Cetaphil

SPF 50+ Sunscreen SPF 50+

Exceptional broad-spectrum UV protection.

Hybrid Chemical DominantLotion
62
ModerateOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

25%

Drying · Stripping · Protective

Pros
  • High UV protection
  • Completely fragrance free
  • Low comedogenic risk
Cons
  • Highly drying alcohol
  • Lacks essential hydration
  • Causes uncomfortable tightness
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

High-efficacy UVB filters like Ethylhexyl Triazone (peak 314 nm) and Octinoxate (peak 311 nm) are prominently featured at the top of the active ingredients list.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus) and Bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M) have peak absorptions at 354 nm and 360 nm respectively, completely covering the critical UVA I range.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

VP/Eicosene Copolymer is present at position 10, acting as a recognized hydrophobic film-former, but its real-world durability is unverified without a formal 40- or 80-minute label claim.

Photo Stability

Excellent

Photobiology research confirms that Bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S) acts as a highly effective triplet-state quencher that prevents the UV-induced degradation of Octinoxate.

Visible Light

Poor

Total absence of iron oxide color indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492) and the specific designation of Titanium Dioxide as '(Nano)', which renders it transparent to visible light.

Irritation Risk

High Risk

Clinical data identifies high-concentration short-chain alcohols as barrier disruptors, while alkyl glucosides are recognized emerging contact allergens.

Pore Clogging

Low Risk

Clinical comedogenicity scales rate the primary vehicle ingredients (water, alcohol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate) and the UV filters at 0-1/5, indicating an inherently low pore-clogging potential.

White Cast

Medium Risk

Tinosorb M and nano-TiO2 inherently scatter visible light; clinical observations confirm visible white residue on Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed).


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Octinoxate ChemicalUVB

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

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate ChemicalUVA II / UVA I
Bemotrizinol ChemicalBroad Spectrum UV

Identified in recent dermatological literature as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

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

Ethylhexyl Triazone ChemicalUVB

Currently not approved by the United States FDA for use in sunscreens though it is widely approved in the EU and other global markets.

Bisoctrizole HybridBroad Spectrum UV

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
Alcohol AlcoholSolvent

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 Benzoate Synthetic OilEmollient
Dibutyl Adipate Oil BasedSolvent
Dimethicone SiliconeEmollient
VP/Eicosene Copolymer Synthetic PolymerFilm 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]

Cyclodextrin MiscellaneousOther
Vitamin E VitaminAntioxidant
Polyglyceryl-2 PolyolHumectant
Dipolyhydroxystearate NonionicEmulsifier
Silica Mattifying AgentSensory Modifier
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.

Triethanolamine BasepH Adjuster

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

Xanthan Gum GumThickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer PolymericThickener
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate OtherChelating Agent
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].

Butylated Hydroxytoluene SyntheticAntioxidant

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 Glycol GlycolSolvent

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