Josie Maran Sun Milk

Josie Maran Sun Milk

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 19 more
Works
What the product description says
“, 100% Pure Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Squalane Oil Deliver vitamin E and essential fatty acids for glowing, hydrated skin.”
Source: Sephora CA

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.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, cocos nucifera oil.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~6.6–8.1%
C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances 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~6.5–8%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~4.8–5.9%
Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~3.2–3.9%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~2.9–3.5%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~2.2–2.7%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.4–1.7%
Diheptyl succinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin~1–1.2%
Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.75–1.15%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.75–1.15%
Ricinus communis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~0.65–0.95%
Althaea officinalis root extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation~0.6–0.85%
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.3–0.6%
Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.75–1.15%
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.35–0.65%
Podocarpus elatus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing~0.35–0.6%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.6–0.9%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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 skin~0.2–0.4%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.1–0.2%
Anti-aging
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Tocopherol
Not delivered
What the product description says
“, Kakadu Plum Complex A potent source of vitamin C and antioxidants to support natural collagen.”
Source: Sephora CA

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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 skin~0.2–0.4%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.1–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Parfum + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Althaea officinalis root extractA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammationHigh~0.6–0.85%est.
Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.55–0.8%est.
PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Cinnamal—High~0.1–0.2%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~4.8–5.9%est.
Ethyl macadamiateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~3.5–4.2%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~3.2–3.9%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~2.9–3.5%est.
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateUsed to stabilize the product formulationMedium~1–1.2%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.9–1.1%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.75–1.15%est.
Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.75–1.15%est.
Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.65–1%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Ricinus communis seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Isopropyl titanium triisostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Podocarpus elatus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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 skinMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.75–1.15%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide3.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Zinc oxide4.08%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 oxide
Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~6.6–8.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~6.5–8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 benzoate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~4.8–5.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Ethyl macadamiate~3.5–4.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ethyl macadamiate
Argania spinosa kernel oil~3.2–3.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~2.9–3.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~2.2–2.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Hydrogenated lecithin~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Squalane~1.4–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Bisabolol~1–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~1–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate
Diheptyl succinate~1–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin

More about Diheptyl succinate
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate~0.9–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate
Cocos nucifera oil~0.75–1.15%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.75–1.15%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Xanthan gum~0.7–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Oleic acid~0.75–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.65–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate
Citric acid~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Althaea officinalis root extract~0.6–0.85%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation

More about Althaea officinalis root extract
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Ricinus communis seed oil~0.65–0.95%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Ricinus communis seed oil
Parfum~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Tromethamine~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Isopropyl titanium triisostearate~0.65–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Isopropyl titanium triisostearate
Argania spinosa leaf extract~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Silica~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Aminopropyl triethoxysilane~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Aminopropyl triethoxysilane
Stearic acid~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Lecithin~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Sclerotium gum~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Pullulan~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract
Podocarpus elatus fruit extract~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Podocarpus elatus fruit extract
Linalool~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Biosaccharide gum-4~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps improve the product texture

More about Biosaccharide gum-4
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally 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 skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Cetyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Limonene~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Cinnamal~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Cinnamal
Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol
Ingredient list view

Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Water, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ethyl macadamiate, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, Squalane, Bisabolol, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Diheptyl succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Cocos nucifera oil, Olea europaea fruit oil, Xanthan gum, Oleic acid, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Citric acid, Althaea officinalis root extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Ricinus communis seed oil, Parfum, Tromethamine, Isopropyl titanium triisostearate, Argania spinosa leaf extract, Silica, Aminopropyl triethoxysilane, Stearic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Sclerotium gum, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Pullulan, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract, Podocarpus elatus fruit extract, Linalool, Biosaccharide gum-4, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Cetyl alcohol, Limonene, Cinnamal, Tocopherol

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Josie MaranSun MilkYOUR PRODUCTPaula's choiceCBD Skin Transformative Treatment Milk Full SizeBurt's BeesSensitive Solutions Calming Day Lotion with Aloe and Rice MilkSuper Healthy Skin™Daily Moisture Lotion
Match—37%37%36%
Price—$33.60$15.99$35.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 135 of 134 of 13
Key difference—CbdButyrospermum Parkii ButterAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin™ Daily Moisture LotionSkinn Mantle Milk

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Josie Maran Sun Milk
Josie MaranSun Milk

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