Nécessaire

Nécessaire The Sunscreen

Name: Nécessaire - The Sunscreen
Brand: Nécessaire

SPF 30Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·1 UV filter

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 30 · 1 UV filter

Broad spectrum

SPF 30Broad spectrumMineral filters

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable 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~44–54%

~ 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.

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Sodium hyaluronate + 12 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Sunscreen The Sunscreen is a blendable, hydrating daily mineral sunscreen infused with clinically-proven skincare actives.”

Source: N/A

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: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.85%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~2.9–3.6%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.7–2.1%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~4.9–6%

TriheptanoinKey activeEffect: HighA synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.6–2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.5–1.9%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.15%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.15–0.25%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.65–0.95%

Laminaria saccharina extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.7–1%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs 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~0.55–0.85%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.55–0.8%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Butyrospermum parkii butter, Laminaria saccharina extract + 2 more

Strong evidence

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.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.65–0.95%

Laminaria saccharina extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.7–1%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide

Strong evidence

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).

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Zingiber officinale root extract

Medium risk

We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Coco-glucosideUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritatingHigh~1.2–1.4%est.

Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.6–0.95%est.

PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.4–0.6%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 glycerinMedium~4.9–6%est.

Glyceryl oleate citrateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.8–1.2%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeMedium~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

Laminaria saccharina extractA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations3/5~0.7–1%est.

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.65–0.95%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.5–1.9%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct SPF 70 Daily Anti-Aging Face Sunscreen

Higher efficacy · 100/10069% match

$32.99

Face Reality Skincare Daily SPF 30 Plus

Higher efficacy · 100/10065% match

$30.00

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide~44–54%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 oxide

Water~13–16%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~4.9–6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Squalane~2.9–3.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An 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.

More about Squalane

Propanediol~2.1–2.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Triheptanoin~1.6–2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

A synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triheptanoin

Glycerin~1.7–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Cetearyl alcohol~1.5–1.9%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

C13-15 alkane~1.3–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in the formula

More about C13-15 alkane

Coco-glucoside~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating

More about Coco-glucoside

Glyceryl oleate citrate~0.8–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Glyceryl oleate citrate

Laminaria saccharina extract~0.7–1%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

More about Laminaria saccharina extract

Zingiber officinale root extract~0.6–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.65–0.95%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Sodium hyaluronate~0.55–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Niacinamide~0.55–0.85%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is 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

More about Niacinamide

Tocopherol~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

Pure 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

More about Tocopherol

Bisabolol~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

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 Bisabolol

Panthenol~0.45–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Pullulan~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Cetearyl glucoside~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Silica~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate

Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate

Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid

Isostearic acid~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a nice product texture

More about Isostearic acid

Lecithin~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Sclerotium gum~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Citric acid~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Glyceryl caprylate~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Caprylhydroxamic acid

Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Squalane, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, C13-15 alkane, Coco-glucoside, Glyceryl oleate citrate, Laminaria saccharina extract, Zingiber officinale root extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Sodium hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Panthenol, Pullulan, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Cetearyl glucoside, Silica, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Isostearic acid, Lecithin, Sclerotium gum, Xanthan gum, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Glyceryl caprylate, Caprylyl glycol, Caprylhydroxamic acid

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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
	NécessaireThe SunscreenYOUR PRODUCT	SkinMedicaTotal Defense and Repair SPF 50	Ghost DemocracyInvisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen Spf33	Rodan + FieldsREVERSE Brightening Defense Fluid Lotion SPF 50
Match	—	76%	76%	75%
Price	—	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 13	5 of 13	8 of 13
Key difference	—	Knotgrass Extract	Butyloctyl Salicylate	Ascorbyl Glucoside
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 30	SPF 50	SPF 33	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

We believe that "Necessaire - The Sunscreen" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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).

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. It uses zinc oxide for sun protection. Zinc oxide almost never irritates the skin or stings eyes, but it can leave a white cast.

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide 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.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.

1
A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
2
Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreensncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen productsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorodsiopscience.iop.org
5
ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
In Vitro Assessment of Skin Irritation Potential of Surfactant-based Formulations by Using a 3-D Skin Reconstructed Tissue Model and Cytokine Responseresearchgate.net
8
Allergen of the Year—Alkyl Glucosidepracticeupdate.com
9
Safety Assessment of Brown Algae-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
10
The effect of laminaria saccharina extract on suppressing pigmentation in in-vitro systemjaad.org
11
Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent researchsciencedirect.com
12
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
14
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
18
α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
19
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
20
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

NécessaireThe Sunscreen

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