Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 1 UV filter · Broad spectrumWeak protectionLow zinc dose
This product uses a single UV filter (zinc oxide) in a relatively low concentration and might not be able to provide a reliable sun protection.
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.
MoisturizingUrea, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 8 moreWorks well
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.
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, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Zinc oxide~12–14%
- 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 oxideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.5–6.8%
- 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 benzoateSorbitan oleate decylglucoside crosspolymer~3.4–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. Used as a cleansing agent
More about Sorbitan oleate decylglucoside crosspolymerArgania spinosa kernel oil~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
More about Argania spinosa kernel oilTocopheryl acetate~2.4–3%
- 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 acetateAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerGlycerin~2–2.4%
- 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 GlycerinCaramel~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyester-5~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthyl ferulate~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.55–0.85%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneSodium chloride~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideDimethicone~0.45–0.7%
- 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 DimethiconeSqualane~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneButyrospermum parkii butter extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 extractBisabolol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Phospholipids~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsUrea~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaGluconolactone~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
More about GluconolactoneBenzyl alcohol~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholSodium benzoate~0.1–0.15%
Chlorphenesin~0.05%
Sorbic acid~0.05–0.1%
Tocopherol~0.01–0.05%
- 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
Water, Zinc oxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Sorbitan oleate decylglucoside crosspolymer, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Glycerin, Caramel, Polyester-5, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl ferulate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium chloride, Dimethicone, Squalane, Butyrospermum parkii butter extract, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phospholipids, Urea, Gluconolactone, Benzyl alcohol, Sodium benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic acid, Tocopherol
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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.
| Summer FridaysShadeDrops SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | CAY SKINMo'Bay Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 | NEOSTRATASheer Physical Protection SPF 50 | ExuvianceSheer Daily Protector SPF 50 1.7 Ounce | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 56% | 38% | 38% |
| Price | — | $36.00 | — | $33.73 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 3 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Chondrus Crispus Extract | Lactobionic Acid | Lactobionic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Zinc Skinscreen SPF50BABOR Protect RX Mineral SPF30 Sunscreen
Product summary
We are worried that "The summer Friday’s - ShadeDrops SPF 30" might not be able to provide reliable sun protection because it uses a single UV filter (zinc oxide) in a relatively weak concentration.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. It uses zinc oxide for sun protection. Zinc oxide almost never irritates the skin or stings eyes, but it can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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