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Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Touch Oil SPF30
Garnier

Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Touch Oil SPF30

SPF 30Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh·6 UV filters
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 6 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filtersWater-resistantNo white cast

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

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
Octocrylene
Octisalate
Uvinul T
Mexoryl Xl
Uvasorb Heb
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~2.7–4%
OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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~2.2–3.3%
Uvinul TEthylhexyl TriazoneUVB Photo-stable Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet~1.5–2.2%
Mexoryl XlDrometrizole TrisiloxaneUVBUVA2 Photo-stable Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet~1.1–1.7%
Uvasorb HebDiethylhexyl Butamido TriazoneUVA2 Photo-stable Uvasorb HEB. A UV filter. Is effective against UVB and UVA II rays (but not UVA I). It is photostable. Unfortunately, is not approved by FDA (US) yet~1.7–2.5%
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.~2–3%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

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

AstaxanthinKey activeEffect: HighHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help to calm down inflammation~0.1–0.4%
Haematococcus pluvialis extractKey activeEffect: MediumGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin~0.45–1%
TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.5–1.2%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.2–0.7%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.45%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

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.

These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: astaxanthin.

AstaxanthinKey activeEffect: MediumHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help to calm down inflammation~0.1–0.4%
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~0.5–1.2%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.2–0.7%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support

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).

Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

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~23–34%
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~4.6–6.9%
Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~5.2–7.7%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.2–0.7%
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~0.5–1.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
7 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hydroxycitronellal + 5 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~3.7–5.6%est.
HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.5–1.1%est.
Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.4–1%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.3%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~23–34%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~2.7–4%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~2–3%est.
Diethylhexyl butamido triazoneUvasorb HEB. A UV filter. Is effective against UVB and UVA II rays (but not UVA I). It is photostable. Unfortunately, is not approved by FDA (US) yetMedium~1.7–2.5%est.
Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~1.5–2.2%est.
Drometrizole trisiloxaneMexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yetMedium~1.1–1.7%est.
Haematococcus pluvialis extractGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthinMedium~0.45–1%est.
AstaxanthinHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help to calm down inflammationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.2–0.7%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~23–34%
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
Octyldodecanol~5.2–7.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.6–6.9%
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
Alcohol denat.~3.7–5.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Ethylenediamine/stearyl dimer dilinoleate copolymer~2.8–4.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethylenediamine/stearyl dimer dilinoleate copolymer
Octocrylene~2.7–4%
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 salicylate~2.2–3.3%
UV filter
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2–3%
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
Diethylhexyl butamido triazone~1.7–2.5%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Uvasorb HEB. A UV filter. Is effective against UVB and UVA II rays (but not UVA I). It is photostable. Unfortunately, is not approved by FDA (US) yet

More about Diethylhexyl butamido triazone
Ethylhexyl triazone~1.5–2.2%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Ethylhexyl triazone
Drometrizole trisiloxane~1.1–1.7%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet

More about Drometrizole trisiloxane
Ci 60725~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 60725
Violet 2
Not recognized
Tocopherol~0.5–1.2%
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
Hydroxycitronellal~0.5–1.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal
Haematococcus pluvialis
Not recognized
Haematococcus pluvialis extract~0.45–1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Green algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin

More about Haematococcus pluvialis extract
Benzyl salicylate~0.4–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate
Benzyl alcohol~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Benzyl benzoate~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Linalool~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.2–0.7%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Astaxanthin~0.1–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help to calm down inflammation

More about Astaxanthin
Parfum~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Datem~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Datem
Ingredient list view

Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Alcohol denat., Ethylenediamine/stearyl dimer dilinoleate copolymer, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diethylhexyl butamido triazone, Ethylhexyl triazone, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Ci 60725, Unknown, Tocopherol, Hydroxycitronellal, Unknown, Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Benzyl salicylate, Benzyl alcohol, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzyl benzoate, Linalool, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Astaxanthin, Parfum, Datem

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Product summary

The ingredient list suggests that "Garnier Ambre Solaire - Ambre Solaire Golden Touch Oil SPF30" can provide 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).

This sunscreen should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

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. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: avobenzone 2.00% - 3.00%, uvasorb heb 1.70% - 2.50%, mexoryl xl 1.10% - 1.70%, octisalate 2.20% - 3.30%, uvinul t 1.50% - 2.20% and octocrylene 2.70% - 4.00%.

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 7.99£ 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 12 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  3. 3
    Effective Inhibition of Skin Cancer, Tyrosinase, and Antioxidative Properties by Astaxanthin and Astaxanthin Esters from the Green Alga Haematococcus pluvialispubs.acs.org
  4. 4
    Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Toxicity and Efficacy of A New Astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis Extractjstage.jst.go.jp
  5. 5
    Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Touch Oil SPF30
GarnierAmbre Solaire Golden Touch Oil SPF30
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