1 / 8GarnierGarnier Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen : Ingredients & Skin Analysis.
Exceptional broad-spectrum UV protection.
Skin Type Match
Irritating · Sensitizing · Drying
- High SPF protection
- Broad spectrum coverage
- Contains soothing peptides
- High alcohol content
- Heavy fragrance load
- Severe irritation risk
Performance Scores
SPF Level
Excellent
SPF Level
The labelled SPF 50+ is supported by an extensive combination of highly effective UVB filters including Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, and Octisalate.
Broad Spectrum
Excellent
Broad Spectrum
Avobenzone provides critical peak absorption at 357 nm (UVA I), while Bemotrizinol (peak 345 nm) and Drometrizole Trisiloxane (peak 344 nm) bridge the UVA II gap and reinforce the UVA I spectrum.
Sweat Resistance
Poor
Sweat Resistance
The inclusion of C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer at position 13 indicates baseline film-forming capability, but unverified by standard 40- or 80-minute clinical immersion claims.
Photo Stability
Excellent
Photo Stability
Cosmetic photobiology literature confirms that Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Bemotrizinol) acts as a highly efficient triplet-state quencher, preventing the UV-induced degradation of Avobenzone.
Visible Light
Poor
Visible Light
Absence of any iron oxide color indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) or non-nano minerals in the ingredient list, consistent with the 'Invisible Serum' marketing.
Irritation Risk
High Risk
Irritation Risk
Dermatological literature confirms that high concentrations of volatile alcohols disrupt the stratum corneum, increasing the penetration and sensitization risk of co-formulated fragrance allergens.
Pore Clogging
High Risk
Pore Clogging
Extensive dermatological testing, including established clinical comedogenicity scales, consistently rates Isopropyl Myristate at 5/5 for inducing follicular hyperkeratosis and microcomedones.
White Cast
Low Risk
White Cast
Chemical filters like Avobenzone, Bemotrizinol, and Mexoryl XL absorb rather than scatter visible light, leaving no visible residue.
Ingredients Analysis
Active Filters
Octisalate UVB
Clinical trials demonstrate systemic absorption into the bloodstream exceeding the FDA threshold requiring further safety testing.
Bemotrizinol Broad Spectrum UV
Identified in recent dermatological literature as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Ethylhexyl Triazone 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.
Avobenzone UVA I / UVA II
Rapidly degrades under UV exposure losing significant UVA protection capacity unless stabilized by other filters.
Ensulizole UVB
In vitro studies suggest it can generate reactive oxygen species upon UV exposure which may lead to cellular damage though real world impact is debated.
Key Inactive Ingredients
Denatured Alcohol Solvent
Can strip natural lipids and disrupt the skin moisture barrier which may lead to dryness and contact dermatitis in sensitive skin types [1.5].
Isopropyl Myristate Emollient
Consistently rated very high on the comedogenic scale meaning it frequently causes pore blockages and triggers breakouts in acne prone individuals [1.4].
Triethanolamine pH Adjuster
May react with nitrosating agents in formulations to form nitrosamines which are potential carcinogens.
Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant
Whilewidelyconsideredsafeandnon-sensitizingbytheCIR, rarecasereportsofallergiccontactdermatitisfromcosmeticproductshavebeendocumented[1.1].
Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
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.
Limonene Fragrance
When exposed to air, it oxidizes into limonene hydroperoxides which are potent skin sensitizers and frequent causes of allergic contact dermatitis [1.7].
Linalool Fragrance
Linalool oxidizes upon exposure to air to form hydroperoxides which are potent skin sensitizers and a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis [1.8].
Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance
Recognized as a weak to moderate skin sensitizer and common fragrance allergen that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Benzyl Alcohol Preservative
Recognized as a fragrance allergen that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis and nonimmunologic contact urticaria in sensitive individuals [1.15].
Caprylyl Glycol Preservative
Generally well tolerated and considered safe for most skin types though rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been documented [2.1].
Geraniol Fragrance
Autoxidizes upon air exposure to form highly sensitizing compounds leading to contact dermatitis and requiring regulatory restrictions.
Lemon Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning
Contains naturally occurring furocoumarins such as 5 methoxypsoralen which are known to cause severe phytophotodermatitis upon exposure to UV light.
Citral Fragrance
A well-documented skin sensitizer and contact allergen that requires mandatory disclosure on cosmetic labels in the EU when exceeding specific concentrations.
Fragrance Fragrance
Undisclosedfragranceblendsareamongthemostcommoncausesofcontactdermatitisandskinsensitizationincosmeticproducts[1.6].