ZitSticka MEGASHADE Breakout-proof SPF Serum
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 5 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.
MoisturizingPalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + 16 moreWorks well
“Rounding out the mega formula are a host of reliable hydrators to nourish and plump skin; think colloidal oatmeal, ceramides and hyaluronic acid.”
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, hyaluronic acid.
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: terminalia ferdinandiana seed oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ng, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38
Evens skin toneFerulic acid, NiacinamideWorks well
“Hyaluronic acid plumps the skin with hydration, while niacinamide helps to minimise the look of dark spots and blemishes.”
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-blemishNiacinamide ~0.1–0.4%Under-dosed
“To beat blemishes, this non-comedogenic formula is packed with niacinamide to sooth breakouts and tea tree to boot spot-causing bacteria from your face.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Camellia sinensis extract, Ferulic acid + 2 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (ferulic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - camellia sinensis extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 + 5 moreWorks 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.
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: ferulic acid, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Thymus vulgaris extractMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Homosalate~22–34%
- 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 HomosalateEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.3–6.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateEthylhexyl salicylate~4.4–6.6%
- 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 salicylateZinc oxide~4–5.9%
- 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 oxideAloe barbadensis leaf juice~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 juiceAmodimethicone~1.9–2.8%
Water~1.4–2.2%
Butylene glycol~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolButyloctyl salicylate~0.95–1.45%
- 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~0.8–1.25%
- 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 benzoateCamellia sinensis extract~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about Camellia sinensis extractCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.4–0.9%
- 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 triglycerideCarbomer~0.15–0.65%
- 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 CarbomerCitric acid~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidCitrullus lanatus fruit extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound
More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extractCeramide ng~0.15–0.6%
- 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 ngCocamidopropyl betaine~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineColloidal oatmeal~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to restore skin barrier function, soften the upper layer of the skin and calm down inflammation
More about Colloidal oatmealCyclopentasiloxane~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneCyclotetrasiloxane~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Daucus carota sativa extract~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ferulic acid~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%
More about Ferulic acidGlycerin~0.1–0.4%
- 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 GlycerinGlyceryl caprylate~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateGlyceryl stearate~0.15–0.55%
- 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 stearateGlyceryl undecylenate~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation
More about Glyceryl undecylenateHyaluronic acid~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidHydrogenated methyl abietate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinLeuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilNiacinamide~0.1–0.4%
- 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 NiacinamidePalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tripeptide-38~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-38Polysorbate 20~0.05–0.25%
Terminalia ferdinandiana seed oil~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Terminalia ferdinandiana seed oilThymus vulgaris extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Ingredient list view
Homosalate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Zinc oxide, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Amodimethicone, Water, Butylene glycol, Butyloctyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Camellia sinensis extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Carbomer, Citric acid, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Ceramide ng, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Colloidal oatmeal, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Daucus carota sativa extract, Ferulic acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl caprylate, Glyceryl stearate, Glyceryl undecylenate, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrogenated methyl abietate, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Niacinamide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tripeptide-38, Polysorbate 20, Terminalia ferdinandiana seed oil, Thymus vulgaris extract
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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.
| ZitStickaMEGASHADE Breakout-proof SPF SerumYOUR PRODUCT | No7Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 | CliniqueCL SMT CLNC RPR WR SPF30 | Kiehl'sBetter Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 38% | 37% | 37% |
| Price | $40.00 | $33.40−$6.60 | — | $40.32 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 16 | 6 of 16 | 4 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Sodium Hyaluronate | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Andalou Naturals Facial Serum, SPF 30, Age Defying, UnscentedN Ā E L I Tinted Mineral Face Moisturizer SPF 50 - Zinc Oxide, Peptide & Ceramide Complex
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "ZitSticka - MEGASHADE Breakout-proof SPF Serum" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: butyloctyl salicylate, octinoxate, octisalate and homosalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product- As for the white cast, the reviewer reported a noticeable whitish residue.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it stings eyes.
Price
The product retails for 40.00$ in the United States, from 28.00£ up to 35.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 49.00CA$ in Canada and for 69.30A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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