Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Sun Protection Cream SPF20
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 5 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.
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.
MoisturizingGlycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 9 moreWorks
“Ambre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Sun Protection Cream SPF20”
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, thermus thermophillus ferment.
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, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Anti-agingThermus thermophillus ferment, Tocopherol + 1 moreNot delivered
“The filtration system features Mexoryl ®SX and helps to protect against UVB Immediate sun-induced skin damage UVA long-term sun-induced skin damage and premature skin-ageing. Tested under dermatological control.”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - thermus thermophillus ferment - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Eugenol + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.4–5.4%
- 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 GlycerinC12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.2–5.1%
- 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 benzoateIsopropyl palmitate~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateEthylhexyl salicylate~3.2–3.9%
- 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 salicylateOctocrylene~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 OctocryleneAlcohol denat.~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneTalc~1.5–1.8%
Titanium dioxide~1.4–1.7%
- 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 dioxidePotassium cetyl phosphate~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateSynthetic wax~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and thicken product consistency
More about Synthetic waxTocopherol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolStearic acid~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPhenoxyethanol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolThermus thermophillus ferment~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralising free radicals in skin and have some hydration properties
More about Thermus thermophillus fermentPeg-100 stearate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateEugenol~0.3–0.55%
Triethanolamine~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolaminePalmitic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidDimethicone~0.3–0.6%
- 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 DimethiconeLinalool~0.25–0.45%
Benzyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolTerephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostable
More about Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMyristic acid~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidDisodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 butterPotassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Citric acid~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidAluminum hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
- 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 hydroxideGlyceryl stearate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateParfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Isopropyl palmitate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Alcohol denat., Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Talc, Titanium dioxide, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Synthetic wax, Tocopherol, Stearic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Thermus thermophillus ferment, Peg-100 stearate, Eugenol, Triethanolamine, Palmitic acid, Dimethicone, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, Caprylyl glycol, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Myristic acid, Disodium edta, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Glyceryl stearate, Parfum
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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.
| GarnierAmbre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Sun Protection Cream SPF20YOUR PRODUCT | VichyCapital Soleil Fresh Protective Milk SPF50+ | Ambre SolaireKids Sensitive Sand Resistant Sun Cream SPF50+ | La Roche-PosayANTHELIOS KA+ SUNSCREEN SPF50+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 33% | 32% | 32% |
| Price | — | $28.78 | — | $35.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 9 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Tinosorb S | Tinosorb S | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 20 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Ambre Solaire Classic Ambre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Protection Lotion SPF50+Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF 50 Very High
Product summary
"Garnier - Ambre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Sun Protection Cream SPF20" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this product does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This is a" mixed "sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called" chemical ") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This product 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty" Garnier "is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails at around 5.40£ 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 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 3Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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