Defend & Care Oil Free Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

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.

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.

A mild UVB chemical filter usually used to help dissolve and stabilize other sunscreen actives. It has a long OTC history at US-approved levels with a low rate of reported irritation.

A starch derivative used to thicken sunscreen lotions and absorb excess oil; the aluminum here is bound in a starch complex, unlike the soluble aluminum salts used in antiperspirants. CIR has reviewed aluminum starch octenylsuccinate and found it safe as used in cosmetic formulations.

A synthetic polymer used to form a water-resistant film and keep chemical UV filters evenly suspended in sunscreen lotions. It is not absorbed through skin and CIR has not flagged it as a safety concern in cosmetic use.

A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.

Polyethylene Terephthalate is the plastic film cut into tiny flecks that makes up most cosmetic glitter, used purely for sparkle in eyeshadow, highlighter, and nail products. The dermal safety data on PET itself is unremarkable, but the EU has classified this kind of non biodegradable plastic glitter as an intentionally added microplastic and is phasing out its sale in cosmetics on a schedule running from 2027 for rinse off products through 2035 for makeup, lip, and nail products, so the concern here is environmental persistence rather than a skin reaction.

A mineral thickener and anti-caking agent widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics to control texture and prevent ingredient separation. CIR has reviewed silica in cosmetic use and found no basis for concern at the levels used topically.

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.

A lightweight hydrocarbon that gives formulas a smooth, silky feel. Used in color cosmetics and sunscreens. Well tolerated and inert.

A fatty alcohol derived from arachis oil or synthesized, used as an emollient and emulsifier in creams and lotions. It is well tolerated and graded safe for cosmetic use.

A natural wax secreted by honeybees, used as an emollient and texture builder in balms and salves. It is generally well tolerated. People with bee or pollen allergies should patch test, as rare sensitization has been documented.

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.

An ester emollient used to soften and condition skin. The 2017 CIR safety assessment found it non-irritating and non-sensitizing across 415 surveyed formulas at concentrations from 1 to 33 percent.

A long-chain fatty alcohol used to thicken and stabilize creams and soften skin. It is a waxy emollient, not a drying solvent, and is graded low concern in published assessments.

An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.

A crosslinked acrylic polymer that thickens and stabilizes formulations. Published assessments show it to be well tolerated at cosmetic use levels, with no evidence of penetration into viable skin layers or systemic absorption.

A sugar-derived emulsifier that bridges oils and water in skincare formulas. It is gentler and plant-sourced, making it popular in natural and gentle formulations. Well tolerated with no known safety concerns.

A common emulsifier and texture-softener made from glycerin and stearic acid. CIR review of this class found no evidence of reproductive, carcinogenic, sensitizing, or phototoxic effects in the studies examined.

A PEG-based emulsifier that blends oils and water in formulas. It is a workhorse ingredient in stable emulsions and is approved for cosmetic use. Well tolerated.

Used like sodium hydroxide to adjust pH in cosmetics at very low levels. At finished-product pH, it is neutralized and well tolerated.

A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.

This is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in skin and is used for antioxidant and brightening support. It is generally better tolerated than plain ascorbic acid and has a low reported rate of irritation in formulation testing.