Your Skin But Better CC+ Fair

Name: It Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC+ Fair
Brand: It Cosmetics

SPF 50Efficacy 90/100·High irritancy ·4 UV filters

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

We assess that "It Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC+ Fair" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list.

Edit

Product summary

We assess that "It Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC+ Fair" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. 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 helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. 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 "It Cosmetics" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 161.79A$ in Australia, for 19.99$ in the United States and from 14.50£ up to 16.97£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290 nmUVA II320 nmUVA I340 nmVisible400 nm+

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA 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~1.8–2.7%

Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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 skin9%

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA+Visible Photo-stable 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 colorant6.3%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Product claims breakdown

Moisturizing

20 ingredients contribute at the levels below

Strong evidence

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, hydrolyzed collagen.

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, phenyl trimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7

NIACINAMIDERole: Under-dosedIs 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~0.5–1.15%

COLLOIDAL OATMEALRole: Under-dosedHelps to restore skin barrier function, soften the upper layer of the skin and calm down inflammation~0.55–1.25%

PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7Role: Key activeA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.75%

PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDERole: Key activeA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.45–1%

CYCLOPENTASILOXANERole: Key activeA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~1.2–1.8%

DIMETHICONERole: Key activeA 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~4.2–6.3%

GLYCERINRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.5–1.15%

HYDROLYZED COLLAGENRole: Key activeA typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.15%

HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACIDRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.45–1.05%

NIACINRole: Under-dosedA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect~0.35–0.85%

ORBIGNYA OLEIFERA SEED OILRole: Key activeA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin~2.3–3.5%

PANTOTHENIC ACIDRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin~0.4–0.9%

PERSEA GRATISSIMA OILRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~0.55–1.3%

PHENYL TRIMETHICONERole: Key activeA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~5.5–8.2%

SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATERole: Key activeTypically contains hyaluronic acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might contain allantoin that is helpful in calming down inflammation. There is no evidence that it can have any further benefits for the skin, especially when used in skincare products~6–9.1%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.5–1.1%

VITIS VINIFERA SEED OILRole: Key activeA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.55–1.25%

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACTRole: Key activeCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–1.15%

CARNITINE HCLRole: Key activeMight be helpful in decreasing sebum production making the skin less oily. Is claimed to be able to support ceramide production in skin that leads to better hydration, but evidence is lacking. Is able to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%

CHOLESTEROLRole: Key activeAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.55–1.25%

Evens skin tone

CHRYSIN at ~0.3–0.7% + 4 more curated actives

Strong evidence

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).

RETINYL PALMITATERole: Under-dosedThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.4–0.9%

NIACINRole: Under-dosedA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect~0.35–0.85%

CHRYSINRole: Key activeMight be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as lightening the skin, but solid evidence is missing. Could somewhat help in reducing the darkness of the under-eye area. Helps to neutralise free radicals in skin~0.3–0.7%

Anti-aging

Brand does not advertise this — the formula does

Quiet bonus

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: folic acid, palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.

PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7Role: Key activeA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.75%

PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDERole: Key activeA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.45–1%

FOLIC ACIDRole: Key activeCan help stimulate collagen production in skin. While available studies are promising, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy in skin~0.35–0.75%

NIACINRole: Under-dosedA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect~0.35–0.85%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.5–1.1%

Irritancy

35 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 35 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.45–1.05%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.45–1%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.05%est.

Citrus aurantifolia oil—High~0.45–1%est.

Pinus sylvestris leaf oilAn essential oil from pine tree. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–1.15%est.

Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.4–0.95%est.

Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.4–0.95%est.

Cinnamomum cassia bark extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–1.15%est.

Curcuma longa root extractA 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 irritantHigh~0.45–1%est.

N-hydroxysuccinimideIs claimed to be able to brighten skin tone by removing some blood-related pigmented compounds in skin (hemoglobin and related elements) but solid research is missing. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.05%est.

Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.4–0.9%est.

NiacinA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effectHigh~0.35–0.85%est.

Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.

Snail secretion filtrateTypically contains hyaluronic acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might contain allantoin that is helpful in calming down inflammation. There is no evidence that it can have any further benefits for the skin, especially when used in skincare productsLow~6–9.1%est.

Butyloctyl salicylateA 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 ownLow~1.8–2.7%est.

Polyglyceryl-4 isostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherLow~0.9–1.35%est.

Hexyl laurateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistencyLow~0.85–1.25%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureLow~0.55–1.25%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeLow~0.45–1.1%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Low~0.5–1.15%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeLow~0.45–1%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationLow~0.5–1%est.

Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesLow~0.55–1.25%est.

Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionLow~0.55–1.3%est.

PerfluorohexaneUsed in products to help dissolve oxygen and enhance oxygen molecule penetration into the skin. There is no evidence for benefits of the oxygen emulsion in topical creams, lotions or serums. There is a study available confirming a positive impact of oxygen therapy for skin wound healing, but it used an oxygen emulsion stored under high pressure using special equipmentLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Olea europaea leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missingLow~0.45–1.05%est.

Steareth-20Helps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.55–1.25%est.

Hydrolyzed silkCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinLow~0.45–1.05%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHLow~0.45–1.05%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeLow~0.3–0.6%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinLow~0.5–1.2%est.

Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeLow~0.45–1.05%est.

Thiamine hclCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is studied as a mosquito repellentLow~0.45–1.05%est.

ChrysinMight be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as lightening the skin, but solid evidence is missing. Could somewhat help in reducing the darkness of the under-eye area. Helps to neutralise free radicals in skinLow~0.3–0.7%est.

Chlorhexidine digluconateA preservativeLow~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

Low risk

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide9%

Your Skin But Better CC+ Fair

Product summary

Sunscreen filters

Irritation risk

About the brand

Price

Sun protection

Product claims breakdown

Ingredients

What users say

Compare prices