Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial Sunscreen
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 42 · 4 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
Anti-agingTocopherolWorks well
“Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Oiliness Formulation.”
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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
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).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Dimethicone, Isododecane + 9 moreWorks
“Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Oiliness Formulation.”
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, peg-10 dimethicone.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Sd alcohol 40-b, 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.
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~22–33%
- 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 methoxycinnamateOctocrylene~4.6–6.9%
- 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 OctocryleneZinc oxide~4.8–7.2%
- 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~3.5–5.2%
Dimethicone~3–4.5%
- 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 DimethiconeIsododecane~2.1–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneSd alcohol 40-b~1.5–2.2%
- 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 Sd alcohol 40-bDipropylene glycol~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolEthylhexyl palmitate~1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Ethylhexyl palmitatePeg-10 dimethicone~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeGlycerin~0.55–1.35%
- 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 GlycerinPolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.55–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneVinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.5–1.15%
- 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 crosspolymerPolybutylene glycol/ppg-9/1 copolymer~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerXylitol~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerThiotaurine~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractPaeonia albiflora root extract~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ononis spinosa root extract~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ectoin~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about EctoinLauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeHydrogen dimethicone~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation
More about Hydrogen dimethiconeButylene glycol~0.15–0.6%
- 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 glycolDisodium edta~0.15–0.65%
Disteardimonium hectorite~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteAlumina~0.35–0.8%
- 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 AluminaBht~0.15–0.5%
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.1–0.45%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneSyzygium jambos leaf extract~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.1–0.35%
- 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 TocopherolPhenoxyethanol~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzoic acid~0.05–0.3%
Parfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumTitanium dioxide~0.1–0.35%
- 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 dioxideMica~0.05–0.2%
- 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
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Zinc oxide, Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Sd alcohol 40-b, Dipropylene glycol, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Peg-10 dimethicone, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Polybutylene glycol/ppg-9/1 copolymer, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Xylitol, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Thiotaurine, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Ononis spinosa root extract, Ectoin, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Hydrogen dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Disodium edta, Disteardimonium hectorite, Alumina, Bht, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Syzygium jambos leaf extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Parfum, Titanium dioxide, Mica
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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.
| ShiseidoUrban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial SunscreenYOUR PRODUCT | DHCSuncut Q10 Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ | DCLSkincare Super Sheer SPF50 Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen | Rohto MentholatumSkin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF 50 ++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 44% | 44% | 43% |
| Price | $22.17 | — | $61.12+$38.95 | $7.39−$14.78 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 9 | 5 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Artemia Extract | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | Arginine |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 42 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Pigeon UV Baby Milk Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++Nivea Japan Sun Protect Water Milk Mild SPF 50+ PA+++
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Shiseido - Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial Sunscreen" can provide reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This product is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 45.12$ up to 139.99$ 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 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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