Dot & Key

Barrier Repair Sunscreen SPF 50+

Strong broad-spectrum UV protection.

Hybrid Chemical DominantCream
42
Needs ReviewOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

58%

Hydrating · Emollient · Sensitizing

Pros
  • Deeply hydrating
  • Rich emolliency
  • Exfoliant compatible
Cons
  • High irritation risk
  • Mildly comedogenic
  • Severe eye sting
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

Supported by a dense concentration of highly effective UVB filters including Octinoxate, Octisalate, Tinosorb M, and Titanium Dioxide.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Uvinul A Plus (peak 354 nm) and Tinosorb M (peak 358 nm) provide excellent UVA I coverage, complementing encapsulated Avobenzone.

Sweat Resistance

Excellent

Ingredients such as Sodium Acrylates Copolymer and the PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone blend function as robust hydrophobic film-forming agents to support durability.

Photo Stability

Excellent

Encapsulation via phospholipids (SunCat DE blend) prevents the rapid photodegradation of Avobenzone, while Tinosorb M and Uvinul A Plus offer inherently photostable baseline UVA protection.

Visible Light

Poor

The ingredient list contains zero iron oxide color indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) or specialized tinting agents.

Irritation Risk

High Risk

Dermatological literature extensively documents oxybenzone as a leading sunscreen photoallergen and propylene glycol as a frequent contact sensitizer (ACDS Allergen of the Year 2018).

Pore Clogging

Medium Risk

Dermatological comedogenicity scales and rabbit ear assays consistently rate cetearyl alcohol and caprylic/capric triglyceride as mild comedogens (rated 1-2/5) which can collectively contribute to moderate pore-clogging potential when combined in an emulsion base.

White Cast

Low Risk

Tinosorb M and un-tinted titanium dioxide reflect light, but their low label positions in a chemical base prevent severe cast formation.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Phospholipids, and Butylene Glycol Blend ChemicalBroad Spectrum UV

Multiple studies confirm that oxybenzone and octinoxate exhibit estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity which can disrupt thyroid and reproductive hormones [1.2].

Uvinul A Plus ChemicalUVA II / UVA I

Not approved by the US FDA as a sunscreen active and subject to strict EU impurity limits for the reproductive toxicant di n hexyl phthalate.

Octisalate ChemicalUVB

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

Bisoctrizole Blend HybridBroad Spectrum UV

Formulated with decyl glucoside as a stabilizer which has been identified as a hidden allergen responsible for contact dermatitis in sunscreen users.

Titanium Dioxide and Silica MineralBroad Spectrum UV

Restricted in the European Union from use in spray and aerosol cosmetics due to potential inhalation toxicity [1.17].

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
Propanediol PolyolHumectant
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer and Lecithin PolymericThickener

Lecithin should not be used in cosmetic products containing nitrosating agents due to the potential formation of carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Synthetic OilEmollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
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.

Glycerin GlycerinHumectant
Propylene Glycol GlycolSolvent

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

Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, and Xylitol Blend PolyolHumectant
Glyceryl Stearate NonionicEmulsifier
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.

Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trideceth-6, and PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone Blend PolymericThickener

Cyclopentasiloxane is restricted in the European Union for wash off cosmetics due to environmental accumulation, and it may contain trace amounts of cyclotetrasiloxane, which is classified as toxic to reproduction.

Allantoin OtherHumectant
Sodium Gluconate OtherChelating Agent
Disodium EDTA EDTAChelating Agent

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

Vitamin E Acetate VitaminAntioxidant
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate PeptideSkin Conditioning
Ceramide Complex Blend CeramideSkin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Rice Ferment Extract Blend Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Peptide Blend PeptideSkin Conditioning

The ethoxylated excipient Polysorbate 20 may be contaminated with trace amounts of 1 4 dioxane and ethylene oxide which are probable human carcinogens as byproducts of the manufacturing process [3.4].

Blueberry Extract Blend Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin PhenoxyethanolPreservative

Both components are documented, albeit rare, contact allergens that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.