingredients

What users say

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