Mongdies

Sun Cream

Name: Mongdies - Sun Cream
Brand: Mongdies

SPF 30Efficacy 60/100·High irritancy ·1 UV filter

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

We do not recommend "Mongdies - Sun Cream" because it does not provide good UVA protection.

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Product summary

We do not recommend "Mongdies - Sun Cream" because it does not provide good UVA protection. UVA sun rays don't burn the skin, but they still lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation.

This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day.

Sunscreen filters

This moisturizer is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide for sun protection. Titanium dioxide almost never irritates the skin or stings eyes, but it can leave a white cast.

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 moisturizer 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 17.00$ up to 28.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sun protection

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

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 nmUVA II320 nmUVA I340 nmVisible400 nm+

Titanium Dioxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

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 skin~5.1–7.6%

~ 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.

Product claims breakdown

Moisturizing

31 ingredients contribute at the levels below

Strong evidence

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: alanine, arginine.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, helianthus annuus seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, panthenol

NIACINAMIDERole: Under-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.5–1.15%

CERAMIDE NPRole: Key activeA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.5–1.2%

LINOLEIC ACIDRole: Under-dosedAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~0.35–0.85%

PANTHENOLRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.5–1.15%

BETAINERole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.45–1.05%

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACTRole: Key activeCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–1.15%

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDERole: Under-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.55–1.25%

CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACTRole: Key activeA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.5–1.15%

CYANOCOBALAMINRole: Key activeCan support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin~0.35–0.85%

FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDESRole: Key activeHelp attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1.1%

GLUTAMIC ACIDRole: Key activeAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.95%

GLYCERINRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.5–1.2%

GLYCINERole: Key activeHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.4–0.9%

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OILRole: Key activeA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.6–1.4%

INOSITOLRole: Key active~0.05–0.25%

LYSINERole: Key activeAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.8%

PHENYL TRIMETHICONERole: Key activeA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~3.2–4.7%

SACCHARIDE HYDROLYSATERole: Key active~0.5–1.1%

SALVIA HISPANICA SEED EXTRACTRole: Key activeA plant extract that typically contains linolenic and linoleic acids that help soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.55–1.25%

SERINERole: Key activeAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.4–0.9%

SESAMUM INDICUM SEED EXTRACTRole: Key activePlant oil that due to its high content of linoleic acid can help support skin's barrier function improving its hydration~0.45–1.05%

SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OILRole: Under-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.85–1.3%

SODIUM HYALURONATERole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.1%

SQUALANERole: Key activeAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.55–1.25%

THREONINERole: Key activeAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.75%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.4–0.9%

TREHALOSERole: Key activeA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.1%

ALANINERole: Key activeAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.3–0.7%

ALLANTOINRole: Under-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.45–1.05%

ARGININERole: Key activeAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.15–0.65%

BETA-GLUCANRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.45–1.1%

Anti-oxidation

VITIS VINIFERA SEED EXTRACT at ~0.5–1.15% delivers this without it being on the label

Quiet bonus

This product contains antioxidants (vitis vinifera seed 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).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract, centella asiatica extract, pyridoxine also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

PYRIDOXINERole: Key activeMight help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. It might be irritating~0.4–0.9%

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACTRole: Key activeCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.45–1.1%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.4–0.9%

VITIS VINIFERA SEED EXTRACTRole: Key activeA plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation~0.5–1.15%

Irritancy

32 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 32 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.45–1.1%est.

Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.5–1.15%est.

Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.1%est.

PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.6–1.35%est.

Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.45–1.1%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.1%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.1%est.

Propolis extractA complex substance produced by honey bees. Can have anti-bacterial and some anti-oxidant effect. Is an allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.5–1.15%est.

Prunus persica fruit extractA fruit extact. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.55–1.25%est.

Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.45–1.1%est.

Oenothera biennis flower extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.5–1.1%est.

PyridoxineMight help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. It might be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.9%est.

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationLow~2.1–3.1%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeLow~1.3–2%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Low~0.85–1.3%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.8–1.2%est.

Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationLow~0.6–1.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Low~0.5–1.15%est.

Salvia hispanica seed extractA plant extract that typically contains linolenic and linoleic acids that help soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionLow~0.55–1.25%est.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA 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 determineLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Polygonum cuspidatum root extractA plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the productLow~0.5–1.2%est.

Polyglyceryl-10 stearateHelps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skinLow~0.5–1.1%est.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinLow~0.55–1.25%est.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin CLow~0.5–1.15%est.

PhosphatidylcholineUsed to enhance the delivery of other ingredientsLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Aluminum stearateUsed to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulationLow~0.45–1.1%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationLow~0.5–1.15%est.

Thiamine hclCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is studied as a mosquito repellentLow~0.15–0.6%est.

Comedogenic

Sorbitan oleate ~0.5–1.15% — rinse-off or low %

Low risk

We flag 1 ingredient with a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating — at these concentrations, or in rinse-off use, they're unlikely to clog pores for most skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMed~0.5–1.15%est.

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.