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PCA SKIN Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
PCA SKIN

PCA SKIN Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·4 UV filters
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 4 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical 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.

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
Octocrylene
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Octisalate
Zinc Oxide
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" sunscreen9.5%
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~3.8–5.6%
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" sunscreen4.9%
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 colorant9.1%
~ 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.
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 the brand mentions · No ingredient credited for this claim
Works well
What the product description says
“Zinc oxide helps absorb UV rays, while Ectoin® fights against environmental pollutants that contribute to aging and cell damage.”
Source: Dermstore

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 the brand mentions · Cyclopentasiloxane, Ectoin + 4 more
Works
What the product description says
“An SPF 50 sunscreen that moisturizes, protects, and combats aging pollutants.”
Source: Dermstore

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: sodium hyaluronate, 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: octyldodecyl neopentanoate, cyclopentasiloxane.

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~1.5–2.2%
EctoinKey activeEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~1.1–1.6%
Octyldodecyl neopentanoateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen~0.5–1.2%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~4.2–6.3%
Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~2.2–3.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~1.6–2.4%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" sunscreenMedium9.5%
Avena sativa bran extract—Medium~23–34%est.
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~3.8–5.6%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~2.8–4.2%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
Oleth-3 phosphateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.45–1.05%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.6%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~0.05–0.3%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
Oleth-3 phosphateHelps water and oil mix together3/5~0.45–1.05%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ethylhexyl salicylate4.9%
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
Octocrylene9.5%
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
Zinc oxide9.1%
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
Avena sativa bran extract~23–34%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Avena sativa bran extract
Bisabolol~4.7–7.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Butylene glycol~4.2–6.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Butyloctyl salicylate~3.8–5.6%
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
Caffeine~2.8–4.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Caprylyl methicone~2.2–3.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract~1.6–2.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract
Cyclopentasiloxane~1.5–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

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
Ectoin~1.1–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Ectoin
Ethyl ferulate~0.85–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethyl ferulate
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Octyldodecyl neopentanoate~0.5–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen

More about Octyldodecyl neopentanoate
Oleth-3 phosphate~0.45–1.05%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Oleth-3 phosphate
Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Polyisobutene~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene
Propanediol~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Silybum marianum seed extract~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Silybum marianum seed extract
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.3%
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
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.05–0.25%
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
Water~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Ingredient list view

Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Zinc oxide, Avena sativa bran extract, Bisabolol, Butylene glycol, Butyloctyl salicylate, Caffeine, Caprylyl methicone, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ectoin, Ethyl ferulate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Oleth-3 phosphate, Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, Phenoxyethanol, Polyisobutene, Propanediol, Silybum marianum seed extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Tocopheryl acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water

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Dermstore1.7 fl. oz
$48.00 Out of stock
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Amazon US
Price unavailable Out of stock
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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
PCA SKINDaily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+YOUR PRODUCTCool Gadget GiftPCA Skin • Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 • • New • AUTHENTICGlytoneAge Defense UV Mineral Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50+CivantSPF 50 Sunscreen
Match—39%37%37%
Price———$38.00
Shared key ingredients—8 of 95 of 95 of 9
Key difference—BetaineNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Low
SPFSPF 50SPF 30SPF 50SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

We believe that "PCA SKIN - Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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).

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

Sunscreen filters

This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: butyloctyl salicylate, octisalate and octocrylene. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

It contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. 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 from 28.25$ up to 44.00$ 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 12 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
    α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
PCA SKIN Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
PCA SKINDaily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.