Lancaster Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF30
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 7 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-oxidationSide benefit · Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Bifida ferment lysate + 1 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (dimethylmethoxy chromanol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Bifida ferment lysate, Lactic acidWorks well
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-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · Tocopherol, Lactic acidWorks well
“The fine mist delivers broad-spectrum protection, helping to defend against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.”
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Diisopropyl sebacate, Diisopropyl adipate + 7 moreWorks
“The perfect pool-side companion, this lightweight and refreshing ‘water’ leaves skin feeling intensely moisturised and smooth (never greasy or oily!) with glycerol, while the brand’s Tan Activator Complex harnesses buriti oil to safely boost natural melanin production in preparation for a faster, longer-lasting tan.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 strong irritants: Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, Benzyl salicylate + 7 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dicaprylyl carbonate~5.3–6.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateDiisopropyl sebacate~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateDiisopropyl adipate~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Diisopropyl adipateGlycerin~2.5–3%
- 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 GlycerinButyloctyl salicylate~2–2.4%
- 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 salicylateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.1–2.6%
- 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 triazone~1.9–2.4%
- 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 triazoneBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazinePhenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidIsoamyl p-methoxycinnamate~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Amiloxate or Neo Heliopan E1000. A UV filter. It is effective against UVB and UVA II rays. Not available in the US. It can be irritating
More about Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamateAlcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholPentylene glycol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolAcetic acid~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Benzyl salicylate~0.4–0.6%
Bifida ferment lysate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect
More about Bifida ferment lysateCitral~0.35–0.65%
Citronellol~0.3–0.6%
Dimethylmethoxy chromanol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Dimethylmethoxy chromanolDisodium edta~0.3–0.55%
Ethylhexyl salicylate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Geraniol~0.25–0.4%
Hexyl cinnamal~0.2–0.4%
Lactic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidLimonene~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.2–0.35%
Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Mauritia flexuosa fruit oilSodium chloride~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Tocopherol~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 TocopherolSodium benzoate~0.1–0.25%
Parfum~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCi 26100~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Ingredient list view
Water, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Diisopropyl sebacate, Diisopropyl adipate, Glycerin, Butyloctyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl triazone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Pentylene glycol, Acetic acid, Benzyl salicylate, Bifida ferment lysate, Citral, Citronellol, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Disodium edta, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Geraniol, Hexyl cinnamal, Lactic acid, Limonene, Linalool, Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopherol, Sodium benzoate, Parfum, Ci 26100
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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.
| LancasterBeauty Sun Protective Water SPF30YOUR PRODUCT | Etude House[ Etude House ] Face Blur - Mattifying SPF50+ PA++++ | Oh my cream skincareEau Solaire SPF50+ | NiveaSun Kids Protect & Care Trigger Spray Spf 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 46% | 41% | 39% |
| Price | — | — | $23.00 | $20.06 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 11 | 5 of 11 | 5 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Uvinul A Plus | Uvinul A Plus |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Spray Sensitive Advanced SPF50+Vichy Idéal Soleil Protective Solar Water - Hydrating
Product summary
The ingredient list suggests that "Lancaster - Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF30" 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. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.60% - 2.00%, avobenzone 2.10% - 2.60%, butyloctyl salicylate 2.00% - 2.40%, uvinul t 1.90% - 2.40%, amiloxate 1.10% - 1.40% and ensulizole 1.40% - 1.70%.
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 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 from 42.80$ up to 49.36$ in the United States, from 23.00£ up to 31.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 112.88A$ in Australia and for 54.30CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Bifidobacterium longumlysate, a new ingredient forreactive skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applicationsresearchgate.net
- 6
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