Ultra Defense SPF 85 Sunscreen Spray
Why this score
Concern39 / 55
- Oxybenzone: watch if sensitive
- Fragrance: watch if sensitive
How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.
Transparency12 / 20
- Uses an undisclosed "fragrance/parfum" blend, so its scent allergens are hidden.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint9 / 25
- 3 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredients: Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, Fragrance.
Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.
Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026
What’s inside
AvobenzoneGenerally safe
A widely used organic UV-A filter in sunscreens. It can lose effectiveness in sunlight unless paired with photostabilizers, but safety reviews have not found it to pose a meaningful health hazard at approved use levels.
Full ingredient details →HomosalateLimited concern
A UV-B filter used in sunscreens. After reassessing hormone-activity data, the EU lowered its permitted maximum concentration as a precaution, but concluded the ingredient remains safe for use at the new lower limit.
Full ingredient details →OctocryleneWatch if sensitive
An organic UV-B filter that also stabilizes other sunscreen actives like avobenzone. The EU SCCS reviewed it and concluded it is safe at current use levels, though rare contact allergy has been reported and older, degraded product may form small amounts of benzophenone.
Full ingredient details →OxybenzoneWatch if sensitive
An organic UV filter with a genuinely mixed evidence picture: it is a documented contact and photo-contact allergen in a subset of users, and studies show it absorbs into the bloodstream at levels that prompted the FDA to request further safety data. The EU has lowered its permitted concentration as a precaution. It is not established as unsafe at approved levels, but people with sensitive skin may prefer to watch for reactions or choose a mineral filter.
Full ingredient details →CyclopentasiloxaneCommonly feared, low concern
A lightweight, volatile silicone that gives serums and primers their silky slip and quick-evaporating finish. Human safety data are reassuring; the EU restriction on this ingredient in rinse-off products is about environmental persistence in waterways, not skin safety.
Full ingredient details →Dicaprylyl CarbonateGenerally safe
A lightweight, silicone-like emollient derived from coconut/palm fatty alcohols, used to give lotions a smoother, less greasy feel. Listed in the EU CosIng database as a skin-conditioning agent with no restrictions.
Full ingredient details →Caprylyl GlycolGenerally safe
Caprylyl glycol is a plant-derived humectant that also has mild antimicrobial properties, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives to allow lower overall preservative levels. Available data do not point to meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.
Full ingredient details →Aloe VeraGenerally safe
A plant-derived water or extract used mainly as a soothing humectant filler. Evidence for dramatic skin benefits beyond mild hydration and soothing is limited, but it is well tolerated by most people.
Full ingredient details →Retinyl PalmitateCommonly feared, low concern
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A used in moisturizers and some sunscreens for mild anti-aging and antioxidant support. Long-term panel reviews of the ingredient have generally found it safe as used, with irritation potential similar to other mild retinoids at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Vitamin EGenerally safe
An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →FragranceWatch if sensitive
An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.
Full ingredient details →Note: this product hides its scent as an undisclosed “fragrance/parfum” blend, so its specific allergens are not on the label.
Lower-concern alternatives
Same category, higher PlainScore.
- 100⇄Blue LizardSensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+
- 100⇄CeraVeHydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
- 100⇄Beauty of JoseonRelief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
Compare Ultra Defense SPF 85 Sunscreen Spray against anything we have scored →
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Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.