Unsun Cosmetics

Unsun Cosmetics Hand Cream SPF 15

Name: Unsun Cosmetics - Hand Cream SPF 15
Brand: Unsun Cosmetics

SPF 15Efficacy58/100IrritancyHigh·2 UV filters

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Works for

1 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 15 · 2 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 15Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersWater-resistant

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

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 skin2.75%

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 colorant3.25%

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Moisturizing

Glycine soja oil, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 16 more

Good evidence

What the product description says

“Protect and Smooth, Emollient Rich Hand Cream is an emollient-rich SPF 15 hand cream that’s easily absorbed, and nourishing to your skin.”

Source: Unsun

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, hydrolyzed corn starch.

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: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.45–0.7%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.8–1.2%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: 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~2.6–3.2%

Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~0.75–1.1%

Cera albaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~1–1.3%

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~0.5–0.75%

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~0.55–0.8%

Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.25–0.45%

Heptyl undecylenateKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from the skin surface over time and create a nice product finish~0.45–0.7%

Crambe abyssinica seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.5–1.9%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.55–0.85%

Coconut alkanesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3–3.7%

Hydrolyzed corn starch· HumectantEffect: LowHelps improve the product texture~0.4–0.6%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.35–0.65%

Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.5–0.8%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~1–1.2%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.25–0.45%

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~0.1–0.2%

Anti-aging

Butyrospermum parkii butter, Tocopherol + 2 more

Limited evidence

What the product description says

“Armed with a slew of revitalizing (cucumber) and anti-aging (xxx) extracts, your hands are sure to fight the sun and aging with the best of the clean and mineral-based ingredients around!”

Source: Unsun

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - butyrospermum parkii butter - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~0.8–1.2%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.35–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Sorbitan sesquioleate, Citrus aurantium amara fruit extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 23 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Sorbitan sesquioleateUsed to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~1.1–1.4%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–1%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.65–1%est.

Citrus aurantium amara fruit extract—High~0.65–0.95%est.

Citrus reticulata fruit extract—High~0.65–0.95%est.

Citrus sinensis fruit extract—High~0.6–0.85%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Isoamyl laurateHelps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product textureMedium~5–6.2%est.

Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~3–3.7%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~2.6–3.2%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~1.8–2.2%est.

Crambe abyssinica seed oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.5–1.9%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~1–1.2%est.

Cera albaForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergenMedium~1–1.3%est.

Beta vulgaris root extractA plant extract that might have some antioxidant properties, but mostly used in cosmetics for its colorMedium~0.75–1.15%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.65–1%est.

Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.5–0.8%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.45–0.7%est.

Heptyl undecylenateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from the skin surface over time and create a nice product finishMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.35–0.65%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Polyglyceryl-2 stearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Comedogenic

4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

4 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

Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~0.8–1.2%est.

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.5–0.75%est.

Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skin2/5~3–3.7%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.45–0.7%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide3.25%

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

Titanium dioxide2.75%

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

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Isoamyl laurate~5–6.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product texture

More about Isoamyl laurate

Glycerin~4.7–5.7%

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

Polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate~3.5–4.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate

Coconut alkanes~3–3.7%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Coconut alkanes

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.6–3.2%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate~2.2–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate

Polyhydroxystearic acid~1.8–2.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid

Crambe abyssinica seed oil~1.5–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Crambe abyssinica seed oil

Polyglyceryl-2 oleate~1.3–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-2 oleate

Sorbitan sesquioleate~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Used to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Sorbitan sesquioleate

Tocopherol~1–1.2%

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

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~1–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Alumina~1.2–1.5%

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

Cera alba~1–1.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Cera alba

Benzyl alcohol~0.5–1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Beta vulgaris root extract~0.75–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some antioxidant properties, but mostly used in cosmetics for its color

More about Beta vulgaris root extract

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.8–1.2%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~0.75–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.65–1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Citric acid~0.65–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Citrus aurantium amara fruit extract~0.65–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium amara fruit extract

Citrus reticulata fruit extract~0.65–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus reticulata fruit extract

Citrus sinensis fruit extract~0.6–0.85%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus sinensis fruit extract

Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.55–0.85%

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

Cocos nucifera oil~0.5–0.75%

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

Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.5–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect

More about Cucumis sativus fruit extract

Alcohol~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Glycerin~0.55–0.8%

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

Glycine soja oil~0.45–0.7%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Heptyl undecylenate~0.45–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from the skin surface over time and create a nice product finish

More about Heptyl undecylenate

Hydrolyzed corn starch~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture

More about Hydrolyzed corn starch

Lactic acid~0.35–0.65%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract

Magnesium sulfate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Olea europaea fruit oil~0.25–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil

Polyglyceryl-2 stearate~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-2 stearate

Sodium chloride~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Stearic acid~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%

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

Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Water, Isoamyl laurate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate, Coconut alkanes, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Polyglyceryl-2 oleate, Sorbitan sesquioleate, Tocopherol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Alumina, Cera alba, Benzyl alcohol, Beta vulgaris root extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Citric acid, Citrus aurantium amara fruit extract, Citrus reticulata fruit extract, Citrus sinensis fruit extract, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Cocos nucifera oil, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Alcohol, Glycerin, Glycine soja oil, Heptyl undecylenate, Hydrolyzed corn starch, Lactic acid, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Magnesium sulfate, Olea europaea fruit oil, Polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Sodium chloride, Stearic acid, Tocopherol

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Product summary

"Unsun Cosmetics - Hand Cream SPF 15" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.

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 quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive 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.