Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 1 UV filterBroad spectrum
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.
MoisturizingCeramide ng, Ceramide np + 13 moreStrong evidence
“Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30”
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:
carnosine, 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: ceramide ap, ceramide as, ceramide eop, ceramide ng, ceramide np
Anti-agingCarnosineStrong evidence
“If used as directed with other sun protection measures, it decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.”
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.
These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: carnosine.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · CarnosineStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (carnosine) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimStrong 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Zinc oxide19.5%
- 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 oxideWater~45–55%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~7.4–9%
- 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 benzoateIsopentyldiol~5.1–6.2%
Squalane~3.2–3.9%
- 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 SqualaneGlycerin~2.4–3%
- 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 GlycerinCoco-caprylate/caprate~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateBis-octyldodecyl dimer dilinoleate/propanediol copolymer~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate~1.6–1.9%
- 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 stearatePeg-100 stearate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearatePolyhydroxystearic acid~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidCetearyl alcohol~0.95–1.15%
- 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 alcoholSucrose stearate~0.7–1.05%
Ceramide eop~0.6–0.9%
- 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 ng~0.55–0.85%
- 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 ngCeramide np~0.55–0.8%
- 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 npCeramide as~0.45–0.65%
- 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 asCeramide ap~0.3–0.6%
- 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 apCarnosine~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage
More about CarnosinePhytosterols~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
More about PhytosterolsHydrogenated lecithin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinDimethicone~0.2–0.4%
- 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 DimethiconeTriethoxycaprylylsilane~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 TriethoxycaprylylsilanePolyacrylate crosspolymer-11~0.1–0.25%
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Zinc oxide, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Isopentyldiol, Squalane, Glycerin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Bis-octyldodecyl dimer dilinoleate/propanediol copolymer, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Sucrose stearate, Ceramide eop, Ceramide ng, Ceramide np, Ceramide as, Ceramide ap, Carnosine, Phytosterols, Hydrogenated lecithin, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol
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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.
| VanicreamFacial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | Face factsCeramide SPF30 Face Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 50% |
| Price | — | $6.94 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Vanicream - Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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).
This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This moisturizer 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 product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer 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.
What our users say
Based on 5 reviews 80% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the majority of the reviewers (1 %) find that it clogs pores.
- As for the white cast, all of the reviewers (4) say that it does not leave a white cast.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, two out of three reviewers say that it works well under makeup, but the third user had an issue with pilling.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, all of the reviewers (5) say that it does not sting eyes.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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