Murad SPF Environmental Shield: City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
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.
Evens skin tone3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“The pinkish colour helps to colour the skin properly to immediately increase the brightness and even up the tone.”
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).
Anti-aging2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“SPF Environmental Shield City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50”
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.
These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: retinyl palmitate.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 20 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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:
betaine, glycerin.
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: dimethicone, argania spinosa kernel oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Retinyl palmitateMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Cyclopentasiloxane~5.9–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneZinc oxide~5.2–6.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideDimethicone~3.5–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeGlycerin~2.8–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateTitanium dioxide~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 dioxideArgania spinosa kernel oil~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
More about Argania spinosa kernel oilTocopheryl acetate~1.3–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetatePolyurethane-35~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneAvena sativa kernel extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractXanthophylls~0.65–0.95%
Retinyl palmitate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateAscorbic acid~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidBisabolol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololHydrolyzed jojoba esters~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed jojoba estersUrea~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaYeast amino acids~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Trehalose~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseInositol~0.45–0.7%
Taurine~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness
More about TaurineBetaine~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineBiosaccharide gum-4~0.4–0.65%
Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help to reduce inflammation in skin, but solid research is lacking
More about Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acidSilica~0.5–0.8%
Tapioca starch~0.4–0.65%
Sucrose~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucrosePentylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolButylene glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidDimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.3–0.5%
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerLauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconePeg-8 dimethicone~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that can help create nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Peg-8 dimethiconeOctyldodecanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolSodium propoxyhydroxypropyl thiosulfate silica~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Aluminum hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxidePeg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture
More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethiconeTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilanePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%
Iron oxides~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesCi 77491~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491Ingredient list view
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc oxide, Dimethicone, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Titanium dioxide, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Polyurethane-35, Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Avena sativa kernel extract, Xanthophylls, Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbic acid, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed jojoba esters, Urea, Yeast amino acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Biosaccharide gum-4, Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, Silica, Tapioca starch, Sucrose, Pentylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Stearic acid, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Peg-8 dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Sodium propoxyhydroxypropyl thiosulfate silica, Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone, Aluminum hydroxide, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Iron oxides, Ci 77491
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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.
| MuradSPF Environmental Shield: City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50YOUR PRODUCT | BeautyStatUniversal C Skin Refiner Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | CetaphilSheer Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | ZO Skin HealthBroad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 65% | 65% | 62% |
| Price | $69.80 | $85.00+$15.20 | $27.76−$42.04 | $60.00−$9.80 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 18 | 4 of 18 | 7 of 18 |
| Key difference | — | Linoleic Acid | Butyloctyl Salicylate | Erythritol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Murad - SPF Environmental Shield: City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This product is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
This product contains actives that can be irritating. 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Murad" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 52.80£ up to 62.90£ 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 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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