Erborian CC Cream - Golden
Works for
2 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 25 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Anti-aging1 ingredient credited for this claimModerate support
“It comes with broad-spectrum SPF 25 to help shield your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause dark spots and wrinkles.”
This product contains centella asiatica extract. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works. The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Moisturizing11 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
“CC Cream .”
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:
cyclomethicone, glycerin.
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, methicone.
Evens skin toneNo ingredient credited for this claimLimited support
“The CC Crème's initial white pigments transform to match your skin tone when blended into the skin for a seamless shade match and a more even-looking complexion that looks like you've applied a filter.”
This product contains ingredients () that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 strong irritants: Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal + 6 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~26–31%
- 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 methoxycinnamateEthylhexyl salicylate~5.7–7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateTitanium dioxide~6.3–7.7%
- 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 dioxideZinc oxide~5.3–6.5%
- 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 oxideWater~3.7–4.5%
Cyclomethicone~2.9–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeCi 77492~2.3–2.8%
Iron oxides~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesDipropylene glycol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolGlycerin~1.4–1.7%
- 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 GlycerinPeg-10 dimethicone~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeMethyl trimethicone~0.95–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
More about Methyl trimethiconeMica~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.95–1.2%
- 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 benzoateDimethicone~0.95–1.15%
- 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 DimethiconeCi 77491~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491Iron oxides~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesMagnesium sulfate~0.7–1%
Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.65–0.95%
- 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 crosspolymerDisteardimonium hectorite~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoritePolyester-1~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Silica dimethyl silylate~0.65–1%
Centella asiatica extract~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractTalc~0.7–1.05%
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerAluminum hydroxide~0.65–0.95%
- 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 hydroxidePhenoxyethanol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTrihydroxystearin~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture
More about TrihydroxystearinButylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- 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 glycolMethicone~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
More about MethiconePalmitic acid~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidStearic acid~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidTocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A 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.
More about Tocopheryl acetateEthylhexylglycerin~0.5–0.75%
Ci 77499~0.45–0.7%
Iron oxides~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesParfum~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumHexyl cinnamal~0.35–0.65%
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeLinalool~0.3–0.55%
Citronellol~0.3–0.55%
Geraniol~0.25–0.5%
Eugenol~0.15–0.25%
Limonene~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneIngredient list view
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Water, Cyclomethicone, Ci 77492, Iron oxides, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Peg-10 dimethicone, Methyl trimethicone, Mica, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dimethicone, Ci 77491, Iron oxides, Magnesium sulfate, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Disteardimonium hectorite, Polyester-1, Silica dimethyl silylate, Centella asiatica extract, Talc, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Aluminum hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Trihydroxystearin, Butylene glycol, Methicone, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ci 77499, Iron oxides, Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Limonene
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Product summary
"Erborian - CC Cream - Golden" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this sunscreen is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: octinoxate and octisalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product 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 44.00$ in the United States and for 34.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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