The Derma Co

Pore Minimizing Sunscreen Gel SPF 50

Advanced, highly photostable UV filters

Hybrid BalancedGel
91
ExcellentOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Most Suitable For


Skin Type Match

94%

Matte · Lightweight · Soothing

Pros
  • Matte gel finish
  • Low comedogenicity
  • Calms active breakouts
Cons
  • Potential white cast
  • Lacks water resistance
  • Trace fungal triggers
View other sunscreens for Normal to Oily Skin with Acne

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150) offers exceptional UVB attenuation with peak absorption at 314 nm, solidly supporting the SPF 50 claim.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) specifically targets the UVA I range with a peak at 354 nm, perfectly complementing the broad-spectrum profiles of Bemotrizinol and Bisoctrizole.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

The inclusion of Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer provides strong hydrophobic film-forming properties typically used for water resistance, though unconfirmed by a label claim.

Photo Stability

Excellent

Photobiology research confirms that Bisoctrizole, Bemotrizinol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, and DHHB maintain their structural integrity and protective capacity without requiring secondary photostabilisers.

Visible Light

Poor

A complete absence of iron oxide colour indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) in the ingredient list confirms a lack of visible light protection.

Irritation Risk

Low Risk

Next-generation filters (Bemotrizinol, Bisoctrizole) and physical filters (Titanium Dioxide) are well-documented to have negligible irritation and sensitization rates.

Pore Clogging

Low Risk

Clinical comedogenicity scales rate the primary vehicle ingredients like C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and Caprylyl Methicone at 0/5, with minor lipids restricted to trace amounts.

White Cast

Medium Risk

Particulate UV filters like methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) scatter visible light, leaving a moderate white residue on Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Bisoctrizole HybridBroad Spectrum UV
Ethylhexyl Triazone ChemicalUVB

Currently not approved by the United States FDA for use in sunscreens though it is widely approved in the EU and other global markets.

Bemotrizinol ChemicalBroad Spectrum UV

Identified in recent dermatological literature as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate ChemicalUVA II / UVA I
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

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Synthetic OilEmollient
Niacinamide VitaminAntioxidant
Caprylyl Methicone SiliconeEmollient
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer PolymericThickener
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer AcrylicFilm Former
Glycerin GlycerinHumectant
Dimethicone SiliconeEmollient
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Aloe Vera Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning

Unpurified whole leaf aloe extracts may contain anthraquinones like aloin which have shown carcinogenic potential in oral animal studies but cosmetic grade aloe is decolorized to safely limit these compounds to below 50 parts per million [1.3].

Lentil Seed Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-4 Natural PolymerFilm Former
Bioflavonoids PolyphenolAntioxidant
Vitamin E Acetate VitaminAntioxidant
Propanediol PolyolHumectant
Xanthan Gum GumThickener
Phenoxyethanol PhenoxyethanolPreservative

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

Propylene Glycol GlycolSolvent

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

1,2-Hexanediol GlycolSolvent
Ethylhexylglycerin MultifunctionalPreservative

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

Glyceryl Stearate NonionicEmulsifier
Lecithin Fatty Acid EsterEmollient

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel advises that lecithin should not be used in formulations containing nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of potentially carcinogenic N nitroso compounds [1.6].

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.

Sodium Carbomer CarbomerThickener

Carbomers may contain trace amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen, from older manufacturing processes, though modern production largely avoids its use.

Silica Mattifying AgentSensory Modifier