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MDSolarSciences KidSpray SPF 40
MDSolarSciences

MDSolarSciences KidSpray SPF 40

SPF 40Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium·4 UV filters
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 40 · 4 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 40Broad spectrumChemical filtersWater-resistantNo white cast

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
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Avobenzone
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~8.5–12.7%
OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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" sunscreen5%
OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen2.75%
AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. 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.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.
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Works 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).

Phyllanthus emblica fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and have a skin lightening effect if used in high enough concentrations~0.85–1.3%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~1.1–1.7%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Works well

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.

Phyllanthus emblica fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and have a skin lightening effect if used in high enough concentrations~0.85–1.3%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~1.1–1.7%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
May help

This product contains antioxidants (phyllanthus emblica fruit extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Phyllanthus emblica fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and have a skin lightening effect if used in high enough concentrations~0.85–1.3%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~1.1–1.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Sd alcohol 40
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Sd alcohol 40A drying alcohol. Mainly used to dissolve other ingredients. Can increase the irritation potential of the formulaHigh~26–39%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. 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.Medium3%
OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium2.75%
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 ownMedium~8.5–12.7%est.
Polyester-8Used to stabilize product formulations and individual ingredients (for example, sunscreens). Can be an allergenMedium~4.7–7.1%est.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Medium~1.1–1.7%est.
Phyllanthus emblica fruit extractA plant extract that might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and have a skin lightening effect if used in high enough concentrationsMedium~0.85–1.3%est.
Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.45–1%est.
EdtaHelp to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
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.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Ethylhexyl salicylate5%
UV filter
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
Octocrylene2.75%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene
Sd alcohol 40~26–39%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A drying alcohol. Mainly used to dissolve other ingredients. Can increase the irritation potential of the formula

More about Sd alcohol 40
Butyloctyl salicylate~8.5–12.7%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
Polyester-8~4.7–7.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulations and individual ingredients (for example, sunscreens). Can be an allergen

More about Polyester-8
Caprylyl methicone~3.7–5.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone
Diisopropyl adipate~2.8–4.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Diisopropyl adipate
Acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer~1.8–2.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~1.1–1.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract~0.85–1.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

A plant extract that might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and have a skin lightening effect if used in high enough concentrations

More about Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract
Phytic acid~0.45–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid
Edta~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Help to stabilize the product formulation

More about Edta
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Sd alcohol 40, Butyloctyl salicylate, Polyester-8, Caprylyl methicone, Diisopropyl adipate, Acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract, Phytic acid, Edta, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 15:04 GMT
$26.00
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MD Solar Sciences
$27.00
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Ulta6 oz
$27.00
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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
MDSolarSciencesKidSpray SPF 40YOUR PRODUCTCoolaClassic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 70Isle of ParadiseDaily Defense Body Mist SPF 30 SunscreenAlba BotanicaMaximum Sunscreen Clear Spray, Fragrance Free, SPF 70
Match—46%46%45%
Price$27.00$26.92$29.00+$2.00—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 53 of 53 of 5
Key difference—BisabololNiacinamideCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
SPFSPF 40SPF 70SPF 30SPF 70
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol — Contains drying alcohol
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More alternatives: Banana Boat Sport Mineral Enriched Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50Vacation Classic Spray SPF 50 Sunscreen

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "MDSolarSciences - KidSpray SPF 40" can offer 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).

Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

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: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), butyloctyl salicylate 7.90% - 11.90%, octisalate 5.00% (declared) and octocrylene 2.75% (declared).

Irritation risk

It contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product 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.

Price

The product retails from 22.00$ up to 23.00$ in the United States and for 49.39A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Safety assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MEA-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Allergic contact dermatitis caused by polyester-8 (Polycrylene®) in a sunscreen moisturizerncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamagencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacysciencedirect.com
  5. 5
    Emblicamdedge.com
  6. 6
    Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extract promotes procollagen production and inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-1 in human skin fibroblastsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
MDSolarSciences KidSpray SPF 40
MDSolarSciencesKidSpray SPF 40
Buy at MD Solar Sciences$27.00$26.00as of 11/6 15:04 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at MD Solar Sciences$27.00$26.00as of 11/6 15:04 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.