Physicians Formula Youthful Wear™ Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Spotless CC Cream SPF 30, Light
Works for
4 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
Evens skin toneTetrahexyldecyl ascorbateStrong evidence
“Reduce the appearance of spots 80%.”
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-agingTocopherol, Laminaria digitata extract + 1 moreStrong evidence
“Youthful Wear™ Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Spotless CC Cream SPF 30, Light”
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.
MoisturizingUrea, Ceramide 3 + 16 moreStrong evidence
“Cosmeceutical CC Cream corrects and prevents spots, delivers anti aging benefits, provides essential moisture to dry skin, perfects and brightens complexion, while protecting against UVA/UVB with SPF 30.”
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 3, urea
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Rosa damascena extractMedium 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 dioxide~29–35%
- 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 oxide~10–13%
- 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 oxideWater~6.3–7.7%
Dimethicone~4.7–5.8%
- 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 DimethiconeC10-18 triglycerides~3.6–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture
More about C10-18 triglyceridesCaprylyl methicone~3–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 methiconeLauryl peg-8 dimethicone~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together
More about Lauryl peg-8 dimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneC12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.7–2%
- 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 benzoateEthylhexyl palmitate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Ethylhexyl palmitateHydrogenated didecene~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~1–1.2%
- 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 GlycerinPropylene glycol~0.9–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolVinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.8–1.2%
- 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 crosspolymerPeg-12 dimethicone/ppg-20 crosspolymer~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Peg-12 dimethicone/ppg-20 crosspolymerDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerCalcium aluminum borosilicate~0.7–1.1%
Disteardimonium hectorite~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerCeramide 3~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 3Laminaria digitata extract~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment
More about Laminaria digitata extractOlive glycerides~0.6–0.9%
Ribes nigrum~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ribes nigrum seed oil~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
More about Ribes nigrum seed oilSodium hyaluronate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateBis-c16-20 isoalkoxy tmhdi/peg-90 copolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bis-peg/ppg-14/14 dimethicone~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Bis-peg/ppg-14/14 dimethiconeCaprylyl glycol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolDimethicone crosspolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerDisodium edta~0.55–0.8%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.55–0.8%
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilHexylene glycol~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolMica~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaNylon-12~0.6–0.85%
Octyldodecanol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolOctyldodecyl oleate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Paeonia suffruticosa root extract~0.55–0.8%
Polyamide-5~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product feel and texture
More about Polyamide-5Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractSilica~0.6–0.95%
Urea~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaGold~0.45–0.7%
Rosa damascena extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
More about Rosa damascena extractTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.45–0.7%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneAlcohol~0.4–0.65%
- 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 AlcoholAlumina~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 ascorbateTocopherol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.55%
- 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 acetateBenzyl alcohol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholDehydroacetic acid~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIron oxides~0.15–0.25%
- 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 oxidesTitanium dioxide~0.15–0.3%
- 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
Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Water, Dimethicone, C10-18 triglycerides, Caprylyl methicone, Lauryl peg-8 dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Hydrogenated didecene, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Peg-12 dimethicone/ppg-20 crosspolymer, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Calcium aluminum borosilicate, Disteardimonium hectorite, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Ceramide 3, Laminaria digitata extract, Olive glycerides, Ribes nigrum, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Bis-c16-20 isoalkoxy tmhdi/peg-90 copolymer, Bis-peg/ppg-14/14 dimethicone, Caprylyl glycol, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Hexylene glycol, Mica, Nylon-12, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodecyl oleate, Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, Polyamide-5, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Silica, Urea, Gold, Rosa damascena extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alcohol, Alumina, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl acetate, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Iron oxides, Titanium dioxide
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Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Physicians Formula - Youthful Wear™ Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Spotless CC Cream 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. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
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
We assess the overall irritancy of this product 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 14.24$ up to 15.51$ 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 29 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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- 6
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