What's In My Jar
Pai Skincare Skincare British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen
Pai Skincare

Pai Skincare Skincare British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen

SPF 30Efficacy90/100IrritancyHigh·1 UV filter·100% recommend (1 review)
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 1 UV filter
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumMineral filtersTinted

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~12–15%
~ 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.
Anti-aging
Tocopherol, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Enriched with a potent blend of zinc and cotton extract, the high-performance formula defends against harmful rays, while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, making it ideal for daily wear.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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.

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~0.5–0.7%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.2–0.4%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Lactic acid
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).

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.2–0.4%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Squalene, Tocopherol
May help

This product contains antioxidants (squalene) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

SqualeneKey activeEffect: MediumAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.45–0.7%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.5–0.7%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol + 10 more
Works
What the product description says
“Clinically proven and dermatologically approved, the gentle yet powerful sun protection ensures skin stays protected, nourished and glowing.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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, simmondsia chinensis seed oil.

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~5.9–7.2%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~3.2–4%
Coconut alkanesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.1–3.8%
Pongamia glabra seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.6–3.2%
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~2.4–3%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~1.3–1.5%
Helianthus annuus seed waxKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency~0.75–1.15%
SqualeneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.45–0.7%
Beta-sitosterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated~0.45–0.7%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.65–0.95%
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~0.5–0.7%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.2–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Citrus nobilis peel oil + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 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~1.9–2.3%est.
Vanilla planifolia fruit extractA plant extract used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.55–0.8%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%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~5.9–7.2%est.
Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~3.1–3.8%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~1.3–1.5%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.2%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.7–1.1%est.
Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.65–1%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.2–0.4%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 texture2/5~3.2–4%est.
Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skin2/5~3.1–3.8%est.
SqualeneAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast2/5~0.45–0.7%est.

User reviews

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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
Zinc oxide~12–15%
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
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.9–7.2%
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
Cetearyl alcohol~3.2–4%
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
Coconut alkanes~3.1–3.8%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Coconut alkanes
Pongamia glabra seed oil~2.6–3.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Pongamia glabra seed oil
Glycerin~2.4–3%
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
Coco-glucoside~1.9–2.3%
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
Gossypium herbaceum callus culture~1.4–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Gossypium herbaceum callus culture
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~1.3–1.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate~1–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate
Helianthus annuus seed wax~0.75–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seed wax
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.7–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Acacia senegal gum~0.65–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum
Bentonite~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-blemish

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Bentonite
Xanthan gum~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Lecithin~0.65–0.95%
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
C18-21 alkane~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about C18-21 alkane
Vanilla planifolia fruit extract~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Vanilla planifolia fruit extract
Diethyl sebacate~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Diethyl sebacate
Isostearic acid~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a nice product texture

More about Isostearic acid
Tocopherol~0.5–0.7%
Under-dosed
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
Beta-sitosterol~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated

More about Beta-sitosterol
Citric acid~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Squalene~0.45–0.7%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast

More about Squalene
Quartz~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A mineral. It does not have any confirmed benefit for the skin

More about Quartz
Benzyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Benzyl alcohol
Lactic acid~0.2–0.4%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Phenethyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol
Limonene~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Zinc oxide, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol, Coconut alkanes, Pongamia glabra seed oil, Glycerin, Coco-glucoside, Gossypium herbaceum callus culture, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Acacia senegal gum, Bentonite, Xanthan gum, Lecithin, C18-21 alkane, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Diethyl sebacate, Isostearic acid, Tocopherol, Beta-sitosterol, Citric acid, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Squalene, Quartz, Benzyl alcohol, Lactic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Phenethyl alcohol, Limonene, Linalool

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🇩🇪 Feelunique DE (DE)40 ml
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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
Pai SkincareSkincare British Summer Time Sensitive SunscreenYOUR PRODUCTCaldera + LabThe Face SPF | Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30TruSkinSPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin CCaudalieVinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 with Niacinamide
Match—44%44%43%
Price—$40.00$19.99$37.17
Shared key ingredients—5 of 83 of 86 of 8
Key difference—GluconolactoneHydrolyzed Jojoba EstersNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Low Low
SPFSPF 30SPF 30SPF 30SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper

More alternatives: Lion Pose Unghosted 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42 with Zinc & SqualaneiS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40

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Product summary

"Pai Skincare - Skincare British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen" uses a single UV filter (zinc oxide) in a relatively low concentration and might not be able to provide reliable sun protection.

It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.

Sunscreen filters

It 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

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. 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.

What our users say

Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product
  • As for the white cast, it did not leave a noticeable white residue for the reviewer.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
  • As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it stings eyes.
Our users describe the finish of this sunscreen as dewy.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Pai Skincare" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails from 29.00£ up to 39.77£ in the United Kingdom and for 29.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreensncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen productsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorodsiopscience.iop.org
  5. 5
    ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Chemical and nutritional evaluation ofPongamia glabra oil andAcacia auriculaeformis oillink.springer.com
Pai Skincare Skincare British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen
Pai SkincareSkincare British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen
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