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ESPA Optimal Skin ProDefence SPF15 Daily Shield
ESPA

ESPA Optimal Skin ProDefence SPF15 Daily Shield

SPF 15Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh·3 UV filters
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 15 · 3 UV filters · Broad spectrum
Weak protectionSPF under 30
SPF 15Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octocrylene
Octinoxate
Avobenzone
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable 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~4.8–5.9%
OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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~4.5–5.5%
AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.~2.1–2.5%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Moisturizing
Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Argania spinosa kernel oil + 12 more
Works
What the product description says
“A pioneering daily moisturiser with SPF 15.”
Source: Mankind

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: galactoarabinan, 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, argania spinosa kernel oil.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.5–1.8%
Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~1.2–1.5%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.65–0.95%
GalactoarabinanKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
Laminaria ochroleuca extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.5%
ChitosanKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.9–2.3%
C12-16 alcohols· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture~0.75–1.15%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.45–0.7%
AlginEffect: LowUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.15–0.3%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.3%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.3–0.5%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Polygonum aviculare extract, Chitosan + 6 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (polygonum aviculare extract) 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 - chitosan also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Polygonum aviculare extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that contains a flavanol Juglanin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce inflammation~0.3–0.55%
ChitosanKey activeEffect: MediumInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~1.2–1.5%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: LowA 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.~0.95–1.2%
Lonicera japonica flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating~0.3–0.5%
Lonicera caprifolium flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating~0.25–0.45%
BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.25–0.45%
TocopherolUnder-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~0.15–0.3%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Chitosan
May help

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains chitosan.

ChitosanKey activeEffect: HighInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Magnesium aluminum silicate, Tocopherol + 1 more
May help

This product contains polygonum aviculare extract. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging. 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).

Magnesium aluminum silicateEffect: LowMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation~0.5–0.75%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.3%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.3–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
13 strong irritants: Limonene, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil + 11 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 37 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. 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 irritatingHigh~4.5–5.5%est.
Coco-glucosideUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritatingHigh~0.6–0.9%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Lonicera caprifolium flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Lonicera japonica flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Jasminum officinale flower extractFragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
OctocryleneA 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" sunscreenMedium~4.8–5.9%est.
Isoamyl laurateHelps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product textureMedium~3.1–3.8%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium~2.1–2.5%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 glycerinMedium~1.5–1.8%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~1.2–1.5%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.Medium~0.95–1.2%est.
C12-16 alcoholsHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's textureMedium~0.75–1.15%est.
Isoamyl cocoateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
ChitosanInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
PvpHelps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
GalactoarabinanHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.3–0.5%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Polygonum aviculare extractA plant extract that contains a flavanol Juglanin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce inflammationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.3–0.55%est.
Laminaria ochroleuca extractHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.3–0.5%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Octocrylene~4.8–5.9%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
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

More about Octocrylene
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.5–5.5%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

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 methoxycinnamate
Isoamyl laurate~3.1–3.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product texture

More about Isoamyl laurate
Propanediol~2.3–2.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sorbitol~1.9–2.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.1–2.5%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.5–1.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 triglyceride
Argania spinosa kernel oil~1.2–1.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Tocopheryl acetate~0.95–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 acetate
C12-16 alcohols~0.75–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture

More about C12-16 alcohols
Glycerin~0.65–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Phenoxyethanol~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ethylenediamine/stearyl dimer dilinoleate copolymer~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethylenediamine/stearyl dimer dilinoleate copolymer
Polysorbate 20~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Coco-glucoside~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating

More about Coco-glucoside
Magnesium aluminum silicate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-aging

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Magnesium aluminum silicate
Silica~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Palmitic acid~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Isoamyl cocoate~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Isoamyl cocoate
Sclerotium gum~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Limonene~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Algin~0.3–0.55%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Algin
Chitosan~0.3–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Chitosan
Pvp~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin

More about Pvp
Lecithin~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Inulin lauryl carbamate~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Inulin lauryl carbamate
Gellan gum~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to improve the product texture

More about Gellan gum
Cichorium intybus root extract~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cichorium intybus root extract
Benzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Bisabolol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Lonicera caprifolium flower extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating

More about Lonicera caprifolium flower extract
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Laminaria ochroleuca extract~0.3–0.5%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Laminaria ochroleuca extract
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Galactoarabinan~0.3–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Galactoarabinan
Parfum~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Dehydroacetic acid~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Lonicera japonica flower extract~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating

More about Lonicera japonica flower extract
Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey
Lactic acid~0.3–0.5%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Linalool~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Disodium edta~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Polygonum aviculare extract~0.3–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that contains a flavanol Juglanin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce inflammation

More about Polygonum aviculare extract
Farnesol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol
Geraniol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Jasminum officinale flower extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Jasminum officinale flower extract
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Citronellol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure 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

More about Tocopherol
Citral~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Sorbic acid~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Isoamyl laurate, Propanediol, Sorbitol, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Tocopheryl acetate, C12-16 alcohols, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylenediamine/stearyl dimer dilinoleate copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Coco-glucoside, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Silica, Palmitic acid, Isoamyl cocoate, Sclerotium gum, Xanthan gum, Limonene, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Algin, Chitosan, Pvp, Lecithin, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Inulin lauryl carbamate, Gellan gum, Cichorium intybus root extract, Benzoic acid, Bisabolol, Lonicera caprifolium flower extract, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Laminaria ochroleuca extract, Chlorphenesin, Galactoarabinan, Parfum, Dehydroacetic acid, Lonicera japonica flower extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, Lactic acid, Linalool, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polygonum aviculare extract, Farnesol, Geraniol, Jasminum officinale flower extract, Rosa damascena flower oil, Citronellol, Tocopherol, Citral, Sorbic acid

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🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)25 ml
≈ $53.23 Out of stock
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🇬🇧 Mankind (UK)25 ml
≈ $53.23 Out of stock
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
ESPAOptimal Skin ProDefence SPF15 Daily ShieldYOUR PRODUCTEstée LauderResilience Multi-Effect Tri-Peptide Face and Neck Creme SPF 15 For Dry SkinNorevaBergasol Expert Invisible Finish Cream SPF50+Sarah ChapmanSkinesis Skin Insurance SPF30
Match—47%45%42%
Price—$116.02$16.77$54.81
Shared key ingredients—4 of 121 of 125 of 12
Key difference—Aminopropyl Ascorbyl PhosphateTinosorb SCyclotetrapeptide-24 Aminocyclohexane Carboxylate
Irritancy High Medium Medium High
SPFSPF 15SPF 15SPF 50SPF 30
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
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More alternatives: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34RéVive Soleil Superiéur SPF 50 PA++++ by Révive

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Product summary

"ESPA - Optimal Skin ProDefence SPF15 Daily Shield" 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 product is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 2.10% - 2.50%, octinoxate 4.50% - 5.50% and octocrylene 4.80% - 5.90%.

Irritation risk

This sunscreen contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of it 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 78.75A$ in Australia and for 40.00£ 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 25 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    In Vitro Assessment of Skin Irritation Potential of Surfactant-based Formulations by Using a 3-D Skin Reconstructed Tissue Model and Cytokine Responseresearchgate.net
  4. 4
    Allergen of the Year—Alkyl Glucosidepracticeupdate.com
  5. 5
    Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, Fuller's earth, hectorite, kaolin, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolitencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Extracellular matrix in cutaneous ageing: the effects of 0.1% copper-zinc malonate-containing cream on elastin biosynthesisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ESPA Optimal Skin ProDefence SPF15 Daily Shield
ESPAOptimal Skin ProDefence SPF15 Daily Shield
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Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.