Obagi

Obagi MINERAL UV BARRIER PROTECT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 40

Name: Obagi - MINERAL UV BARRIER PROTECT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 40
Brand: Obagi

SPF 40Efficacy90/100IrritancyLow·2 UV filters

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 40 · 2 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 40Broad 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.

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

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

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~5.2–6.4%

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 colorant9.4%

~ 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

Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop + 10 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Helps soothe the skin, maintain moisture balance, and support the skin barrier with skin-strengthening Ceramides and Squalane.”

Source: Obagi Medical

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.

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: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, phytosphingosine

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.~0.7–1.05%

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~1.7–2.1%

Ceramide apHeroEffect: HighA 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~0.25–0.45%

Ceramide eopHero· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.2%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~0.35–0.6%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.25–0.4%

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~1–1.2%

PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.3–0.5%

IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~2–2.4%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances 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~7.1–8.7%

Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin~2.3–2.8%

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~0.1–0.15%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Tocopherol

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.

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

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

6 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 6 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

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~5.2–6.4%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~1.7–2.1%est.

Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.4–1.7%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Sodium lauroyl lactylateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.6%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

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix together3/5~0.75–1.1%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide

Cheaper64% match

$11.87

EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Cheaper57% match

$25.50

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide9.4%

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~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~7.1–8.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 benzoate

Butyloctyl salicylate~5.2–6.4%

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

Propanediol~3.2–3.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~2.3–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone

Isododecane~2–2.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

Methyl trimethicone~1.7–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients

More about Methyl trimethicone

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.7–2.1%

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

Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate~1.4–1.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate

Silica~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Glycerin~1–1.2%

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

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~0.75–1.1%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate

Squalane~0.7–1.05%

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

Phenoxyethanol~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Magnesium sulfate~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Sodium chloride~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Stearalkonium hectorite~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create an even product consistency

More about Stearalkonium hectorite

Ethyl ferulate~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ethyl ferulate

Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.45–0.65%

Formula

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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium lauroyl lactylate~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sodium lauroyl lactylate

Ceramide np~0.35–0.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A 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

More about Ceramide np

Ceramide ap~0.25–0.45%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide ap

Phytosphingosine~0.3–0.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine

Cholesterol~0.25–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Carbomer~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Sr-(wasp spider polypeptide-1 oligopeptide-178)~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sr-(wasp spider polypeptide-1 oligopeptide-178)

Tocopherol~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Ceramide eop~0.1–0.2%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide eop

Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyloctyl salicylate, Propanediol, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Isododecane, Methyl trimethicone, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, Silica, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium sulfate, Sodium chloride, Stearalkonium hectorite, Ethyl ferulate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Sr-(wasp spider polypeptide-1 oligopeptide-178), Tocopherol, Ceramide eop

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/23/2026 21:05 GMT

$65.00

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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
	ObagiMINERAL UV BARRIER PROTECT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 40YOUR PRODUCT	CeraVeHydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide	Tower 28 BeautySOS FaceGuard™ SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++	CetaphilSheer Mineral* Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Match	—	64%	62%	61%
Price	$65.00	$11.87−$53.13	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 10	10 of 10	7 of 10
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Sodium Hyaluronate	Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 40	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 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
Safety assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MEA-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Safety Assessment of Magnesium Sulfate as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systemsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
13
Topical emulsions containing ceramides: Effects on the skin barrier function and anti‐inflammatory propertiesonlinelibrary.wiley.com

ObagiMINERAL UV BARRIER PROTECT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 40

Buy on Amazon$65.00 · as of 10/23 21:05 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$65.00 · as of 10/23 21:05 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.