Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 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.
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“The lotion helps to soften the look of wrinkles and target areas of pigmentation, for skin that appears smooth and protected.”
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-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“The lotion helps to soften the look of wrinkles and target areas of pigmentation, for skin that appears smooth and protected.”
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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 13 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
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, caprylyl glycol.
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, caprylyl glycol.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Limonene, Citral + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dicaprylyl ether~6.7–8.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
More about Dicaprylyl etherHomosalate~4.8–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateOctocrylene~3.7–4.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneDimethicone~2.5–3.1%
- 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl salicylate~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateNylon-12~1.8–2.1%
Drometrizole trisiloxane~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet
More about Drometrizole trisiloxaneButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneStyrene/acrylates copolymer~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerDicaprylyl carbonate~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateGlycerin~0.6–0.95%
- 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 GlycerinMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerCyclohexasiloxane~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxanePolyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleatePeg-32~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Peg-32Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.6–0.9%
- 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 triazinePhenoxyethanol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium chloride~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideCaprylyl glycol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPeg-8 laurate~0.3–0.6%
P-anisic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritating
More about P-anisic acidPoly c10-30 alkyl acrylate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 TocopherolNiacinamide~0.25–0.5%
- 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 NiacinamideDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Limonene~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneSodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonateSaccharum officinarum extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharum officinarum extractCitral~0.2–0.4%
Linalool~0.2–0.35%
Citronellol~0.2–0.35%
Geraniol~0.15–0.3%
Citrus limon peel extract~0.15–0.25%
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content
More about Pyrus malus fruit extractMalus domestica fruit extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Malus domestica fruit extractCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractParfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Dicaprylyl ether, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Nylon-12, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Glycerin, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, Peg-32, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium chloride, Caprylyl glycol, Peg-8 laurate, P-anisic acid, Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Disodium edta, Limonene, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Saccharum officinarum extract, Citral, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citrus limon peel extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Malus domestica fruit extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Parfum
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · prices updated regularly
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.
| Yves Saint LaurentPure Shots Airthin UV DefenderYOUR PRODUCT | La Roche-PosayAnthelios Anti-Imperfections Sun Lotion SPF 50+ | GarnierGreen Labs Canna-B Pore Perfecting Serum Cream, Fragrance Free, with SPF 30 and Niacinamide Vitamin B3 + Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil | OlayWhip Ultimate Facial Sunscreen SPF 35 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 80% | 77% | 77% |
| Price | $50.24 | $26.44−$23.80 | $16.96−$33.28 | $39.99−$10.25 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 13 | 7 of 13 | 7 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid | Dimethiconol |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 35 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Yves Saint Laurent - Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender" can provide reliable sun protection. 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. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: tinosorb s 0.60% - 0.90%, avobenzone 1.70% - 2.10%, mexoryl xl 2.00% - 2.50%, octisalate 2.60% - 3.20%, homosalate 4.80% - 5.80% and octocrylene 3.70% - 4.50%.
Irritation risk
It contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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 38.00£ 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 12 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.