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Cetaphil

SPF 50+ Sunscreen SPF 50+

Exceptional broad-spectrum UV protection.

Hybrid Chemical DominantLotion
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Skin Type Match

35%

Matte · Irritating · Protective

Pros
  • High UV protection
  • Matte dry finish
  • Completely fragrance free
Cons
  • High alcohol content
  • Barrier disruption risk
  • May sting eyes
View other sunscreens for Sensitive Oily Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level
The implied SPF 50+ rating maps to the 'Very high' tier, which is robustly supported by a comprehensive matrix of modern, highly efficient UVB filters including Ethylhexyl Triazone and Octinoxate.
Broad Spectrum
The formula provides exceptionally robust and continuous UVA coverage by combining three highly efficient, broad-spectrum and UVA-specific filters: Bemotrizinol, Bisoctrizole, and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate.
Sweat Resistance
The product possesses substantial film-forming infrastructure for water resistance but scores minimally because there is no explicit manufacturer water resistance claim to verify testing.
Photo Stability
While the formula contains inherently photolabile Octinoxate, it is heavily stabilized by the inclusion of Bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S), and the rest of the filter system is dominated by highly photostable next-generation filters.
Visible Light
The formulation contains no iron oxides or pigmentary-grade non-white minerals capable of meaningfully attenuating visible light or high-energy visible (blue) light.
Irritation Risk
Features a high concentration of volatile alcohol alongside potentially sensitizing alkyl glucosides and triethanolamine.
Pore Clogging
The formulation is primarily composed of non-comedogenic UV filters, solvents, and silicones, with only very minor ingredients like tocopherol (rated 2-3/5) present at trace concentrations.
White Cast
Contains nano titanium dioxide (8) and particulate filter Tinosorb M (13) without any tinting agents to offset reflectance.
Ingredients Analysis▾

Active Filters

OctinoxateChemical · UVB
Studies indicate potential estrogenic and thyroid disrupting activity in animal models and human cell lines.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateChemical · UVA II/UVA I
BemotrizinolChemical · Broad Spectrum UV
Identified in recent dermatological literature as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Titanium DioxideMineral · UVB/UVA II
Classified as a possible human carcinogen if inhaled making spray and powder formulations a potential risk while dermal application remains safe
Ethylhexyl TriazoneChemical · UVB
Currently not approved by the United States FDA for use in sunscreens though it is widely approved in the EU and other global markets.
BisoctrizoleHybrid · Broad Spectrum UV

Key Inactives

WaterWater · Solvent
AlcoholAlcohol · Solvent
High concentrations can strip the skin of natural lipids, potentially compromising the moisture barrier and causing dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin [2.3].
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateSynthetic Oil · Emollient
Dibutyl AdipateOil Based · Solvent
DimethiconeSilicone · Emollient
VP/Eicosene CopolymerSynthetic Polymer · Film Former
Although generally considered safe by regulatory bodies there are rare but documented case reports of allergic contact dermatitis following the use of sunscreens containing this copolymer [1.3]
CyclodextrinMiscellaneous · Other
Vitamin EVitamin · Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-2Polyol · Humectant
DipolyhydroxystearateNonionic · Emulsifier
SilicaMattifying Agent · Sensory Modifier
Decyl GlucosideCleansing · Surfactant
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.
TriethanolamineBase · pH Adjuster
May react with nitrosating agents in formulations to form nitrosamines which are potential carcinogens.
Xanthan GumGum · Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerPolymeric · Thickener
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateOther · Chelating Agent
Lauryl GlucosideNonionic · Emulsifier
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].
Butylated HydroxytolueneSynthetic · Antioxidant
Suspected by some agencies of potential endocrine disrupting activity based on high dose animal studies though regulatory bodies currently consider it safe at low cosmetic concentrations [1.10].
Propylene GlycolGlycol · Solvent
Recognized as a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis especially in individuals with eczema or compromised skin barriers.