Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion - Medium SPF15
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 6 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
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.
MoisturizingC12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin + 8 moreWorks
“Moisturising Sun Lotion - Medium SPF15”
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, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium 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%
Ethylhexyl salicylate~5.7–7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 salicylateC12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.4–5.4%
- 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 benzoateOctocrylene~3.6–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 OctocryleneGlycerin~2.4–2.9%
- 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 GlycerinCyclohexasiloxane~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneButylene glycol~1.6–2%
- 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 glycolVp/eicosene copolymer~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve the product adherence to the skin, for example, to pro-long the protective effect of sunscreens. Can be irritating to very sensitive skin
More about Vp/eicosene copolymerButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneDimethicone~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 DimethiconeCetearyl alcohol~0.75–1.15%
- 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 alcoholMethylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolStyrene/acrylates copolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerPpg-5-ceteth-20~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A solvent with some emollient properties
More about Ppg-5-ceteth-20Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.6–0.85%
- 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 triazineDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.6–0.9%
- 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 benzoateCaprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPentylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolCyclopentasiloxane~0.35–0.65%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneChrysanthemum parthenium flower extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help to reduce inflammation in skin, but solid research is lacking
More about Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acidPotassium lactate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 glycolDicetyl phosphate~0.25–0.5%
Ceteth-10 phosphate~0.3–0.6%
Decyl glucoside~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosidePeg-8 laurate~0.25–0.5%
Linseed acid~0.35–0.65%
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- 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 crosspolymerAcrylates/c12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAcrylates copolymer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency
More about Acrylates copolymerSodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonateDisodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.15–0.25%
- 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 palmitateBht~0.1–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPotassium sorbate~0.1–0.25%
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Octocrylene, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene glycol, Vp/eicosene copolymer, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Cetearyl alcohol, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Ppg-5-ceteth-20, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Caprylyl glycol, Pentylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Chrysanthemum parthenium flower extract, Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, Potassium lactate, Propylene glycol, Dicetyl phosphate, Ceteth-10 phosphate, Decyl glucoside, Peg-8 laurate, Linseed acid, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Acrylates/c12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer, Xanthan gum, Acrylates copolymer, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Disodium edta, Sodium hydroxide, Ascorbyl palmitate, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Parfum
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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.
| Piz BuinMoisturising Sun Lotion - Medium SPF15YOUR PRODUCT | RoC SkincareSoleil-Protect High Tolerance Comfort Fluid SPF50+ | Childs FarmChildren's SPF 50+ Sun Lotion, Water Resistant | KruidvatSOLAIT KIDS WATER & FUN SPF50+ SUNMILK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 50% | 46% | 45% |
| Price | — | $24.06 | $13.34 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 8 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer | Panthenol | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50Altruist Sunscreen Fluid SPF50
Product summary
"Piz Buin - Moisturising Sun Lotion - Medium SPF15" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
As a plus, this sunscreen uses some of the new generation UV filters (Tinosorb M). These filters are more stable and more gentle on the skin.
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 0.60% - 0.85%, avobenzone 1.60% - 2.00%, uvinul a plus 0.60% - 0.90%, octisalate 5.00% - 6.10%, tinosorb m 0.75% - 1.10% and octocrylene 3.60% - 4.40%.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer 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 12.25$ up to 17.00$ in the United States, for 21.50CA$ in Canada and for 12.25£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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