INNOAESTHETICS Epigen Urban Day Cream SPF 20
Works for
2 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 3 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.
Moisturizing12 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Epigen Urban Day Cream SPF 20”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": galactoarabinan, glycerin.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ferric hexapeptide-35
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains ferric hexapeptide-35. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough 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?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Parfum, Alcohol denat.Medium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.8–5.9%
- 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 GlycerinDicaprylyl carbonate~3.9–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonatePotassium olivoyl pca~3.4–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium acrylates copolymer~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.3–2.8%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateButylene glycol~1.3–1.6%
- 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 glycolPotassium cetyl phosphate~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateSchisandra chinensis fruit extract~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin
More about Schisandra chinensis fruit extractPhenoxyethanol~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolOctocrylene~0.75–1.1%
- 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 OctocryleneNarcissus tazetta bulb extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might contain compounds called dormins that in theory could help lighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, but solid research is lacking
More about Narcissus tazetta bulb extractBenzyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholButyrospermum parkii butter~0.4–0.6%
- 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 butterLecithin~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPotassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Parfum~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumSodium citrate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateTremella fuciformis extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Tremella fuciformis extract1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.45%
Galactoarabinan~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about GalactoarabinanPhospholipids~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsSorbitan stearate~0.25–0.45%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPhosphoric acid~0.25–0.4%
Biosaccharide gum-4~0.2–0.4%
Sodium phytate~0.2–0.4%
Sodium carrageenan~0.25–0.45%
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolTetrapeptide-26~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ferric hexapeptide-35~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Ferric hexapeptide-35Cocamide mea~0.2–0.4%
Palmitoyl heptapeptide-27~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmitoyl oligopeptide-78~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmitoyl octapeptide-24~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Chlorphenesin~0.15–0.25%
Alcohol denat.~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Tocopherol~0.15–0.25%
- 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 TocopherolSea salt~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Sea saltGlyceryl caprylate~0.15–0.3%
- 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 caprylateLactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenylpropanol~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation
More about PhenylpropanolPolyvinyl alcohol~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Potassium olivoyl pca, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Butylene glycol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Schisandra chinensis fruit extract, Phenoxyethanol, Octocrylene, Narcissus tazetta bulb extract, Benzyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Lecithin, Potassium sorbate, Parfum, Sodium citrate, Tremella fuciformis extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Galactoarabinan, Phospholipids, Sorbitan stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric acid, Phosphoric acid, Biosaccharide gum-4, Sodium phytate, Sodium carrageenan, Xanthan gum, Caprylyl glycol, Tetrapeptide-26, Ferric hexapeptide-35, Cocamide mea, Palmitoyl heptapeptide-27, Palmitoyl oligopeptide-78, Palmitoyl octapeptide-24, Sodium benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Alcohol denat., Tocopherol, Sea salt, Glyceryl caprylate, Lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer, Phenylpropanol, Polyvinyl alcohol
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Product summary
"INNOAESTHETICS - Epigen Urban Day Cream SPF 20" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of it is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 2.30% - 2.80%, octinoxate 1.80% - 2.20% and octocrylene 0.75% - 1.10%.
Irritation risk
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 5 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
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