Aqualogica

5 Barrier+ Repair Sunscreen SPF 50+

Robust ceramide barrier repair complex

Hybrid Chemical DominantCream
48
Needs ReviewOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

35%

Heavy · Dewy · Comedogenic

Pros
  • Deeply hydrating
  • Alcohol-free
  • High SPF rating
Cons
  • May clog pores
  • Greasy dewy finish
  • Poor photostability
View other sunscreens for Oily Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

Formula combines Octinoxate and Octocrylene in primary positions, reinforced by Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for strong UVB attenuation.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Avobenzone (peak 357 nm) handles UVA I, while Octocrylene (peak 304 nm) and Zinc Oxide (peak 370 nm) provide complementary coverage across the UVA spectrum.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

Ingredients like Hydrogen Dimethicone and Polyhydroxystearic Acid provide mild water-repelling properties but are insufficient for durable water resistance without specialised polymers.

Photo Stability

Poor

Photobiology research confirms that the co-presence of Octinoxate and Avobenzone induces reactive oxygen species production and accelerates the degradation of both filters under UV exposure.

Visible Light

Poor

Absence of iron oxide colour indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) and heavy tints in the ingredient list.

Irritation Risk

Medium Risk

Dermatological literature identifies octocrylene as a known contact allergen and avobenzone as a potential cause of subjective irritation and stinging.

Pore Clogging

Medium Risk

Clinical comedogenicity scales typically rate avocado oil at 2-3/5 and Laminaria digitata (algae extract) at 3-4/5 due to its iodine content and recognized acne-triggering potential.

White Cast

Low Risk

Mineral filters at trace concentrations (inferred from positions >30) act as minor UV boosters and contribute negligibly to visible white reflection (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed).


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Octinoxate ChemicalUVB

Studies indicate potential estrogenic and thyroid disrupting activity in animal models and human cell lines.

Avobenzone ChemicalUVA I / UVA II

Rapidly degrades under UV exposure losing significant UVA protection capacity unless stabilized by other filters.

Octocrylene ChemicalUVB / UVA II

Banned in several jurisdictions due to evidence of coral toxicity and accumulation in marine life.

Titanium Dioxide MineralUVB / UVA II

Classified as a possible human carcinogen if inhaled making spray and powder formulations a potential risk while dermal application remains safe

Zinc Oxide MineralBroad Spectrum UV / High Energy Visible

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
Butylene Glycol GlycolSolvent
Lecithin Fatty Acid EsterEmollient

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel advises that lecithin should not be used in formulations containing nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of potentially carcinogenic N nitroso compounds [1.6].

Xylitol PolyolHumectant
Glucose OtherHumectant
Anhydroxylitol PolyolHumectant
Date Palm Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer PolymericThickener
C15-19 Alkane Synthetic OilEmollient
Lauryl Glucoside NonionicEmulsifier

Alkyl glucosides, including lauryl glucoside, have seen increasing reports of allergic contact dermatitis, leading the American Contact Dermatitis Society to name them Allergen of the Year in 2017 [1.6].

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Synthetic OilEmollient
Polyglycerin-3 PolyolHumectant
Phenoxyethanol PhenoxyethanolPreservative

Generally well tolerated but can cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in rare cases, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Ethylhexylglycerin MultifunctionalPreservative

Recognized as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in leave-on cosmetic products.

Cetearyl Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
Glycerin GlycerinHumectant
Glyceryl Glucoside OtherHumectant
Avocado Oil Natural OilEmollient

Avocado oil has a moderate comedogenic rating due to its high oleic acid content and may contribute to clogged pores in individuals with very oily or acne prone skin.

Laminaria Digitata Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning

Algae and seaweed extracts including Laminaria digitata are frequently flagged as pore clogging and may exacerbate breakouts in acne prone skin [1.2].

Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide CeramideSkin Conditioning

Subject to EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III limits on secondary amine impurities to prevent the formation of potential nitrosamines [2.2].

Ceramide 1 CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide 2 CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide 3 CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide 4 CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide 6 II CeramideSkin Conditioning
Vitamin E Acetate VitaminAntioxidant
Oxothiazolidine SyntheticAntioxidant
Allantoin OtherHumectant
Aluminum Hydroxide Texture EnhancerSensory Modifier

Named the 2022 Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, aluminum hydroxide can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis, though reactions from topical cosmetic use are relatively rare [3.3].

Hydrogen Dimethicone SiliconeFilm Former
Polyhydroxystearic Acid PolymericEmulsifier
C9-12 Alkane Oil BasedSolvent
Ethoxydiglycol GlycolSolvent

Restricted in the EU to specific maximum concentrations and banned in eye and oral products to prevent potential kidney damage [2.1].

Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
PEG-10 Dimethicone Silicone EmulsifierEmulsifier

Polyethylene glycol compounds may contain trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane which is a probable carcinogen formed as a byproduct of the ethoxylation manufacturing process [2].

Cyclopentasiloxane SiliconeEmollient

The European Union is restricting this ingredient to a maximum concentration of one tenth of a percent in leave on cosmetics effective June 2027.