The Derma Co

1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel In Vivo Tested SPF 50

Provides intense, deep skin hydration

ChemicalGel
63
ModerateOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

65%

Hydrating · Unstable · Stinging

Pros
  • Deeply hydrating formula
  • Zero drying alcohol
  • Safe with exfoliants
Cons
  • Poor UV photostability
  • High irritation risk
  • Severe eye stinging
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

Ensulizole (peak 302 nm), Octinoxate (peak 311 nm), and Octisalate (peak 305 nm) are established high-efficacy UVB filters present in the formulation.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Tinosorb M (peak 360 nm) and Avobenzone (peak 357 nm) provide deep UVA I coverage, while Ecamsule (peak 344 nm) bridges the gap between UVA II and UVA I.

Sweat Resistance

Fair

Polyester-7 is a substantive polymer specifically utilized in cosmetic chemistry to enhance the water resistance and retention of UV filters on the skin.

Photo Stability

Poor

Photobiology research demonstrates that unencapsulated Avobenzone and Octinoxate undergo rapid, mutual photochemical degradation when exposed to UV radiation.

Visible Light

Poor

Absence of iron oxide color indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) and pigmentary-grade mineral filters in the ingredient list.

Irritation Risk

High Risk

Propylene glycol is a well-documented penetration enhancer and irritant at high concentrations, particularly in patients with compromised skin barriers.

Pore Clogging

Medium Risk

Dermatological rabbit ear assays and human clinical data historically rate the combination of cetearyl alcohol and ceteareth-20 as highly comedogenic, while ingredients like triethanolamine and glyceryl monostearate are rated 1-2/5.

White Cast

Low Risk

Bisoctrizole is an organic microparticulate filter that scatters and reflects UV light, which can manifest as a slight white residue on Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Avobenzone ChemicalUVA I / UVA II

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

Ecamsule ChemicalUVA II / UVA I
Ensulizole ChemicalUVB

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.

Octinoxate ChemicalUVB

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

Octisalate ChemicalUVB

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

Bisoctrizole HybridBroad Spectrum UV

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
Propylene Glycol GlycolSolvent

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

Glycerin GlycerinHumectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Triethanolamine BasepH Adjuster

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

Tapioca Starch Mattifying AgentSensory Modifier
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer PolymericThickener
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.

Xanthan Gum GumThickener
Isododecane Oil BasedSolvent
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Niacinamide VitaminAntioxidant
Cetearyl Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
Xylitylglucoside OtherHumectant
Anhydroxylitol PolyolHumectant
Xylitol PolyolHumectant
Phenoxyethanol PhenoxyethanolPreservative

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

Ethylhexylglycerin MultifunctionalPreservative

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

Dicaprylyl Carbonate Synthetic OilEmollient
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.

Ceteareth-20 NonionicEmulsifier

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

Glyceryl Monostearate NonionicEmulsifier
Polyester-7 Synthetic PolymerFilm Former
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Blueberry Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Sodium Polyacrylate PolymericThickener
Biosaccharide Gum-4 Natural PolymerFilm Former
1,2-Hexanediol GlycolSolvent
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning

May cause skin irritation, erythema, or a warming sensation in sensitive individuals due to the potential presence of capsaicinoids.

Allantoin OtherHumectant
Sodium Gluconate OtherChelating Agent
Vitamin E Acetate VitaminAntioxidant
BHT SyntheticAntioxidant

Some animal studies suggest high oral doses may cause endocrine disruption, though regulatory bodies consider it safe at the low concentrations used in cosmetics.