Physicians Formula Triple Defense Multicolor Stick SPF 20
Works for
0 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
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.
Anti-aging2 ingredients credited for this claimLimited support
“This ultra-blendable, miracle blurring formula features our 360 Total Defense Complex to defend against harmful sunrays (SPF), blue light (RPF), and pollution (PPF), helping to reduce the signs of aging with effortless color for a completely natural, all-over look.”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - butyrospermum parkii butter - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.
The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 9 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Titanium dioxide11%
- 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 dioxideZinc oxide1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxideTriethylhexanoin~30–36%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinCaprylic/capric triglyceride~6.8–8.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideDimethicone~6.8–8.3%
- 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 DimethiconePolyethylene~4.7–5.7%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~3.8–4.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 benzoateOryza sativa bran protein~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polymethyl methacrylate~2.8–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateMicrocrystalline wax~2.3–2.8%
Cera microcristallina~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency
More about Cera microcristallinaVp/hexadecene copolymer~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates a nice product texture and can support water-resistance of sunscreens
More about Vp/hexadecene copolymerButyrospermum parkii butter~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 butterCalcium aluminum borosilicate~1.1–1.3%
Silica dimethyl silylate~1.1–1.4%
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products
More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymerSilica~1.2–1.4%
Parfum~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumBrassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopheryl acetate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateCastor oil phosphate~0.65–1%
Phenoxyethanol~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.6–0.9%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneMethicone~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
More about MethiconeCurcumin~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidBht~0.45–0.65%
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 palmitateWater~0.3–0.6%
Lecithin~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPlankton extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Plankton extractCi 75470~0.15–0.3%
Iron oxides~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxidesMica~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaIngredient list view
Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Oryza sativa bran protein, Polymethyl methacrylate, Microcrystalline wax, Cera microcristallina, Vp/hexadecene copolymer, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Calcium aluminum borosilicate, Silica dimethyl silylate, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Silica, Parfum, Brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, Tocopheryl acetate, Castor oil phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methicone, Curcumin, Citric acid, Bht, Ascorbyl palmitate, Water, Lecithin, Plankton extract, Ci 75470, Iron oxides, Mica
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Product summary
We do not recommend "Physicians Formula - Triple Defense Multicolor Stick SPF 20" because it does not provide good UVA protection. UVA sun rays don't burn the skin, but they still lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation.
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen 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
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 for 112.96A$ in Australia and for 9.89$ 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.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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