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MenScience TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30
MenScience

MenScience TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30

SPF 30Efficacy60/100IrritancyHigh·4 UV filters
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 4 UV filters · Partial spectrum
Weak protection
SPF 30Partial spectrumChemical filtersTinted

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Oxybenzone
Titanium Dioxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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 irritating7.5%
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%
OxybenzoneBenzophenone-3UVBUVA2Same 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 absorption4%
Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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 skin1%
Anti-aging
CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Helps combat the aging process damaging effects of the sun.”
Source: Skinstore

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.

This ingredient camellia sinensis extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

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).

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACTEffect: Low—
ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICEEffect: Low—
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Camellia sinensis extract, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract + 4 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis extract, ginkgo biloba leaf 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.

Camellia sinensis extractKey activeEffect: MediumTea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin~3.5–5.2%
Ginkgo biloba leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.2–0.75%
Taraxacum officinale extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. Can be an allergen~2.1–3.1%
Althaea officinalis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation~0.8–1.2%
Achillea millefolium extractEffect: LowPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.35–0.85%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.05–0.2%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Althaea officinalis root extract, Cetyl alcohol + 7 more
Works
What the product description says
“Combines advanced ingredients for the ultimate sunscreen; an ultralight, non-greasy waterproof and sweatproof formula that provides maximum protection (SPF30) while moisturising, nurturing and helping to repair the damaging effects of the sun.”
Source: Mankind

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: cetyl dimethicone, cetyl alcohol.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

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~0.8–1.2%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.3–0.75%
Cetyl dimethiconeKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice, light product texture~0.2–0.75%
Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.15–0.6%
Aloe barbadensis extract· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally 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~23–34%
AgarEffect: LowPolysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.3–1.9%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.15–0.6%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.4–0.9%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Lavandula angustifolia extract + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. 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 irritatingHigh7.5%
Benzophenone-3Same 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 absorptionHigh4%
Chamomilla recutita extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~4.1–6.1%est.
Lavandula angustifolia extractUsed for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skinHigh~2.7–4%est.
Taraxacum officinale extractA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. Can be an allergenHigh~2.1–3.1%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~1–1.5%est.
Althaea officinalis root extractA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammationHigh~0.8–1.2%est.
Achillea millefolium extractPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.85%est.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Diazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Aloe barbadensis extractTraditionally 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~23–34%est.
AgarPolysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.3–1.9%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.05–0.2%est.
Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 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
Macrocystis pyrifera—3/5~1.5–2.3%est.
Peg-75 lanolin—3/5~0.15–0.7%est.
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.15–0.6%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

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 methoxycinnamate
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
Benzophenone-34%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

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-3
Titanium dioxide1%
UV filterUnder-dosed
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
Aloe barbadensis extract~23–34%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Matricaria recutita
Not recognized
Chamomilla recutita extract~4.1–6.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita extract
Symphytum officinale extract~4.6–6.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Symphytum officinale extract
Camellia sinensis extract~3.5–5.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Tea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Camellia sinensis extract
Lavandula angustifolia extract~2.7–4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skin

More about Lavandula angustifolia extract
Angustifolia, echinacea angustifolia (coneflower)…
Not recognized
Taraxacum officinale extract~2.1–3.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. Can be an allergen

More about Taraxacum officinale extract
Macrocystis pyrifera~1.5–2.3%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Macrocystis pyrifera
Agar~1.3–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Polysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Agar
Citrus limon peel oil~1–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Althaea officinalis root extract~0.8–1.2%
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
Sambucus nigra extract~0.45–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sambucus nigra extract
Achillea millefolium extract~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Achillea millefolium extract
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract~0.2–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating

More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
Algae~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Algae
Glyceryl stearate se~0.15–0.6%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se
Stearic acid~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Cetyl dimethicone~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice, light product texture

More about Cetyl dimethicone
Sorbitol~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Triethanolamine~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Polyethylene~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product's texture

More about Polyethylene
Triacontanyl pvp~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Triacontanyl pvp
Cetyl alcohol~0.3–0.75%
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
Diazolidinyl urea~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating

More about Diazolidinyl urea
Peg-75 lanolin~0.15–0.7%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-75 lanolin
Methylparaben~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben
Allantoin~0.05–0.25%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Propylparaben~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
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 crosspolymer
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Tetrasodium edta~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta
Ingredient list view

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Titanium dioxide, Aloe barbadensis extract, Unknown, Chamomilla recutita extract, Symphytum officinale extract, Camellia sinensis extract, Lavandula angustifolia extract, Unknown, Taraxacum officinale extract, Macrocystis pyrifera, Agar, Citrus limon peel oil, Althaea officinalis root extract, Sambucus nigra extract, Achillea millefolium extract, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Algae, Glyceryl stearate se, Stearic acid, Cetyl dimethicone, Sorbitol, Triethanolamine, Polyethylene, Triacontanyl pvp, Cetyl alcohol, Diazolidinyl urea, Peg-75 lanolin, Methylparaben, Allantoin, Propylparaben, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tocopheryl acetate, Tetrasodium edta

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 15:29 GMT
$37.00
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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
MenScienceTiO2 Sunblock SPF 30YOUR PRODUCTNeutrogenaSport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70+Alba BotanicaSPF 45 Sport SunscreenRevision SkincareIntellishade Original SPF45 Pro Size
Match—36%34%33%
Price$37.00$9.99−$27.01$37.08—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 73 of 73 of 7
Key difference—Artemia ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
SPFSPF 30SPF 70SPF 45SPF 45
Drying alcohol—— Contains drying alcohol —
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More alternatives: La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral Daily Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30 with Hyaluronic AcidPeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion broad spectrum SPF 30

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Product summary

"MenScience - TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.

It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.

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 4.00% (declared), octinoxate 7.50% (declared) and octisalate 5.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

We assess the overall irritancy of it 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 for 31.00$ in the United States and from 29.00£ up to 45.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients A Randomized Clinical Trialjamanetwork.com
  3. 3
    On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
  4. 4
    Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)tandfonline.com
  5. 5
    Dandelion Extracts Protect Human Skin Fibroblasts from UVB Damage and Cellular Senescencehindawi.com
  6. 6
    Allergic contact dermatitis to plants in a Spanish dermatology department: a 7-year reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
MenScience TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30
MenScienceTiO2 Sunblock SPF 30
Buy on Amazon$37.00 · as of 11/5 15:29 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$37.00 · as of 11/5 15:29 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.