Travel - Ageless Glow Serum BB Cream SPF 40

Name: Purlisse - Travel - Ageless Glow Serum BB Cream SPF 40
Brand: Purlisse

SPF 40Efficacy 90/100·High irritancy ·3 UV filters

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

We assess that "Purlisse - Travel - Ageless Glow Serum BB Cream SPF 40" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list.

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Product summary

We assess that "Purlisse - Travel - Ageless Glow Serum BB Cream SPF 40" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. 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).

This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: homosalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. 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.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Purlisse" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Sun protection

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 nmUVA II320 nmUVA I340 nmVisible400 nm+

Homosalate

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation~5.1–6.2%

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~2.4–2.9%

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA+Visible 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~3.7–4.5%

~ 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.

Product claims breakdown

Anti-aging

ADENOSINE at ~0.25–0.5% + 1 more curated active

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

This product can also 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.

ADENOSINERole: HeroMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.5%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.3–0.55%

HomosalateRole: Key activeA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation~5.1–6.2%

Zinc oxideRole: Key activeA 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~3.7–4.5%

Titanium dioxideRole: Key activeWorks 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~2.4–2.9%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideRole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.75–1.1%

ArbutinRole: Key activeBeta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin~0.5–0.75%

Synthetic beeswaxRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

Bacillus fermentRole: Key activeA product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Cornus officinalis fruit extractRole: Key activeA plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation~0.25–0.45%

Evens skin tone

ARBUTIN at ~0.5–0.75% delivers this without it being on the label

Quiet bonus

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).

ARBUTINRole: Key activeBeta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin~0.5–0.75%

Zinc oxideRole: Key activeA 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~3.7–4.5%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideRole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.75–1.1%

Synthetic beeswaxRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

AdenosineRole: Key activeMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.5%

Bacillus fermentRole: Key activeA product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Irritancy

21 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Sorbitan sesquioleateUsed to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.6–0.9%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.3–0.5%est.

Cananga odorata flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Cymbopogon martini oilAromatic plant oil used in cosmetics as a fragrance. A likely irritantHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Michelia alba flower oilA plant essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oilAn essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and sensitizingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Cornus officinalis fruit extractA plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulationHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationLow~5.1–6.2%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 glycerinLow~0.75–1.1%est.

ArbutinBeta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutinLow~0.5–0.75%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherLow~0.4–0.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeLow~0.3–0.55%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationLow~0.3–0.55%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeLow~0.25–0.45%est.

Schisandra chinensis fruit extractA berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinLow~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

Low risk

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.