SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50
Works for
0 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 1 UV filter · Partial spectrumWeak protection
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
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 toneNo ingredient credited for this claimLimited evidence
This product contains ingredients () that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin + 6 moreGood evidence
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, hydrogenated jojoba oil.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Dimethicone~22–33%
- 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 DimethiconeTitanium dioxide~8–12%
- 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 dioxideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.2–7.8%
- 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 benzoateDicaprylyl ether~4.2–6.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
More about Dicaprylyl etherDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~3–4.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerTriethylhexanoin~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinIsohexadecane~2.1–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneStyrene/acrylates copolymer~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerHydrogenated jojoba oil~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated jojoba oilAluminum hydroxide~1.4–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideStearic acid~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCi 77491~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491Ci 77492~0.85–1.25%
Iron oxides~0.85–1.3%
- 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 oxidesAluminum stearate~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation
More about Aluminum stearateSilica silylate~0.6–1.35%
Alumina~0.6–1.35%
- 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 AluminaPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidPeg-8 laurate~0.2–0.75%
Water~0.15–0.6%
Laureth-4~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Laureth-4Disodium stearoyl glutamate~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and workd as a cleanser
More about Disodium stearoyl glutamateTocopherol~0.1–0.4%
- 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 TocopherolIngredient list view
Dimethicone, Titanium dioxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dicaprylyl ether, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Hydrogenated jojoba oil, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Iron oxides, Aluminum stearate, Silica silylate, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Peg-8 laurate, Water, Laureth-4, Disodium stearoyl glutamate, Tocopherol
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Product summary
We believe that "SkinCeuticals - Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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 should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
It 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 product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be low. 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 36.00$ up to 40.00$ in the United States and from 36.99£ up to 41.00£ 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 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Laureths 4 and 23journals.sagepub.com
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