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Novaclear Urban Sunblock SPF 50+ Oily Skin
Novaclear

Novaclear Urban Sunblock SPF 50+ Oily Skin

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyHigh·6 UV filters
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 6 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 50Broad spectrumChemical filtersNano filters

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
Octocrylene
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Oxybenzone
Tinosorb M
Avobenzone
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen~5.9–7.3%
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 irritating~4.3–5.3%
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" sunscreen~2–2.5%
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 absorption~1.7–2.1%
Tinosorb MMethylene Bis-benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolUVBUVA Photo-stable Tinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet~2.5–3.1%
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.~3–3.7%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · No ingredient credited for this claim
Works well

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-aging
Side benefit · No ingredient credited for this claim
Works well

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.

Moisturizing
Side benefit · Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate se + 6 more
Works

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

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.7–2%
Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.95–1.15%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.55–0.8%
CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~0.45–0.65%
Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~3.2–3.9%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.55–0.85%
CyclohexasiloxaneEffect: Low, below effective doseA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~0.15–0.25%
Coco-caprylateUnder-dosedAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~0.75–1.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 14 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 irritatingHigh~4.3–5.3%est.
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 absorptionHigh~1.7–2.1%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.55–0.85%est.
Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract—High~0.15–0.3%est.
Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract—High~0.15–0.3%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium~5.9–7.3%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.Medium~3–3.7%est.
Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolTinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~2.5–3.1%est.
Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.75–1.1%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient propertiesMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.25–0.45%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
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.7–2%est.
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.95–1.15%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties2/5~0.6–0.9%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Octocrylene~5.9–7.3%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.3–5.3%
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
Dibutyl adipate~3.2–3.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Dibutyl adipate
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~3–3.7%
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
Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~2.5–3.1%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Tinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol
Cetearyl alcohol~1.7–2%
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
Ethylhexyl salicylate~2–2.5%
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-3~1.7–2.1%
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
Glyceryl stearate se~0.95–1.15%
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
Coco-caprylate~0.75–1.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate
Propylene glycol~0.55–0.85%
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
Ceteareth-20~0.6–0.9%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties

More about Ceteareth-20
Dimethicone~0.55–0.8%
Key active
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
Xanthan gum~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Cyclopentasiloxane~0.45–0.65%
Key active
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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Triethanolamine~0.25–0.45%
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
Decyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract
Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract
Ceteth-10 phosphate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Ceteth-10 phosphate
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Cyclohexasiloxane
Dicetyl phosphate~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Dicetyl phosphate
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Ingredient list view

Water, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Dibutyl adipate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Cetearyl alcohol, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Glyceryl stearate se, Coco-caprylate, Propylene glycol, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Xanthan gum, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Decyl glucoside, Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract, Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract, Ceteth-10 phosphate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicetyl phosphate, Benzyl alcohol

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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
NovaclearUrban Sunblock SPF 50+ Oily SkinYOUR PRODUCTMesoesteticMesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil SPF 50+DCLEssential Skin Protection SPF 30NiveaKids Protect & Care Sun Lotion SPF 50+
Match—42%41%40%
Price———$5.35
Shared key ingredients—5 of 75 of 71 of 7
Key difference—Tinosorb STetrahexyldecyl AscorbatePanthenol
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
SPFSPF 50SPF 50SPF 30SPF 50
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
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Product summary

We believe that "Novaclear - Urban Sunblock SPF 50+ Oily Skin" 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).

As a plus, this sunscreen uses some of the new generation UV filters (Tinosorb M). These filters are more stable and more gentle on the skin.

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 1.70% - 2.10%, avobenzone 3.00% - 3.70%, octinoxate 4.30% - 5.30%, octisalate 2.00% - 2.50%, tinosorb m 2.50% - 3.10% and octocrylene 5.90% - 7.30%.

Irritation risk

We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 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
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Novaclear Urban Sunblock SPF 50+ Oily Skin
NovaclearUrban Sunblock SPF 50+ Oily Skin
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.