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Palmers Cocoa Butter Soothing Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15 by Palmers for Unisex - Moisturizer
Palmers

Palmers Cocoa Butter Soothing Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15 by Palmers for Unisex - Moisturizer

SPF 15Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·5 UV filters
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 15 · 5 UV filters · Broad spectrum
Weak protectionSPF under 30
SPF 15Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Homosalate
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Oxybenzone
Avobenzone
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
HomosalateUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation9%
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%
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%
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 absorption6%
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.2%
Moisturizing
Paraffinum liquidum, Isopropyl myristate + 6 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Cocoa Butter Soothing Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15 by Palmers for Unisex .”
From product name

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: isopropyl myristate, theobroma cacao seed butter.

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).

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

Paraffinum liquidumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighMineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function~23–35%
Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~3.7–5.6%
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~2.1–3.1%
Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.95–1.4%
Zea mays oilKey activeEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~0.3–0.7%
Isopropyl palmitate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~4.4–6.6%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA 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~0.55–1.25%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens 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.~0.45–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 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%
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 absorptionHigh6%
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~1–1.5%est.
Ci 15850A red colorantHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
CoumarinA fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%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.Medium2%
HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium9%
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~4.4–6.6%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~0.4–0.95%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~0.45–1.05%est.
Comedogenic
7 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
7 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
Theobroma cacao extract—3/5~4.9–7.4%est.
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency3/5~4.4–6.6%est.
Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~3.7–5.6%est.
Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~0.95–1.4%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 radicals3/5~0.55–1.25%est.
Zea mays oilA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function3/5~0.3–0.7%est.
Ci 26100—2/5~0.1–0.5%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50
Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50
Higher efficacy · 90/10058% match
Kids Max Protect Play Sunscreen C
Banana Boat Kids Max Protect Play Sunscreen C
Higher efficacy · 100/10057% match
$11.52
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2%
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
Homosalate9%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate
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
Benzophenone-36%
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
Paraffinum liquidum~23–35%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function

More about Paraffinum liquidum
Theobroma cacao extract~4.9–7.4%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Theobroma cacao extract
Isopropyl palmitate~4.4–6.6%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Isopropyl palmitate
Isopropyl myristate~3.7–5.6%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate
Hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer~2.8–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.1–3.1%
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
Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer~1.5–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer
Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a gel-like product texture

More about Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer
Parfum~1–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.95–1.4%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter
Peg-40 sorbitan peroleate~0.55–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-40 sorbitan peroleate
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.55–1.25%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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
Tocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.95%
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
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.45–1.05%
Under-dosedIrritant · 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
Zea mays oil~0.3–0.7%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Zea mays oil
Beta-carotene~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant adding orange or bright yellow color

More about Beta-carotene
Ci 40800~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 40800
Ci 15850~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A red colorant

More about Ci 15850
Ci 26100~0.1–0.5%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
More about Ci 26100
Citronellol~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Coumarin~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritating

More about Coumarin
Geraniol~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Linalool~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Paraffinum liquidum, Theobroma cacao extract, Isopropyl palmitate, Isopropyl myristate, Hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer, Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer, Parfum, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Peg-40 sorbitan peroleate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Tocopheryl acetate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Zea mays oil, Beta-carotene, Ci 40800, Ci 15850, Ci 26100, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Linalool

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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
PalmersCocoa Butter Soothing Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15 by Palmers for Unisex - MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCTHawaiian TropicIsland Tanning Dry Oil Spray SPF 25ShiseidoClear Stick UV Protector SPF 50Banana BoatKids Max Protect Play Sunscreen C
Match—59%58%57%
Price———$11.52
Shared key ingredients—6 of 104 of 103 of 10
Key difference—Cocos Nucifera OilUvinul A PlusOctocrylene
Irritancy High Medium High Medium
SPFSPF 15SPF 25SPF 50SPF 100
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Palmers - Cocoa Butter Soothing Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15 by Palmers for Unisex - Moisturizer" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day.

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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: oxybenzone 6.00% (declared), avobenzone 2.00% (declared), octinoxate 7.50% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared) and homosalate 9.00% (declared).

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 moisturizer 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.

Price

The product retails for 10.50$ 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 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Opinion on Homosalate - Scientific Committee on Consumer Products ec.europa.eu
  2. 2
    Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  3. 3
    Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients A Randomized Clinical Trialjamanetwork.com
  4. 4
    On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
  5. 5
    A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
Palmers Cocoa Butter Soothing Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15 by Palmers for Unisex - Moisturizer
PalmersCocoa Butter Soothing Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15 by Palmers for Unisex - Moisturizer
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