Aqualogica

Glow+ Dewy Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+

Strong broad-spectrum UV protection

ChemicalGel
62
ModerateOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

65%

Hydrating · Dewy · Irritating

Pros
  • Highly hydrating
  • Dewy finish
  • Mildly exfoliating
Cons
  • High irritation risk
  • Lacks occlusivity
  • Severe eye sting
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

Label claims SPF 50+, which is corroborated by the prominent placement of multiple high-efficacy UVB-absorbing filters in the active ingredients list.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Avobenzone (peak 357 nm), Bisoctrizole (peak 360 nm), and Ecamsule (peak 344 nm) provide complementary absorption profiles covering both UVA II and the critical UVA I range.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

Polyester-7 is a dedicated water-resistant polymer, but its lower position on the ingredient list and the absence of a label claim limit its verifiable efficacy.

Photo Stability

Fair

Cosmetic science literature confirms that while Octinoxate accelerates Avobenzone degradation, the inclusion of Bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M) and Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX) helps quench triplet-state energy and stabilise the system.

Visible Light

Poor

The ingredient list contains zero iron oxide colour indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) and no non-nano physical filters.

Irritation Risk

High Risk

Propylene glycol is a documented sensitizer (ACDS Allergen of the Year 2018) at high concentrations, and capsaicinoids in capsicum induce neurogenic inflammation.

Pore Clogging

Medium Risk

Established dermatological comedogenicity scales rate the combination of cetearyl alcohol and ceteareth-20 as potentially pore-clogging, while Laminaria digitata is consistently rated 4-5/5 due to pore-irritating iodine.

White Cast

Low Risk

Chemical filters absorb rather than scatter UV light; the hybrid filter Bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M) at moderate concentrations blends transparently.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Avobenzone ChemicalUVA I / UVA II

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

Ecamsule ChemicalUVA II / UVA I
Octinoxate ChemicalUVB

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

Bisoctrizole HybridBroad Spectrum UV
Ensulizole ChemicalUVB

In vitro studies suggest it can generate reactive oxygen species upon UV exposure which may lead to cellular damage though real world impact is debated.

Octisalate ChemicalUVB

Clinical trials demonstrate systemic absorption into the bloodstream exceeding the FDA threshold requiring further safety testing.

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
Isododecane Oil BasedSolvent
Propylene Glycol GlycolSolvent

Recognized as a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis especially in individuals with eczema or compromised skin barriers.

Glycerin GlycerinHumectant
Decyl Glucoside CleansingSurfactant

Named Contact Allergen of the Year in 2017 due to increasing reports of allergic contact dermatitis, though it remains safe and mild for the vast majority of users.

Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Vitamin C VitaminAntioxidant
Triethanolamine BasepH Adjuster

May react with nitrosating agents in formulations to form nitrosamines which are potential carcinogens.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer PolymericThickener
Tapioca Starch Mattifying AgentSensory Modifier
Dicaprylyl Carbonate Synthetic OilEmollient
Dimethicone SiliconeEmollient
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.

Cetearyl Alcohol WaxEmollient

Historically rated as mildly comedogenic in animal models but modern dermatological consensus indicates it is unlikely to clog pores in typical cosmetic formulations.

Ceteareth-20 NonionicEmulsifier

As an ethoxylated compound, it may contain trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are potential carcinogens formed during the manufacturing process.

Cetearyl Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
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.

Glyceryl Stearate NonionicEmulsifier
Papaya Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Glyceryl Glucoside OtherHumectant
Niacinamide VitaminAntioxidant
Polyester-7 Synthetic PolymerFilm Former
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Sodium Polyacrylate PolymericThickener
Ethoxydiglycol GlycolSolvent

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

Biosaccharide Gum-4 Natural PolymerFilm Former
1,2-Hexanediol GlycolSolvent
Capsicum Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning

Contains capsaicinoids that are recognized skin and eye irritants requiring careful formulation at low concentrations to avoid burning or dermatitis [1.1].

Xanthan Gum GumThickener
Vitamin E VitaminAntioxidant
Sodium Gluconate OtherChelating Agent
Kelp Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning

Kelpandalgaeextractsarenaturallyhighiniodine, whichcanpenetrateandirritatethepore, potentiallytriggeringbreakoutsinacneproneindividuals[2.14].

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 EOP CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide NG CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide NP CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide AS CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide AP CeramideSkin Conditioning
Panthenol OtherHumectant
BHT SyntheticAntioxidant

Some animal studies suggest high oral doses may cause endocrine disruption, though regulatory bodies consider it safe at the low concentrations used in cosmetics.