The Derma Co

1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Oil-Free Matte Gel SPF 50

High SPF 50 and PA++++ protection

ChemicalGel
38
Needs ReviewOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

42%

Hydrating · Matte · Sensitizing

Pros
  • Deeply hydrating
  • No drying alcohols
  • High UV protection
Cons
  • Low occlusivity
  • Poor photostability
  • May irritate skin
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

The high SPF claim is substantiated by a robust combination of primary UVB filters, including Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Ensulizole.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Absorption spectra confirm Bisoctrizole and Avobenzone cover the critical UVA I range up to 400 nm, while Ecamsule effectively bridges the UVA II gap with a peak at 344 nm.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

Polyester-7 (often formulated with Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate) is documented in cosmetic chemistry as a synthetic polymer used to create hydrophobic films that retain UV filters on the skin.

Photo Stability

Poor

Photochemistry literature establishes that Octinoxate and Avobenzone undergo bimolecular photoreactions under UV exposure, and while Bisoctrizole provides secondary stabilization, it cannot fully prevent this direct chemical degradation.

Visible Light

Poor

Absence of any iron oxide colour indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) or protective non-nano mineral pigments in the ingredient list.

Irritation Risk

Medium Risk

Propylene glycol is a well-documented penetration enhancer and irritant that frequently triggers contact dermatitis in patients with compromised skin barriers.

Pore Clogging

Medium Risk

Clinical evaluations assign a 2/5 comedogenicity rating to ingredients like cetearyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate, while the cetearyl alcohol and ceteareth-20 combination is historically flagged in dermatological assays.

White Cast

Low Risk

Bisoctrizole is an organic microfine particulate filter that reflects and scatters UV light, known to leave a slight whitish cast on deeper Fitzpatrick skin types.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Ecamsule ChemicalUVA II / UVA I
Avobenzone ChemicalUVA I / UVA II

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

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
Cetearyl Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate NonionicEmulsifier
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 Stearate NonionicEmulsifier
Xylitylglucoside OtherHumectant
Anhydroxylitol PolyolHumectant
Xylitol PolyolHumectant
Niacinamide VitaminAntioxidant
Polyester-7 Synthetic PolymerFilm Former
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Sodium Polyacrylate PolymericThickener
Blueberry Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Allantoin OtherHumectant
Ethoxydiglycol GlycolSolvent

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

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.

Zinc PCA Amino AcidHumectant
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.