"Mario Badescu - Oil Free Moisturizer SPF17" 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.

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.

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: oxybenzone 5.00% (declared), avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octinoxate 7.50% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared) and homosalate 5.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. 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 31.99£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

What can the product work for?

Does not work for

Sun protection
Anti-blemish
Evens skin tone

Anti-aging

What does the product description say?

Key Benefits Oil-free Lightweight Absorbs quickly Delivers light, soothing hydration and helps defend against skin-aging UVA/UVB-rays

Source: Bluemercury

This product contains camellia oleifera leaf extract. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging. 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).

aloe barbadensis leaf juice 1.4% - 2.1%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Insufficient!

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

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

Oil Free Moisturizer SPF17

Source: From product name

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).

glycerin 3.4% - 5.2%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

cetyl alcohol 2.2% - 3.3%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

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

stearic acid 2.8% - 4.3%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: LOW

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

Anti-oxidation

This product contains antioxidants (camellia oleifera leaf extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

camellia oleifera leaf extract 1.2% - 1.9%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics

Sun protection

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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.

benzophenone-3 5%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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

ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate 7.5%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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

Anti-blemish

What does the product description say?

Moisturize oily, congested, or problem skin without clogging pores.

Source: Ulta

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

aloe barbadensis leaf juice 1.4% - 2.1%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Insufficient!

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

Evens skin tone

What does the product description say?

This fast-absorbing formulation delivers lightweight hydration and helps shield skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that can darken areas of discoloration and prematurely age skin.

Source: Ulta

This product contains ingredients () that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

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Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

camellia oleifera leaf extract 1.2% - 1.9%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Anti-oxidation, Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics

butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Sun protection

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.

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Potential irritants

ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate 7.5%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Sun protection

benzophenone-3 5%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Sun protection

Comodogenic ingredients

We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product

All ingredients

butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Sun protection

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.

homosalate 5%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate 7.5%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Sun protection

Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Water, Isononyl isononanoate, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Glycerin, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Hypericum perforatum extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Carbomer, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide

	Mario Badescu - Oil Free Moisturizer SPF17	MALIN + GOETZ - SPF 30 Face Moisturizer	Epicuren Discovery - X-Treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen SPF 45	Paula's choice - Resist Anti-Ageing Skin Restoring Moisturiser SPF 50	DCL - Profoundly Effective A Cream SPF 30	La Roche-Posay - Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30	Kiehl's - s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30	Skin Authority - Age Defying Moisturiser SPF 18	Avon - Anew Platinum Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 25	Comfort Zone - Sun Soul Face and Body Cream SPF50+	Bee Bald - SMOOTH PLUS Daily Moisturizer w/SPF30 Sunscreen
Price
WIMJ similarity score		49%	46%	44%	43%	42%	42%	41%	41%	41%	41%
SPF	SPF 17	SPF 30	SPF 45	SPF 50	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 18	SPF 25	SPF 50	SPF 30
Key ingredients	benzophenone-3 butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +4 more	Common: benzophenone-3 butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +4 more Other: panthenol cholesterol +3 more	Common: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate +2 more Other: aleurites moluccanus seed oil allantoin +5 more	Common: benzophenone-3 butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +3 more Other: niacinamide butyrospermum parkii butter +6 more	Common: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane glycerin +3 more Other: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate panthenol +5 more	Common: glycerin homosalate +1 more Other: niacinamide ceramide np +4 more	Common: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane glycerin +1 more Other: beeswax octocrylene +1 more	Common: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate glycerin +2 more Other: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate retinyl palmitate +15 more	Common: benzophenone-3 butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +2 more Other: dimethicone dimethiconol +2 more	Common: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate +2 more Other: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine butyrospermum parkii butter +3 more	Common: benzophenone-3 butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +2 more Other: lycium barbarum fruit extract octocrylene +2 more
Irritancy	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM
Potential Irritants	parfum Has skin benefit? benzophenone-3 Has skin benefit? +6 more	epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract Has skin benefit? methylisothiazolinone Has skin benefit? +14 more	propolis extract Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? +14 more	benzophenone-3 Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? +16 more	chamomilla recutita flower extract Has skin benefit? retinyl palmitate/carrot polypeptide Has skin benefit? +14 more	myristyl alcohol Has skin benefit? t-butyl alcohol Has skin benefit? +7 more	myristyl alcohol Has skin benefit? propylene glycol Has skin benefit? +8 more	retinyl palmitate Has skin benefit? echinacea purpurea extract Has skin benefit? +17 more	parfum Has skin benefit? benzophenone-3 Has skin benefit? +8 more	benzyl alcohol Has skin benefit? parfum Has skin benefit? +13 more	parfum Has skin benefit? propylene glycol Has skin benefit? +12 more
All ingredients	butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +19 more	butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +30 more	butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +36 more	water Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? +43 more	butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +29 more	butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +28 more	butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +21 more	butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? +48 more	ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl salicylate Has skin benefit? +24 more	water Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? +33 more	benzophenone-3 Has skin benefit? butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane Has skin benefit? +29 more

PRODUCT REVIEW

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF17

Works for:

Doesn't work for:

Can it cause trouble?

Key actives

Cheaper alternatives

Product summary

Sunscreen filters

Irritation risk

About the brand

Price

What can the product work for?

Works for

Does not work for

Anti-aging

What does the product description say?

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

Anti-oxidation

Sun protection

Anti-blemish

What does the product description say?

Evens skin tone

What does the product description say?

Honesty check

How honest is this product?

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Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

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Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

All ingredients

Ingredient list view

Sources