Conscious Chemist

Berry Bright Sunscreen SPF 50

Exceptional ceramide and lipid complex.

Hybrid BalancedCream
52
ModerateOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

72%

Nourishing · Hydrating · Unstable

Pros
  • Deeply moisturizes skin
  • Repairs skin barrier
  • No drying alcohols
Cons
  • Filters degrade quickly
  • May sting eyes
  • Endocrine disruptor risk
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

The label claims SPF 50, corroborated by prominently positioned UVB absorbers including Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Zinc Oxide provides broad continuous coverage up to 400 nm, while Avobenzone (peak 357 nm) fills the critical UVA I range alongside UVA II support from Titanium Dioxide and Octocrylene.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

Ingredients like Sodium Polyacrylate offer basic film-forming properties, but the formula lacks dedicated hydrophobic polymers or silicones necessary for verifiable water resistance.

Photo Stability

Poor

Photobiology research confirms that Octinoxate and Avobenzone destabilize each other under UV exposure, and Octocrylene preferentially quenches Octinoxate, leaving Avobenzone vulnerable.

Visible Light

Poor

Absence of iron oxide colour indices or pigmentary-grade non-white minerals in the ingredient list.

Irritation Risk

Medium Risk

Dermatological patch test data identifies octocrylene and avobenzone as notable causes of photoallergic contact dermatitis, while alpha lipoic acid is a documented sensitizer.

Pore Clogging

Medium Risk

Clinical comedogenicity reference tables typically rate stearic acid as a 2-3/5 and lecithin preparations as a 2-4/5 depending on the testing model used.

White Cast

High Risk

High concentrations of uncoated or aluminum hydroxide-coated titanium dioxide and zinc oxide consistently leave a visible white/ashy cast on Fitzpatrick III-VI skin.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

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
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.

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].

Ceramide NP CeramideSkin Conditioning
Phospholipids Fatty AcidSkin Conditioning
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].

Stearic Acid Fatty AcidSkin Conditioning

It has a mildly comedogenic rating and can potentially clog pores or exacerbate breakouts in individuals with very oily or acne-prone skin [2.1].

Sunflower Seed Oil Natural OilEmollient
Alpha Lipoic Acid SyntheticAntioxidant

Alpha lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, has been identified as a cosmetic contact sensitizer capable of causing allergic contact dermatitis when used in topical anti-aging products.

Sodium Polyacrylate PolymericThickener
Xylitol PolyolHumectant
Hectorite and Hydroxyethylcellulose ClayThickener
Niacinamide VitaminAntioxidant
Ceramide AP CeramideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP CeramideSkin Conditioning
Cholesterol MiscellaneousOther
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate AnionicEmulsifier
Caprylic Acid Fatty AcidSkin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate NonionicEmulsifier
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Phytosphingosine CeramideSkin Conditioning
Milk Thistle Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning

May occasionally cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with known hypersensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family such as ragweed and daisies [1.3].

Vitamin E Acetate VitaminAntioxidant
Squalane Natural OilEmollient
Sorbitol PolyolHumectant
Resveratrol PolyphenolAntioxidant
Blackberry Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Sodium Levulinate and Potassium Sorbate MultifunctionalPreservative

Potassium sorbate is generally considered safe but can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis or nonimmunological contact urticaria in sensitive individuals [2.1].

Fragrance SyntheticFragrance

Undisclosedfragranceblendsareamongthemostcommoncausesofcontactdermatitisandskinsensitizationincosmeticproducts[1.6].