SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Sun protectionSPF 47 · 2 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-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also 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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 8 ingredients credited for this claimStrong 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:
glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
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: octyldodecyl neopentanoate, cyclopentasiloxane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (polygonum aviculare extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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?
Irritancy10 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
- 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 methoxycinnamateZinc oxide12%
- 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~45–55%
Cyclopentasiloxane~7–8.6%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneNiacinamide~6.2–7.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideOleth-3 phosphate~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Oleth-3 phosphateOctyldodecyl neopentanoate~4–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen
More about Octyldodecyl neopentanoateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerGlycerin~2.6–3.1%
- 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 GlycerinCamellia sinensis leaf extract~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractPolygonum aviculare extract~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that contains a flavanol Juglanin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce inflammation
More about Polygonum aviculare extractTocopheryl acetate~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateSodium hyaluronate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePolyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.75–1.1%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilanePolyisobutene~0.7–1.05%
Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether~0.55–0.85%
Butylene glycol~0.45–0.7%
- 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~0.35–0.65%
Sodium hydroxide~0.3–0.5%
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSorbic acid~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Zinc oxide, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 phosphate, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Glycerin, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Polygonum aviculare extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyisobutene, Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, Butylene glycol, Disodium edta, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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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.
| SkinMedicaEssential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 SunscreenYOUR PRODUCT | DRMTLGYBroad Spectrum SPF 45 | ReplenixTinted Oil-Free Face Sunscreen SPF50+ | Doctor.GBrightening UP Sun Plus SPF50+ PA+++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 80% | 73% |
| Price | $40.00 | $13.97−$26.03 | $35.00−$5.00 | $16.75−$23.25 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | — | Lactic Acid | Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 47 | SPF 45 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "SkinMedica - Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen" can offer reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 40.00$ 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 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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