Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 Sunscreen
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Heliocare - 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 Sunscreen" 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).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
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: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus, uvasorb heb, neo heliopan ap, uvinul t and ensulizole. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
It 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 this product 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 22.92£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Benefits
Promise: Sun protection
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.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate | HIGH |  |  |
| diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate | HIGH | | |
| diethylhexyl butamido triazone | HIGH | | |
Other benefit: Anti-blemish
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains ethyl linoleate.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ethyl linoleate | HIGH | | |
Other benefit: Anti-aging
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: arabidopsis thaliana extract, ferulic acid.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| arabidopsis thaliana extract | MEDIUM | | |
| ferulic acid | MEDIUM | | |
| panthenyl triacetate | LOW | | |
Other benefit: Evens skin tone
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).
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ferulic acid | MEDIUM | | |
| ethyl linoleate | LOW | | |
| polypodium leucotomos leaf extract | LOW | | |
Other benefit: Moisturizing
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:
arginine, 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: arginine, ethyl linoleate.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| arginine | HIGH | | |
| ethyl linoleate | HIGH | | |
| glycerin | HIGH | | |
Other benefit: Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (ferulic acid) 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 - camellia sinensis extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ferulic acid | HIGH | | |
| camellia sinensis extract | MEDIUM | | |
| tocopherol | HIGH |  | |
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Sun protection |
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Potential irritants
| Ingredient | Irritancy | Skin Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| myristyl alcohol | | |
| 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid | | |
| parfum | | |
User reviews (0)
Similar products & dupes
 Heliocare - 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 Sunscreen | Heliocare 360° - Oil Free Gel | Cantabria Labs - Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50 | Dr. Russo - Once a Day SPF30 Sun Protective Face Gel Tan Accelerator | La Roche-Posay - Pigmentclar Day UV SPF30 | Dr Dennis Gross - All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 | Supergoop! - Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ | Biore - UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ | Ultrasun - SPORTS GEL SPF50 | Eucerin - Sun Allergy Protect Sun Crème Gel SPF50 | Elizabeth Arden - PREVAGE City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Hydrating Shield | |
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| WIMJ similarity score | 61% | 44% | 40% | 39% | 37% | 36% | 35% | 34% | 34% | 33% | |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 40 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
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Ingredients & concentrations
- ferulic acid
- 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
- arginine
- Tinosorb S
- Tea extract
- caprylic/capric triglyceride
- Uvinul A Plus
- Uvasorb HEB
- Neo Heliopan AP
- ethyl linoleate
- Uvinul T
- glycerin
- panthenyl triacetate
- Ensulizole
- titanium dioxide
- arabidopsis thaliana extract
- +12 more
| Ingredient | Estimated concentration |
|---|---|
| 45% - 55% | |
| Plain old water | |
| 5.3% - 6.5% | |
| 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 | |
| 4.4% - 5.3% | |
| An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin | |
| 3.7% - 4.5% | |
| Ensulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulations | |
| 3.3% - 4% | |
| Neo Heliopan AP. A UV filter. Effective against UVA II rays. It is stable. It is water-soluble, which helps to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet | |
| 2.6% - 3.2% | |
| Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet. | |
| 2.1% - 2.6% | |
| 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 | |
| 1.3% - 1.6% | |
| Helps create a more spreadable product texture | |
| 1.1% - 1.4% | |
| A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations | |
| 0.9% - 1.1% | |
| Helps water and oil mix together | |
| 1% - 1.2% | |
| Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet | |
| 0.65% - 1% | |
| Used to create a nice product consistency | |
| 0.5% - 0.75% | |
| Helps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating | |
| 0.5% - 0.75% | |
| 0.6% - 0.9% | |
| 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 | |
| 0.45% - 0.65% | |
| A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products | |
| 0.4% - 0.65% | |
| A plant extract that has been shown to be effective in helping boost skin's ability to protect against UV radiation and reduce hyperpigmentation when taken orally. No conclusive evidence for its effectiveness and effective concentration in topical application | |
| 0.35% - 0.6% | |
| 0.3% - 0.55% | |
| A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10% | |
| 0.3% - 0.5% | |
| 0.3% - 0.5% | |
| 0.45% - 0.65% | |
| Helps oil and water mix together | |
| 0.25% - 0.5% | |
| Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| 0.45% - 0.65% | |
| 0.45% - 0.65% | |
| 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 | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten | |
| 0.25% - 0.5% | |
| Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin | |
| TBC | |
| The ingredient is not recognized | |
| 0.3% - 0.5% | |
| One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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 | |
| 0.4% - 0.6% | |
| The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products | |
| 0.3% - 0.55% | |
| 0.45% - 0.7% | |
| Helps oil and water mix together | |
| 0.25% - 0.4% | |
| Tea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| A preservative | |
| 0.25% - 0.5% | |
| 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. | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| Used to create a thicker product consistency | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| Plant extract that might be helpful in repairing sun damage but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| A stable oil-soluble derivative of vitamin B5. It can help support skin barrier and reduce inflammation in skin | |
| 0.2% - 0.4% | |
| An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients | |
| 0.25% - 0.5% | |
| A type of silicone that helps to create nice product texture and is used as an anti-foaming agent | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| Stabilizes the product formulation | |
| 0.35% - 0.65% | |
| Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin | |
| 0.25% - 0.45% | |
| Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking | |
| 0.3% - 0.5% | |
| 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 | |
| 0.2% - 0.4% | |
| Used as a fragrance | |
| 0.2% - 0.35% | |
| 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 | |
| 0.2% - 0.4% | |
| Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin | |
| 0.15% - 0.3% | |
| A preservative | |
| 0.15% - 0.3% | |
| 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 | |
| 0.1% - 0.15% | |
| A fragrance. Can be irritating | |
| 0.1% - 0.15% | |
| A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat | |
Show more | |
Sources
- Contact dermatitis caused by alkyl glucosides in the modern cosmetic industry and contact dermatitis in the Canadian aircraft industry
- Safety Assessment of Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics
- Cosmetic allergy from myristyl alcohol
- Contact Sensitization to Emulsifying Agents: An Underrated Issue?
- Patch testing with myristyl alcohol
- Mechanistic insights in the use of a Polypodium leucotomos extract as an oral and topical photoprotective agent
- Ferulic Acid: Therapeutic Potential Through Its Antioxidant Property
- Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin
- Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Ceteareth-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, -12, -13, -14, -15, -16, -17, -18,-20,-22,-23,-24,-25,-27, -28, -29, -30, -33, -34, -40, -50, -55, -60, -80, and -100
- Wheat in skin care
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor
- Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmetics
- Repair of Damaged DNA by Arabidopsis Cell Extract
- Panthenyl Triacetate Transformation, Stimulation of Metabolic Pathways, and Wound-Healing Properties in the Human Skin
- Ethyl linoleate inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis through Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signal pathway
- Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of a lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate in the treatment of acne vulgaris
- Vitamin E in dermatology