NEOSTRATA Skin Active Matrix Support SPF30 Cream

NEOSTRATA Skin Active Matrix Support SPF30 Cream

SPF 30Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium·4 UV filters
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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 4 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo 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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octinoxate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Octisalate
Avobenzone
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%
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~4.1–6.2%
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%
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
Anti-aging
5 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“A power duo of NeoGlucosamine and Retinol work together to target natural Hyaluronic Acid synthesis, enhancing skin’s plumpness and firmness to soften the reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, acetyl glucosamine.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

This product can also 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.

Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~4.3–6.5%
RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.05–0.25%
Palmitoyl oligopeptideKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.4%
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.4%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1.4–2%
Evens skin tone
3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Recharge slacking skin with the NeoStrata Skin Active Matrix Support SPF30 Cream; an anti-ageing moisturiser formulated to help support skin’s matrix and minimise the appearance of uneven pigment.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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).

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.05–0.25%
Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~4.3–6.5%
Punica granatum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.05–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Retinol, Rosa damascena flower oil
Medium risk
We flagged 21 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%
RetinolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
MethyldihydrojasmonateUsed as a fragrance. Smells similar to jasmineHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Ethylene brassylateA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.01–0.05%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%
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~4.1–6.2%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~0.05–0.25%est.
Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.01–0.1%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.01–0.1%est.
Peg-75 stearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Ceteth-20Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Steareth-20Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Ci 17200A red colorantMedium~0.01–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
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 radicals3/5~1.4–2%est.
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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 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
Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Acetyl glucosamine~4.3–6.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliation

An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin

More about Acetyl glucosamine
Butyloctyl salicylate~4.1–6.2%
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
Cyclopentasiloxane~3.3–5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Glyceryl stearate~2.5–3.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Butylene glycol~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.4–2%
Comedogenic 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
Peg-100 stearate~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate
Dimethicone~0.95–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
Cetyl alcohol~0.5–1.1%
Formula
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
Nylon-12~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12
Triacontanyl pvp~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Retinol~0.05–0.25%
Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin toneIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMattifyingExfoliationAnti-aging

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

More about Retinol
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.25%
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
Palmitoyl oligopeptide~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl oligopeptide
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Punica granatum extract~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract
Coffea arabica fruit extract~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Arginine~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An 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

More about Arginine
Glycerin~0.05–0.25%
Formula
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
Propylene glycol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Triethyl citrate~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane
Caprylyl glycol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Citric acid~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Disodium edta~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Bht~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Peg-75 stearate~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-75 stearate
Ceteth-20~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ceteth-20
Steareth-20~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Steareth-20
Dimethiconol~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol
Polysorbate 20~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Methyldihydrojasmonate~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Smells similar to jasmine

More about Methyldihydrojasmonate
Ethylene brassylate~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Ethylene brassylate
Chlorphenesin~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ci 19140~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Ci 17200~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A red colorant

More about Ci 17200
Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Water, Acetyl glucosamine, Butyloctyl salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl stearate, Butylene glycol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Peg-100 stearate, Dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol, Nylon-12, Triacontanyl pvp, Retinol, Tocopheryl acetate, Palmitoyl oligopeptide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Punica granatum extract, Coffea arabica fruit extract, Rosa damascena flower oil, Arginine, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Triethyl citrate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Disodium edta, Bht, Peg-75 stearate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan gum, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Ethylene brassylate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 19140, Ci 17200

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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
NEOSTRATASkin Active Matrix Support SPF30 CreamYOUR PRODUCTExuvianceAge Reverse Day Repair SPF 30 + Retinol Antiaging MoisturizerExuviance ProfessionalTotal Correct Day SPF 30StriVectinAdvanced Retinol Day Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Match—97%90%73%
Price$72.71$65.60−$7.11$83.16+$10.45$99.00+$26.29
Shared key ingredients—13 of 1412 of 147 of 14
Key difference—Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Retinyl Palmitate
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium High
SPFSPF 30SPF 30SPF 30SPF 30
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "NEOSTRATA - Skin Active Matrix Support SPF30 Cream" can provide 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).

This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

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 4.10% - 6.20%, octinoxate 7.50% (declared) and octisalate 5.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer 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 for 55.00£ 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 22 studies and safety reviews.

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NEOSTRATA Skin Active Matrix Support SPF30 Cream
NEOSTRATASkin Active Matrix Support SPF30 Cream

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