Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturizer SPF15
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 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.
MoisturizingCetyl alcohol, Gossypium herbaceum seed oil + 5 moreWorks
“Our daytime, lightweight Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15 delivers year-round broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection against harsh effects of the sun and antioxidant-rich hydration for supple, firm and smooth complexion.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": soluble collagen, caprylyl glycol.
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).
Anti-agingNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“Softens the look of dry lines and wrinkles”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.
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).
Anti-blemishNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“This product is also gentle enough to prevent breakouts while keeping a smooth, even-toned complexion throughout the day.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Benzophenone-3Medium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~23–34%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerWater~12–19%
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneCaprylyl glycol~5.2–7.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCetyl alcohol~3.4–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholEthylhexyl methoxycrylene~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectiveness
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycryleneGlyceryl stearate~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateGossypium herbaceum seed oil~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Cottonseed oil. It is used as an emollient and occlusive in products. It is rich palmitic, oleic acid, and linoleic fatty acids.
More about Gossypium herbaceum seed oilHexylene glycol~1.2–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolHydrogenated polyisobutene~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobuteneLeuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
- 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 methoxycinnamateBenzophenone-35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption
More about Benzophenone-3Peg-100 stearate~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearatePhenoxyethanol~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.5%
Soluble collagen~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A 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
More about Soluble collagenStearic acid~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidIngredient list view
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Water, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Caprylyl glycol, Cetyl alcohol, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Glyceryl stearate, Gossypium herbaceum seed oil, Hexylene glycol, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Peg-100 stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Soluble collagen, Stearic acid
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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.
| Mario BadescuCollagen Moisturizer SPF15YOUR PRODUCT | Skin AuthorityAge Defying Moisturiser SPF 18 | NEOSTRATASheer Hydration SPF 40 | Sonya DakarFace Shield SPF 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 39% | 39% | 38% |
| Price | $16.80 | $63.16+$46.36 | $53.19+$36.39 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Retinyl Palmitate | Acetyl Glucosamine | Glycerin |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 18 | SPF 40 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Rilastil WATER TOUCH FLUID SPF 50+The Grey Men DAILY FACE PROTECT SPF50
Product summary
"Mario Badescu - Collagen Moisturizer SPF15" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 5.00% (declared), avobenzone 2.00% (declared) and octinoxate 7.50% (declared).
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Mario Badescu" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 24.00$ in the United States and for 200.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 4 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
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