Farmacy Beauty Green Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

Farmacy Beauty Green Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

SPF 30Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·2 UV filters
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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 2 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumMineral filters

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
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 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 skin2.4%
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA 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 colorant5.82%
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-aging
Tocopherol
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.

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~0.65–1%
Moisturizing
Panthenol, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil + 20 more
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, butylene glycol.

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, helianthus annuus seed oil.

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

Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~0.8–1.15%
Alteromonas ferment extractKey activeEffect: HighA marine extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It is claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking~0.8–1.2%
Zea mays oilKey activeEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~0.75–1.1%
PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.6–0.9%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.9–1.1%
7-dehydrocholesterolKey activeEffect: HighPro-vitamin D. It is claimed to have anti-inflammatory effect in skin, but there is no research available confirming that this compound converts to vitamin D in skin or has any other benefits apart from softening the upper layer of the skin. This compound is different from the Vitamin D3 analogues used in medicine to treat psoriasis~0.8–1.15%
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%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.7–1.05%
CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~6.6–8%
C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances 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~3.2–3.9%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.7–1.05%
Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~4.6–5.6%
Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~0.6–0.9%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.7–1.05%
Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.55–0.85%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.6–0.9%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.4–0.6%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.2–2.7%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.35–0.65%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.75–1.1%
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~0.65–1%
CyclohexasiloxaneEffect: Low, below effective doseA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~0.65–1%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim
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).

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
12 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethyl macadamiateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~6.4–7.9%est.
7-dehydrocholesterolPro-vitamin D. It is claimed to have anti-inflammatory effect in skin, but there is no research available confirming that this compound converts to vitamin D in skin or has any other benefits apart from softening the upper layer of the skin. This compound is different from the Vitamin D3 analogues used in medicine to treat psoriasisMedium~0.8–1.15%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Behenic acidHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.7–1.05%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%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 productsMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
4 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
Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~4.6–5.6%est.
Zea mays oilA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function3/5~0.75–1.1%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.65–0.95%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.45–0.7%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide2.4%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Zinc oxide5.82%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
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

More about Zinc oxide
Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Ethyl macadamiate~6.4–7.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ethyl macadamiate
Cyclopentasiloxane~6.6–8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Ethylhexyl palmitate~4.6–5.6%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate
Propanediol~3.5–4.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~3.2–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 benzoate
Polysorbate 80~2.6–3.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Glyceryl stearate~2.2–2.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Peg-100 stearate~1.7–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate
Echinacea purpurea root extract~1.2–1.5%
Formula
Aronia melanocarpa fruit extract~1.1–1.3%
Formula
Hydrolyzed verbascum thapsus flower~0.95–1.15%
Formula
Tagetes erecta flower extract~0.9–1.1%
Formula
Alteromonas ferment extract~0.8–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A marine extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It is claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking

More about Alteromonas ferment extract
7-dehydrocholesterol~0.8–1.15%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Pro-vitamin D. It is claimed to have anti-inflammatory effect in skin, but there is no research available confirming that this compound converts to vitamin D in skin or has any other benefits apart from softening the upper layer of the skin. This compound is different from the Vitamin D3 analogues used in medicine to treat psoriasis

More about 7-dehydrocholesterol
Zea mays oil~0.75–1.1%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Zea mays oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.9–1.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~0.8–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Malic acid~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Tocopherol~0.65–1%
Formula
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
Myristic acid~0.65–0.95%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Cetyl alcohol~0.7–1.05%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
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
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Panthenol~0.6–0.9%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Stearic acid~0.75–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Polyglyceryl-6 isostearate~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-6 isostearate
Microcrystalline cellulose~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Exfoliation
More about Microcrystalline cellulose
Alumina~0.7–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products

More about Alumina
Behenic acid~0.7–1.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Behenic acid
Stearyl alcohol~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Caprylyl methicone~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone
Dimethicone~0.7–1.05%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane
Isohexadecane~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Behenyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Cellulose gum~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum
Sorbitan oleate~0.45–0.7%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate
Butylene glycol~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Sodium benzoate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium citrate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Citric acid~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium phytate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Ingredient list view

Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Water, Ethyl macadamiate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Propanediol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Polysorbate 80, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Echinacea purpurea root extract, Aronia melanocarpa fruit extract, Hydrolyzed verbascum thapsus flower, Tagetes erecta flower extract, Alteromonas ferment extract, 7-dehydrocholesterol, Zea mays oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Malic acid, Tocopherol, Myristic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated lecithin, Panthenol, Stearic acid, Polyglyceryl-6 isostearate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Alumina, Behenic acid, Stearyl alcohol, Caprylyl methicone, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, 1,2-hexanediol, Behenyl alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Cellulose gum, Sorbitan oleate, Butylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Sodium citrate, Citric acid, Sodium phytate

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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
Farmacy BeautyGreen Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral SunscreenYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeInvisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50La Roche-PosayAnthelios 100% Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid3LABPerfect Lite Sunscreen SPF 30
Match—56%56%56%
Price$36.00$13.97−$22.03$37.99+$1.99$55.00+$19.00
Shared key ingredients—6 of 126 of 124 of 12
Key difference—NiacinamideCapryloyl Salicylic AcidCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
SPFSPF 30SPF 50SPF 30SPF 30
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Farmacy - Green Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen" can offer reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because 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. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen 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 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.

Price

The product retails for 36.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

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Farmacy Beauty Green Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Farmacy BeautyGreen Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

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