PRODUCT REVIEW
EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF50+ Serum
Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Sun protection
- Evens skin tone
- Moisturizing
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Can it cause trouble?
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Works for
Sun protection
octocrylene
10%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
zinc oxide
15%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Mineral
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
butyloctyl salicylate
9.7% -
11.9%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
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
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Provides Antioxidant protectio n which helps to combat skin-aging free radicals associated with ultraviolet (UV), infrared radiation (IR) and also offers high-energy visible (HEV) light protection.
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
0.6% -
0.95%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being 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.
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
It then immediately absorbs into the skin, leaving a matte finish and helping to even skin tone.
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
0.6% -
0.95%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being 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.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
This sheer formula is hydrating yet not greasy and helps to calm heated/red skin.
sodium hyaluronate
0.1% -
0.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
squalane
0.45% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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.
isododecane
3.4% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
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Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Sun protection | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
90/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Potential irritants
octocrylene
10%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
butyloctyl salicylate
9.7% -
11.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
No comodogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (0)
Similar products & dupes
| EltaMD - UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF50+ Serum |  Hello Sunday - The One That's A Serum Face Sunscreen SPF 45 |  Geologie - Broad-Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF30 |  Supergoop! - Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 |  DCL - Skincare Super Sheer SPF50 Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen |  CeraVe - Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 with Zinc Oxide |  Banana Boat - Sensitive Mineral Enriched Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ |  ISNTREE - Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream |  Epicuren - X-Treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen SPF 45+ |  Versed Skin - Guard's Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF35 |  NYDG Skincare - Chem-Free Active Defense SPF30 | |
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| WIMJ similarity score |
37%
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| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 45 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 45 | SPF 35 | SPF 30 |
| Key ingredients |
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
LOW
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LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
0.6% -
0.95%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation
Being 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.
polysilicone-11
1.1% -
1.3%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Mattifying,
Moisturizing
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
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Potential irritants
octocrylene
10%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
butyloctyl salicylate
9.7% -
11.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
octocrylene
10%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
zinc oxide
15%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Octocrylene, Zinc oxide, Water, Butyloctyl salicylate, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Isohexadecane, Butylene glycol, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Acacia senegal gum, Polysilicone-11, Xanthan gum, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Squalane, Disodium edta, Polysorbate 60, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hydroxide
Sources
- A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreens
- Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen products
- Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorods
- ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cells
- Safety assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MEA-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylate
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging