What's In My Jar
Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Stick SPF 30, Light
Physicians Formula

Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Stick SPF 30, Light

SPF 30Efficacy90/100IrritancyLow·2 UV filters
See all ingredients In 5 routines
Edit

Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 2 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumMineral filters

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
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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~29–35%
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~11–14%
~ 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
Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support

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).

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedEffect: HighBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~0.45–0.65%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

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.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedEffect: HighBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~0.45–0.65%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.7–1.05%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.45–0.7%
Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · 19 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support

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, copernicia cerifera wax.

Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~6.3–7.7%
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~1–1.3%
MethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface~0.45–0.65%
Synthetic beeswaxKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.85%
Isocetyl stearateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~2.8–3.4%
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~3.4–4.2%
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~0.45–0.65%
Copernicia cerifera waxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~0.8–1.2%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~4.5–5.5%
Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~0.65–1%
Perilla ocymoides seed oilEffect: LowA plant extract that works as an emollient. It might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains some volatile compounds and could be irritating~0.5–0.75%
Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~1.2–1.5%
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~0.4–0.6%
Hexyl laurate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~0.45–0.65%
Arachidyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.45–0.7%
LysolecithinEffect: LowLecithin derivative. It helps oil and water mix together and can enhance penetration of other ingredients. It helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.65%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.45–0.65%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: HighA 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~0.7–1.05%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.4–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
10 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 10 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
Perilla ocymoides seed oilA plant extract that works as an emollient. It might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains some volatile compounds and could be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%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~3.4–4.2%est.
Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~1.2–1.5%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.45–0.7%est.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Medium~0.45–0.65%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~0.45–0.65%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Castor oil phosphateHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Hexyl laurateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
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 radicals3/5~0.7–1.05%est.
Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~0.65–1%est.
Edit
Cheaper Alternatives
Similar formulations, better price
No cheaper similar product found.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide~29–35%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Zinc oxide~11–14%
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
Phenyl trimethicone~6.3–7.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone
Dimethicone~4.5–5.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.4–4.2%
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
Isocetyl stearate~2.8–3.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Isocetyl stearate
Euphorbia cerifera wax~2.8–3.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Euphorbia cerifera wax
Mica~2.1–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Microcrystalline wax~1.5–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Microcrystalline wax
Cetyl ethylhexanoate~1.2–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~1–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Copernicia cerifera wax~0.8–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Copernicia cerifera wax
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.7–1.05%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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
Ethylhexyl palmitate~0.65–1%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate
Synthetic beeswax~0.55–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Synthetic beeswax
Calcium aluminum borosilicate~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thickenthe product consistency

More about Calcium aluminum borosilicate
Phenoxyethanol~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Salix alba bark extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishExfoliation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Perilla ocymoides seed oil~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A plant extract that works as an emollient. It might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains some volatile compounds and could be irritating

More about Perilla ocymoides seed oil
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~0.45–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%
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
Arachidyl alcohol~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Arachidyl alcohol
Bht~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Castor oil phosphate~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Castor oil phosphate
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.4–0.6%
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
Glycerin~0.45–0.65%
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
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products

More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer
Hexyl laurate~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Hexyl laurate
Lysolecithin~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Lecithin derivative. It helps oil and water mix together and can enhance penetration of other ingredients. It helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lysolecithin
Methicone~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface

More about Methicone
Ozokerite~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Ozokerite
Palmitic acid~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Polyglyceryl-2 isostearate~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-2 isostearate
Silica~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Stearic acid~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.2–0.35%
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~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Iron oxides~0.1–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Titanium dioxide~0.15–0.25%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Ingredient list view

Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Phenyl trimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Isocetyl stearate, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Mica, Microcrystalline wax, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Copernicia cerifera wax, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Synthetic beeswax, Calcium aluminum borosilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Salix alba bark extract, Perilla ocymoides seed oil, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Tocopheryl acetate, Arachidyl alcohol, Bht, Castor oil phosphate, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Glycerin, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Hexyl laurate, Lysolecithin, Methicone, Ozokerite, Palmitic acid, Polyglyceryl-2 isostearate, Silica, Stearic acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water, Iron oxides, Titanium dioxide

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Walmart
$29.99
Buy
Walmart
$34.99
Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Physicians Formula - Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Stick SPF 30, Light" 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. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This moisturizer is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.

Irritation risk

There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. 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 29.99$ up to 34.99$ 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 15 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
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Stick SPF 30, Light
Physicians FormulaSuper BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Stick SPF 30, Light
Buy at Walmart$29.99Amazon

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

Buy at Walmart$29.99Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.