SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 Mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin

Name: SkinCeuticals - Physical UV Defense SPF 30 Mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin
Brand: SkinCeuticals

SPF 30Efficacy90/100IrritancyLow·3 UV filters

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection

SPF 30 · 3 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 30Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersTinted

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

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own~1.5–1.9%

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~7.9–9.6%

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA 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~44–54%

~ 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.

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

Strong evidence

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).

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 11 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownMedium~1.5–1.9%est.

Phenethyl benzoateUsed as a fragranceMedium~1.3–1.6%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~1–1.2%est.

Polyglyceryl-4 isostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Dimethicone/polyglycerin-3 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.1–1.3%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Aluminum stearateUsed to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulationMedium~0.5–0.7%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.4–0.65%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Peg-8 laurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.8–1.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide~44–54%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 oxide

Titanium dioxide~7.9–9.6%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 dioxide

Zinc oxide~4.8–5.8%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 oxide

Water~3.3–4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~2.8–3.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.2–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 benzoate

Dimethicone~1.9–2.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Butyloctyl salicylate~1.5–1.9%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own

More about Butyloctyl salicylate

Phenethyl benzoate~1.3–1.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used as a fragrance

More about Phenethyl benzoate

Triethylhexanoin~1–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin

Isohexadecane~1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

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 Isohexadecane

Styrene/acrylates copolymer~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters

More about Styrene/acrylates copolymer

Stearyl dimethicone~0.8–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Stearyl dimethicone

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.8–1.2%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Isododecane~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate

Talc~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Absorbs oil and moisture helping to create a dryer product finish

More about Talc

Dimethicone/polyglycerin-3 crosspolymer~1.1–1.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Dimethicone/polyglycerin-3 crosspolymer

Nylon-12~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12

Pentylene glycol~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

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 dimethicone

Aluminum stearate~0.5–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation

More about Aluminum stearate

Phenoxyethanol~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Alumina~0.5–0.8%

Formula

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 Alumina

Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.4–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid

Magnesium sulfate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Peg-8 laurate~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-8 laurate

Disteardimonium hectorite~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency

More about Disteardimonium hectorite

Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.25–0.45%

Formula

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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 Tocopherol

Propylene carbonate~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture

More about Propylene carbonate

Artemia extract~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Zooplankton extract that can attract water to the upper level of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Artemia extract

Benzoic acid~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Dipropylene glycol~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Water, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl salicylate, Phenethyl benzoate, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Stearyl dimethicone, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, Talc, Dimethicone/polyglycerin-3 crosspolymer, Nylon-12, Pentylene glycol, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Aluminum stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Magnesium sulfate, Caprylyl glycol, Peg-8 laurate, Disteardimonium hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopherol, Propylene carbonate, Artemia extract, Benzoic acid, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate

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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "SkinCeuticals - Physical UV Defense SPF 30 Mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin" can provide reliable sun protection. 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).

Sunscreen filters

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

Irritation risk

This product contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of it 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.