SkinCeuticals Protect Sheer Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50
Works for
0 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 2 UV filters · 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.
Anti-aging1 ingredient credited for this claimLimited support
“Skin Ceuticals Protect Sheer Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 50ml is broad-spectrum sunscreen 100% mineral anti-UVA/UVB, that is suitable for all skin types, especially for combination to oily skin and sensitive skins.This daily photoprotection provides high broad-spectrum protection.”
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.
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).
Evens skin toneNo ingredient credited for this claimLimited support
“Its filter act as a shield to protect the skin, and is associated to Artemia Salina that stimulates the natural defences of the skin against oxidative stress linked to UV and heat.It stimulates the natural defences of the skin and prevent photo-ageing and hyperpigmentation.Its ultra-light non-comedogenic fluid texture penetrates instantaneously in the skin, without leaving any white mark.”
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 · 17 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
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, caprylyl 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, helianthus annuus seed oil.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy18 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Titanium dioxide~8.2–10.1%
- 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 dioxideIsododecane~4.9–6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneDimethicone~3.5–4.3%
- 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 DimethiconeUndecane~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin
More about UndecaneC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.3–2.8%
- 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 benzoateStyrene/acrylates copolymer~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerCaprylyl methicone~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconeNylon-12~1.5–1.8%
Butyloctyl salicylate~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 salicylatePhenethyl benzoate~0.9–1.1%
Tridecane~0.65–0.95%
Dicaprylyl carbonate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateSilica~0.95–1.15%
Triethylhexanoin~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinIsohexadecane~0.65–1%
- 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 IsohexadecaneDicaprylyl ether~0.55–0.85%
- 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 etherTalc~0.6–0.95%
Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%
Aluminum hydroxide~0.5–0.75%
- 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~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPeg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together
More about Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconePentylene glycol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolAluminum stearate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation
More about Aluminum stearatePeg-8 laurate~0.45–0.65%
Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolMagnesium sulfate~0.4–0.6%
Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolAlumina~0.55–0.8%
- 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 AluminaPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidDisteardimonium hectorite~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteDiethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize the product formulation
More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateTocopherol~0.35–0.65%
- 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 TocopherolPropylene carbonate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture
More about Propylene carbonateSodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonateArtemia extract~0.25–0.5%
- 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 extractBenzoic acid~0.2–0.35%
Dipropylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolSodium citrate~0.15–0.3%
- 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 citrateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglyceridePotassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilIngredient list view
Water, Titanium dioxide, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Undecane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Caprylyl methicone, Nylon-12, Butyloctyl salicylate, Phenethyl benzoate, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Silica, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Dicaprylyl ether, Talc, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Pentylene glycol, Aluminum stearate, Peg-8 laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium sulfate, Caprylyl glycol, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Disteardimonium hectorite, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Tocopherol, Propylene carbonate, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Artemia extract, Benzoic acid, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium citrate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Potassium sorbate, Helianthus annuus seed oil
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Product summary
"SkinCeuticals - Protect Sheer Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. 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.
Price
The product retails for 27.95£ 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 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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