THE FACE SHOP Air Cotton Makeup Base SPF30 PA++
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
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-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 adenosine.
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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient 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).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 12 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate.
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?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Rosa damascena flower water, ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Cyclopentasiloxane~6.8–8.3%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneCyclohexasiloxane~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneTitanium dioxide~3.8–4.7%
- 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 dioxideDipropylene glycol~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolZinc oxide~3–3.7%
- 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 oxideButylene glycol~1.8–2.1%
- 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 glycolCetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin
More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeButylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateNiacinamide~0.95–1.15%
- 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 NiacinamideSodium chloride~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chloridePeg-10 methyl ether dimethicone~0.6–0.9%
Mica~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaGossypium herbaceum extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Anthemis nobilis flower water~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Volcanic ash~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Chenopodium quinoa seed extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Chenopodium quinoa seed extractRosa damascena flower water~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritating
More about Rosa damascena flower waterDimethicone~0.45–0.65%
- 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium hectorite~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteAluminum hydroxide~0.35–0.6%
- 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~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerTriethyl citrate~0.25–0.5%
Hydrogen dimethicone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation
More about Hydrogen dimethiconeAdenosine~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineHydrogenated lecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinDisodium edta~0.25–0.5%
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.4%
Parfum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCitric acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Chromium oxide greens~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ultramarines~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.1–0.15%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient list view
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium dioxide, Dipropylene glycol, Zinc oxide, Butylene glycol, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Niacinamide, Sodium chloride, Peg-10 methyl ether dimethicone, Mica, Gossypium herbaceum extract, Anthemis nobilis flower water, Volcanic ash, Chenopodium quinoa seed extract, Rosa damascena flower water, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium hectorite, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Triethyl citrate, Hydrogen dimethicone, Adenosine, Hydrogenated lecithin, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Parfum, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Chromium oxide greens, Ultramarines, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
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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.
| THE FACE SHOPAir Cotton Makeup Base SPF30 PA++YOUR PRODUCT | Skin79Angry Cat BB Cream Spf50+ Pa+++ | ROVECTINSkin Essentials Double Tone-up UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ | PURITOComfy Water Sun Block | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 87% | 87% |
| Price | $4.81 | $14.99+$10.18 | $55.53+$50.72 | $16.90+$12.09 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Octinoxate | Cocos Nucifera Oil | Madecassoside |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We assess that "THE FACE SHOP - Air Cotton Makeup Base SPF30 PA++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
This sunscreen should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 19.00A$ in Australia, for 21.50£ in the United Kingdom and for 4.81$ 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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- 6
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