Rohto Mentholatum Episteme Day Moisture Emulsion SPF 18 PA++
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 18 · 4 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.
MoisturizingCyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin + 9 moreWorks
“Episteme Day Moisture Emulsion SPF 18 PA++”
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:
artemia extract, 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: peg-10 dimethicone, oenothera biennis oil.
Anti-agingTocopherol, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateNot delivered
“An advanced anti-aging serum (moisturizing care according to age).”
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 imperata cylindrica root extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.
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).
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Imperata cylindrica root extract, Prunus mume fruit extract + 6 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (imperata cylindrica root extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Cyclopentasiloxane~7.5–9.2%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneGlycerin~4.7–5.7%
- 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 GlycerinEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~3.9–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateTriethylhexyl trimellitate~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Peg-10 dimethicone~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeLeontopodium alpinum extract~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prunus mume fruit extract~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant extract that might have an anti-oxidant effect and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence of effectiveness is lacking
More about Prunus mume fruit extractOenothera biennis oil~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about Oenothera biennis oilHydrolyzed soy protein~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing
More about Hydrolyzed soy proteinLonicera japonica flower extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating
More about Lonicera japonica flower extractPaeonia albiflora root extract~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Artemia extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Zooplankton extract that can attract water to the upper level of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Artemia extractSodium dna~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Imperata cylindrica root extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer
More about Imperata cylindrica root extractTocopherol~0.45–0.7%
- 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 TocopherolAscorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateButylene glycol~0.35–0.65%
- 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 glycolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.55–0.8%
- 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 benzoateIron oxides~0.35–0.65%
- 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 oxidesZinc oxide~0.55–0.8%
- 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 oxideEthylhexyl triazone~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazoneHydrated silica~0.4–0.65%
Hydrogen dimethicone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation
More about Hydrogen dimethiconePeg-8~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Acrylates/dimethicone copolymer~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen), evenly disperse pigements and create a nice product consistency
More about Acrylates/dimethicone copolymerDisteardimonium hectorite~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteCarbomer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerAcrylates/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 crosspolymerSodium citrate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateDisodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolMethylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Parfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Triethylhexyl trimellitate, Peg-10 dimethicone, Leontopodium alpinum extract, Prunus mume fruit extract, Oenothera biennis oil, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Lonicera japonica flower extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Artemia extract, Sodium dna, Imperata cylindrica root extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Butylene glycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Iron oxides, Zinc oxide, Ethylhexyl triazone, Hydrated silica, Hydrogen dimethicone, Peg-8, Acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, Disteardimonium hectorite, Carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium citrate, Disodium edta, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, 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.
| Rohto MentholatumEpisteme Day Moisture Emulsion SPF 18 PA++YOUR PRODUCT | DHCSuncut Q10 Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ | Skin AquaUV Super Moisture Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ | ShiseidoAnessa Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Milk For Sensitive Skin A SPF 35 PA+++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 41% | 40% | 40% |
| Price | — | — | — | $40.07 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 12 | 6 of 12 | 6 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Dimethicone | Arginine | Tinosorb S |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 18 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 35 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: CHIFURE Sunscreen Milk SPF 50+ PA++++Bionike AKNET SUN SPF 50+ PROTEZIONE MOLTO ALTA
Product summary
"Rohto Mentholatum - Episteme Day Moisture Emulsion SPF 18 PA++" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called" chemical "sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: uvinul a plus 0.60% - 0.90%, octinoxate 3.90% - 4.80% and uvinul t 0.50% - 0.75%.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 99.90$ 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 21 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Extracts from Glycine max (soybean) induce elastin synthesis and inhibit elastase activityonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5Safety Assessment of Soy Peptides as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 6
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