Garnier Anti Dark Spots BB Cream SPF 50 Medium
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 8 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
Evens skin toneAscorbyl glucosideWorks well
“Anti Dark Spots BB Cream SPF 50 Medium”
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).
Anti-blemishNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“Our perfecting all-in-one BB cream will even out skin tone, conceal blemishes and provide SPF protection.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Tocopherol, Ascorbyl glucosideWorks well
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycerin, Diisopropyl sebacate + 8 moreWorks
“Garnier BB Cream is the perfect hybrid product that delivers the benefits of using a foundation + a moisturising cream + an SPF.”
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, caprylyl 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, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~5.8–7.1%
- 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 GlycerinOctocrylene~4.8–5.8%
- 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 OctocryleneButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~3.5–4.3%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneTitanium dioxide~3.3–4.1%
- 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 dioxideAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateAlcohol denat.~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Propanediol~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolDiisopropyl sebacate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateEthylhexyl salicylate~1.4–1.7%
- 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 salicylateDimethicone~0.75–1.15%
- 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 DimethiconeDrometrizole trisiloxane~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 trisiloxaneCi 77891~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium dioxide~0.7–1%
- 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 dioxideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.5–0.7%
- 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 benzoateEthylhexyl triazone~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazoneStearic acid~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCi 77492~0.35–0.65%
Iron oxides~0.4–0.6%
- 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 oxidesBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazinePotassium cetyl phosphate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateCi 77491~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491Iron oxides~0.25–0.45%
- 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 oxidesCi 77499~0.25–0.5%
Iron oxides~0.25–0.45%
- 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 oxidesTocopherol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 TocopherolAscorbyl glucoside~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about Ascorbyl glucosideHydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.5%
Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate~0.35–0.6%
Sodium chloride~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chloridePeg-100 stearate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateTriethanolamine~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinatePalmitic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidXanthan gum~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTromethamine~0.25–0.5%
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolTerephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~0.45–0.7%
- 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 acidCarbomer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerMyristic acid~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidCetyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholAluminum hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
- 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~0.25–0.45%
- 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~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium dioxide, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Alcohol denat., Propanediol, Diisopropyl sebacate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Dimethicone, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Stearic acid, Ci 77492, Iron oxides, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Ci 77491, Iron oxides, Ci 77499, Iron oxides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Sodium chloride, Peg-100 stearate, Triethanolamine, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Palmitic acid, Xanthan gum, Tromethamine, Caprylyl glycol, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Carbomer, Myristic acid, Cetyl alcohol, 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.
| GarnierAnti Dark Spots BB Cream SPF 50 MediumYOUR PRODUCT | La Roche-PosayAnthelios Pigment Correct Sun Cream SPF50 | BiodermaPhotoderm BB cream | Eveline CosmeticsPhotoderm MAX Tinted Cream SPF50+ Sensitive Skin #Golden Colour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 43% | 40% | 40% |
| Price | — | $33.56 | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 11 | 5 of 11 | 4 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Cyclopentasiloxane | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: REVOLUTION SKINCARE SPF 50 Invisible Protect SunscreenVichy Capital Soleil Fresh Protective Milk SPF50+
Product summary
We believe that "Garnier - Anti Dark Spots BB Cream SPF 50 Medium" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, avobenzone, mexoryl xl, uvinul t, octocrylene and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This sunscreen contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Garnier" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 4.99£ 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 10 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 6The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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