Paul & Joe Sun Protection Body Primer
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 5 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks 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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Pancratium maritimum extractWorks 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).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycerin, Dimethicone + 7 moreWorks
“With maximum SPF50 sun protection, this gel formula is packed with hydrating ingredients such as olive oil, argan oil and sea daffodil Extract.”
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, butylene glycol.
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: dimethicone, argania spinosa kernel oil.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Alcohol~8.3–10.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.6–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 methoxycinnamatePropylene glycol dicaprate~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Propylene glycol dicaprateDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2.5–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazinePolysilicone-15~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light
More about Polysilicone-15Butylene glycol~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolGlycerin~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinDimethicone~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconeArgania spinosa kernel oil~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
More about Argania spinosa kernel oilOlea europaea fruit oil~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
More about Olea europaea fruit oilPancratium maritimum extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentation
More about Pancratium maritimum extractSphacelaria scoparia extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerBht~0.35–0.65%
Carbomer~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCetearyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholDimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help improve the product's texture
More about Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethiconeDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-30 phytosterol~0.25–0.5%
Peg-5 phytosterol~0.25–0.5%
Potassium hydroxide~0.25–0.5%
Sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerParfum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumBenzyl benzoate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Benzyl benzoateCitronellol~0.15–0.3%
Geraniol~0.1–0.2%
Limonene~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.1–0.15%
Mica~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaTitanium dioxide~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Propylene glycol dicaprate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Polysilicone-15, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Olea europaea fruit oil, Pancratium maritimum extract, Sphacelaria scoparia extract, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Bht, Carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone, Disodium edta, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-30 phytosterol, Peg-5 phytosterol, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Parfum, Benzyl benzoate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Mica, Titanium dioxide
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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.
| Paul & JoeSun Protection Body PrimerYOUR PRODUCT | KoseSuncut UV Aqualy Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ | Shen Hsiang TangCellina Sunscreen Lotion Whitening SPF 50+ PA++++ | UriageBariésun Kids Spray SPF50+ with UV Bag | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 40% | 40% | 37% |
| Price | — | $20.16 | $12.80 | $28.73 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 8 | 3 of 8 | 5 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Cyclomethicone | Alpha-Arbutin | Uvinul T |
| Irritancy | High | High | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++Orjena Aqua UV Perfect Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that this product can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus, octinoxate and polysilicone-15. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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