DERMDOC

DERMDOC 4% Niacinamide Ultra Violet Brightening Sunscreen : Ingredients & Skin Analysis.

SPF 50PA+++Hybrid Chemical DominantLotion

Contains 4% brightening niacinamide.

28
Needs ReviewOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

32%

Balancing · Photounstable · Sensitizing

Pros
  • Natural balanced finish
  • Refines skin texture
  • Lightweight and breathable
Cons
  • Severe UV photoinstability
  • High irritation risk
  • Severe eye sting
View other sunscreens for Textured Combination Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

The input data confirms a manufacturer claim of SPF 50, supported by potent UVB filters like Octinoxate and Oxybenzone.

Broad Spectrum

Poor

Avobenzone is the only dedicated UVA I filter (340-400 nm) present in functional amounts, fitting the criteria for a weak and unstabilized broad-spectrum system.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

The ingredient list includes Dimethicone, Polyacrylate-13, and Polyisobutene, which act as film-formers, but there is no 40- or 80-minute testing claim from the manufacturer.

Photo Stability

Poor

Extensive photobiology literature confirms that combining unstabilized Avobenzone and Octinoxate leads to a bimolecular photoreaction that rapidly destroys both filters under UV exposure.

Visible Light

Poor

Total absence of iron oxide color indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) in the provided ingredient list.

Irritation Risk

High Risk

Dermatological literature frequently cites oxybenzone as the most common chemical UV filter responsible for photoallergic contact dermatitis.

Pore Clogging

Low Risk

Dermatological comedogenicity databases and clinical assessments rate the primary vehicle ingredients at 0-1/5, while late-list emulsifiers like glyceryl stearate cap at a 2/5 in standardized human and rabbit ear assays.

White Cast

Low Risk

Low concentrations of un-tinted mineral filters in a primarily chemical-based formulation typically exhibit negligible reflectance on Fitzpatrick I-V skin tones.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Octinoxate ChemicalUVB

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

Oxybenzone ChemicalUVB / UVA II

Clinical trials demonstrate that single applications lead to blood concentrations vastly exceeding safety thresholds and remaining detectable for weeks [1.1].

Avobenzone ChemicalUVA I / UVA II

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

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
Phospholipids Fatty AcidSkin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol GlycolSolvent
Phenoxyethanol PhenoxyethanolPreservative

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

Niacinamide VitaminAntioxidant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Synthetic OilEmollient
Dimethicone SiliconeEmollient
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer PolymericThickener
Alumina PowderSensory Modifier
Water and Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Ethylhexylglycerin MultifunctionalPreservative

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

Ethoxydiglycol GlycolSolvent

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

Polyacrylate-13 Synthetic PolymerFilm Former

May contain trace amounts of residual acrylamide from manufacturing but industry practices and regulatory limits keep it at safe levels.

Polyisobutene Synthetic PolymerFilm Former
Polysorbate 20 SolubilizerSurfactant

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

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil SolubilizerSurfactant

As an ethoxylated ingredient it carries a risk of trace contamination with dioxane and ethylene oxide which are potential carcinogens produced during the manufacturing process [1.4.7].

Ext. D&C Violet No. 2 DyeColorant

Prohibited by both the FDA and EU for use in lip products, eye area cosmetics, and any products applied to mucous membranes.

Xylitylglucoside OtherHumectant
Disodium EDTA EDTAChelating Agent

Poorly biodegradable in the environment and can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems where it may mobilize heavy metals.

Glyceryl Stearate NonionicEmulsifier
D&C Red No. 33 DyeColorant

The FDA prohibits the use of this colorant in cosmetic products intended for application in the area of the eye.