innisfree Intensive Anti-pollution Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 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.
Anti-aging4 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Intensive Anti-pollution Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also 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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 17 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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:
saccharide hydrolysate, sodium hyaluronate.
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: helianthus annuus seed oil, helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong 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).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains niacinamide.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Propylheptyl caprylate~3.7–4.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Propylheptyl caprylateZinc oxide~4.9–5.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxideDibutyl adipate~3.4–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipateMethyl trimethicone~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
More about Methyl trimethiconeDipropylene glycol~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolPolyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerNiacinamide~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineButyloctyl salicylate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateEthylhexyl triazone~1.1–1.3%
- 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 triazoneTitanium dioxide~1–1.3%
- 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 dioxideLauryl polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disteardimonium hectorite~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteMagnesium sulfate~0.65–1%
Sorbitan caprylate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan caprylateTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.6–0.85%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneAluminum hydroxide~0.6–0.9%
- 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 hydroxideParfum~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumPropanediol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolGlyceryl caprylate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateStearic acid~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSaccharide hydrolysate~0.5–0.75%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.5–0.7%
Adenosine~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about Adenosine1,2-hexanediol~0.35–0.65%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTillandsia usneoides extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octyldodecanol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolCentella asiatica extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractSalvia hispanica seed extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that typically contains linolenic and linoleic acids that help soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about Salvia hispanica seed extractCurcuma longa root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
More about Curcuma longa root extractPortulaca oleracea extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Portulaca oleracea extractHouttuynia cordata extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Echium plantagineum seed oil~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin
More about Echium plantagineum seed oilTocopherol~0.15–0.3%
- 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 TocopherolButylene glycol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oilHelianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 unsaponifiablesCardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties but evidence is missing
More about Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extractIngredient list view
Water, Propylheptyl caprylate, Zinc oxide, Dibutyl adipate, Methyl trimethicone, Dipropylene glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Butyloctyl salicylate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Titanium dioxide, Lauryl polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Disteardimonium hectorite, Magnesium sulfate, Sorbitan caprylate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum hydroxide, Parfum, Propanediol, Glyceryl caprylate, Stearic acid, Saccharide hydrolysate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Tillandsia usneoides extract, Octyldodecanol, Centella asiatica extract, Salvia hispanica seed extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Portulaca oleracea extract, Houttuynia cordata extract, Echium plantagineum seed oil, Tocopherol, Butylene glycol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables, Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract
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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.
| innisfreeIntensive Anti-pollution Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++YOUR PRODUCT | ISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream | ROUND LABBirch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ | BarrCentella Soothing Sun Essence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 83% | 82% | 82% |
| Price | $13.30 | $14.97+$1.67 | $6.35−$6.95 | $18.80+$5.50 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 16 | 5 of 16 | 6 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Uvasorb Heb | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "innisfree - Intensive Anti-pollution Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, butyloctyl salicylate, uvinul a plus and uvinul t. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This product 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 32 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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- 6
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