Too Cool For School Water Bare Sun
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 5 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.
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.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane + 18 moreStrong evidence
“Packed with eight types of hyaluronic acid, the formula recharges skin with moisture.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideStrong 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).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideStrong evidence
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.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Adenosine, Niacinamide + 1 moreStrong evidence
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Lavandula angustifolia oil + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dibutyl adipate~5.7–6.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipatePropanediol~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolAlcohol denat.~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Ethylhexyl triazone~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazoneTerephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostable
More about Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidGlycerin~1.7–2.1%
- 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 GlycerinNiacinamide~1.4–1.8%
- 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 NiacinamideTromethamine~1.2–1.4%
Polyglyceryl-3 distearate~0.95–1.2%
1,2-hexanediol~0.6–0.95%
Pentylene glycol~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateCetearyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCaprylyl methicone~0.45–0.65%
- 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 methiconePolysilicone-15~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light
More about Polysilicone-15Nymphaea alba flower extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Lavandula angustifolia oilAnthemis nobilis flower oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin
More about Anthemis nobilis flower oilSodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxanePalmitic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidGlyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazinePotassium cetyl phosphate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateMethylpropanediol~0.25–0.5%
Carbomer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerGlyceryl stearate citrate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl stearate citrateEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Adenosine~0.25–0.45%
- 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 AdenosinePolyether-1~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Myristic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidBiosaccharide gum-1~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
More about Biosaccharide gum-1Water~0.25–0.45%
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateDipropylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolSodium palmitoyl proline~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- 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 glycolHydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronateHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidHyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidSodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerPotassium hyaluronate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Linalool~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Dibutyl adipate, Propanediol, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl triazone, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-3 distearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Pentylene glycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Cetearyl alcohol, Caprylyl methicone, Polysilicone-15, Nymphaea alba flower extract, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Anthemis nobilis flower oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Glyceryl stearate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Carbomer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Polyether-1, Myristic acid, Biosaccharide gum-1, Water, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium palmitoyl proline, Butylene glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Potassium hyaluronate, Linalool
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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.
| Too Cool For SchoolWater Bare SunYOUR PRODUCT | numbuzinNo. 1 Clear Filter Sun Essence PA++++ SPF50 | the Torriden StoreDive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Watery Sun Serum PA++++ SPF50+ | SKIN&LABHybarrier Fresh Sun Lotion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Price | $12.16 | $20.72+$8.56 | $23.39+$11.23 | $17.40+$5.24 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 16 of 16 | 15 of 16 | 16 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Madecassoside | Panthenol | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Too Cool For School - Water Bare Sun" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 0.50% - 0.75%, uvinul a plus 0.60% - 0.90%, uvinul t 3.20% - 3.90%, polysilicone-15 0.60% - 0.95% and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid 2.50% - 3.10%.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 15.30$ 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 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 5
- 6Safety Assessment of Anthemis nobilis– Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
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