Tropic Skincare SKIN SHADE sun cream - SPF 50

Tropic Skincare SKIN SHADE sun cream - SPF 50

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyHigh·2 UV filters
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 2 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral filters

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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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~1.2–1.5%
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable 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~11–13%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · Tocopherol
Strong evidence

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.

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.2–0.35%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim
Strong 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).

Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · Helianthus annuus seed oil, Cocos nucifera oil + 14 more
Good evidence

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: cocos nucifera oil, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.2–0.35%
Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~1.1–1.3%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.45–0.7%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.55–0.8%
Ricinus communis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~1.5–1.8%
Caryodendron orinocense seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil with a high content of linoleic acid that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and helps strengthen the skin barrier. It is an excellent moisturizer. Might have an anti-oxidant effect~0.35–0.65%
Cocos nucifera fruit extractKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.4–0.65%
Caprylyl caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.7%
Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.45–0.7%
C10-18 triglyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture~0.45–0.7%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.5–0.75%
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.45–0.7%
Podocarpus elatus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing~0.45–0.7%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.5–0.75%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.2–0.35%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.6–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Rosa damascena extract, Ocimum basilicum extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Rosa damascena extractOil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.High~0.7–1.05%est.
Ocimum basilicum extractA plant extract mostly used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.6–0.9%est.
Sodium anisateUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Ricinus communis seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~3.8–4.7%est.
GoldA colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skinMedium~2.3–2.8%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~2–2.5%est.
Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.55–0.85%est.
Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Podocarpus elatus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Comedogenic
5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
5 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~5.7–7%est.
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~2.6–3.1%est.
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~1.1–1.3%est.
Cocos nucifera fruit extractAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.65–1%est.
Cocos nucifera fruit extractAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.4–0.65%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Zinc oxide~11–13%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 oxide
Cocos nucifera oil~5.7–7%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Rapeseed
Not recognized
Ricinus communis seed oil~3.8–4.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Ricinus communis seed oil
Glycerin~3.1–3.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Cocos nucifera oil~2.6–3.1%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Gold~2.3–2.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skin

More about Gold
En
Not recognized
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~2–2.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Cassava , rapeseed derived resin
Not recognized
Ricinus communis seed oil~1.5–1.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Ricinus communis seed oil
Cocos nucifera oil~1.1–1.3%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Titanium dioxide~1.2–1.5%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Rosa damascena extract~0.7–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.

More about Rosa damascena extract
Cocos nucifera fruit extract~0.65–1%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera fruit extract
Ocimum basilicum extract~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract mostly used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Ocimum basilicum extract
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.6–0.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Alumina~0.75–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products

More about Alumina
Tocopherol~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 Tocopherol
Epsom salt, plant
Not recognized
Phytic acid~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid
Water~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Zinc oxide~0.7–1.05%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 oxide
Caprylyl caprylate/caprate~0.5–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Caprylyl caprylate/caprate
C9-12 alkane~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about C9-12 alkane
Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate
Glycerin~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
C10-18 triglycerides~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture

More about C10-18 triglycerides
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.55–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Dextrin isostearate~0.4–0.65%
Formula
Nylon-11~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Nylon-11
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Glyceryl caprylate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.5–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 triglyceride
Stearic acid~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate
Titanium dioxide~0.55–0.85%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Podocarpus elatus fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Podocarpus elatus fruit extract
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.45–0.65%
Formula
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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Cocos nucifera fruit extract~0.4–0.65%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera fruit extract
Bixa orellana seed extract~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Caryodendron orinocense seed oil~0.35–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant oil with a high content of linoleic acid that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and helps strengthen the skin barrier. It is an excellent moisturizer. Might have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Caryodendron orinocense seed oil
Sodium levulinate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate
Sodium anisate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Sodium anisate
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Alumina~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products

More about Alumina
Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol
Magnesium sulfate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate
Phytic acid~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Zinc oxide, Cocos nucifera oil, Unknown, Ricinus communis seed oil, Glycerin, Cocos nucifera oil, Gold, Unknown, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Unknown, Ricinus communis seed oil, Cocos nucifera oil, Titanium dioxide, Rosa damascena extract, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Ocimum basilicum extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Alumina, Tocopherol, Unknown, Phytic acid, Water, Zinc oxide, Caprylyl caprylate/caprate, C9-12 alkane, Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate, Glycerin, C10-18 triglycerides, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Dextrin isostearate, Nylon-11, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Glyceryl caprylate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Stearic acid, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Titanium dioxide, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Podocarpus elatus fruit extract, Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Bixa orellana seed extract, Caryodendron orinocense seed oil, Sodium levulinate, Sodium anisate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Alumina, Tocopherol, Magnesium sulfate, Phytic acid

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Tropic Skincare - SKIN SHADE sun cream - SPF 50" can offer reliable sun protection. 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).

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 moisturizer 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 this moisturizer to be high. 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 28.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

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Tropic Skincare SKIN SHADE sun cream - SPF 50
Tropic SkincareSKIN SHADE sun cream - SPF 50

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