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Cetaphil

SPF 50+ Sunscreen SPF 50+

Exceptional broad-spectrum UV protection.

Hybrid Chemical DominantLotion
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Skin Type Match

25%

Drying · Protective · Mattifying

Pros
  • High UVB protection
  • Strong UVA defense
  • Fragrance-free formula
Cons
  • Highly drying alcohol
  • Worsens skin dehydration
  • Lacks nourishing emollients
View other sunscreens for Dehydrated Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level
The implied SPF 50+ rating maps to the 'Very high' tier, which is robustly supported by a comprehensive matrix of modern, highly efficient UVB filters including Ethylhexyl Triazone and Octinoxate.
Broad Spectrum
The formula provides exceptionally robust and continuous UVA coverage by combining three highly efficient, broad-spectrum and UVA-specific filters: Bemotrizinol, Bisoctrizole, and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate.
Sweat Resistance
The product possesses substantial film-forming infrastructure for water resistance but scores minimally because there is no explicit manufacturer water resistance claim to verify testing.
Visible Light
The formulation contains no iron oxides or pigmentary-grade non-white minerals capable of meaningfully attenuating visible light or high-energy visible (blue) light.
Irritation Risk
Features a high concentration of volatile alcohol alongside potentially sensitizing alkyl glucosides and triethanolamine.
Pore Clogging
The formulation is primarily composed of non-comedogenic UV filters, solvents, and silicones, with only very minor ingredients like tocopherol (rated 2-3/5) present at trace concentrations.
White Cast
Contains nano titanium dioxide (8) and particulate filter Tinosorb M (13) without any tinting agents to offset reflectance.
Ingredients Analysis▾

Active Filters

OctinoxateChemical · UVB
Studies indicate potential estrogenic and thyroid disrupting activity in animal models and human cell lines.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateChemical · UVA II/UVA I
BemotrizinolChemical · Broad Spectrum UV
Identified in recent dermatological literature as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Titanium DioxideMineral · UVB/UVA II
Classified as a possible human carcinogen if inhaled making spray and powder formulations a potential risk while dermal application remains safe
Ethylhexyl TriazoneChemical · 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.
BisoctrizoleHybrid · Broad Spectrum UV

Key Inactives

WaterWater · Solvent
AlcoholAlcohol · Solvent
High concentrations can strip the skin of natural lipids, potentially compromising the moisture barrier and causing dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin [2.3].
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateSynthetic Oil · Emollient
Dibutyl AdipateOil Based · Solvent
DimethiconeSilicone · Emollient
VP/Eicosene CopolymerSynthetic Polymer · Film Former
Although generally considered safe by regulatory bodies there are rare but documented case reports of allergic contact dermatitis following the use of sunscreens containing this copolymer [1.3]
CyclodextrinMiscellaneous · Other
Vitamin EVitamin · Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-2Polyol · Humectant
DipolyhydroxystearateNonionic · Emulsifier
SilicaMattifying Agent · Sensory Modifier
Decyl GlucosideCleansing · Surfactant
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.
TriethanolamineBase · pH Adjuster
May react with nitrosating agents in formulations to form nitrosamines which are potential carcinogens.
Xanthan GumGum · Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerPolymeric · Thickener
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateOther · Chelating Agent
Lauryl GlucosideNonionic · Emulsifier
Alkyl glucosides, including lauryl glucoside, have seen increasing reports of allergic contact dermatitis, leading the American Contact Dermatitis Society to name them Allergen of the Year in 2017 [1.6].
Butylated HydroxytolueneSynthetic · Antioxidant
Suspected by some agencies of potential endocrine disrupting activity based on high dose animal studies though regulatory bodies currently consider it safe at low cosmetic concentrations [1.10].
Propylene GlycolGlycol · Solvent
Recognized as a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis especially in individuals with eczema or compromised skin barriers.