Tower 28 Beauty SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 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.
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.
MoisturizingCeramide ap, Ceramide eop + 16 moreWorks well
“It hydrates, soothes, and leaves skin looking fresh—never greasy.”
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:
allantoin, 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, phytosphingosine
Evens skin toneSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
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-agingSide benefit · TocopherolWorks well
This product can 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?
Irritancy11 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.
Zinc oxide~44–54%
- 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 oxideAllantoin~6.1–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinBisabolol~4–4.9%
- 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 BisabololButyloctyl salicylate~3.1–3.8%
- 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 salicylateC12-15 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 benzoateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2–2.4%
- 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 triglycerideCapryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerCarbomer~1.4–1.7%
- 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 CarbomerCeramide ap~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide apCeramide eop~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide eopCeramide np~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npCetearyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%
- 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 alcoholCetyl palmitate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateCholesterol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolCitric acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidDiisopropyl sebacate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateEthylhexyl methoxycrylene~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectiveness
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycryleneEthylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.6%
Garcinia indica seed butter~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It mostly contains oleic acid which is not the most effective emollient to prevent water loss, but might have an anti-inflammatory effect
More about Garcinia indica seed butterGlycerin~0.3–0.55%
- 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 GlycerinHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- 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 copolymerIsodecyl neopentanoate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss.
More about Isodecyl neopentanoateLauryl lactate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPhytosphingosine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosinePolyhydroxystearic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidPolysorbate 60~0.25–0.4%
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateSodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Sodium lauroyl lactylate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateSorbitan isostearate~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateSorbitan olivate~0.2–0.4%
Sorbitan palmitate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation
More about Sorbitan palmitateSqualane~0.25–0.45%
- 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 SqualaneTetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetateTocopherol~0.15–0.3%
- 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.15–0.25%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater~0.1–0.2%
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIron oxides~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesIngredient list view
Zinc oxide, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Carbomer, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Ceramide np, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl palmitate, Cholesterol, Citric acid, Diisopropyl sebacate, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Garcinia indica seed butter, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Isodecyl neopentanoate, Lauryl lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Phytosphingosine, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Polysorbate 60, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Sorbitan isostearate, Sorbitan olivate, Sorbitan palmitate, Squalane, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water, Xanthan gum, Iron oxides
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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.
| Tower 28 BeautySOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++YOUR PRODUCT | ObagiMINERAL UV BARRIER PROTECT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 40 | CeraVeHydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide | CetaphilSheer Mineral* Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 58% | 56% | 52% |
| Price | — | $65.00 | $13.99 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 13 | 8 of 13 | 8 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | — | Niacinamide | Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 40 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Conscious Chemist Hybrid Lightweight Gel Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++PRIORI Skincare TETRA fx251 Broad Spectrum SPF55 Sunscreen Color Guide
Product summary
We assess that "Tower 28 Beauty - SOS FaceGuard™ SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. 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).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. 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. Here are the organic filters this product uses: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Tower 28 Beauty" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 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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