Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
Why this score
Concern50 / 55
- No ingredients carry meaningful, evidence-backed concern.
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.
Transparency20 / 20
- No hidden fragrance blend.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint17 / 25
- 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Octocrylene.
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
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 →Ethylhexyl StearateGenerally safe
An ester commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient in cosmetics. Evidence from cosmetic use indicates it is well-tolerated across skin types and helps soften and smooth the skin.
Full ingredient details →Vinyl DimethiconeCommonly feared, low concern
A silicone with vinyl groups used in long-wear primers and foundations for enhanced adherence and smoothness. It is inert and well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeGenerally safe
A silicone-based conditioning agent that adds smoothness and soft feel to formulas. Silicones in cosmetics are not absorbed by the skin and rinse cleanly, making them well-tolerated for most users.
Full ingredient details →Hydrogenated Castor OilGenerally safe
A thickening emulsifier derived from castor oil that has been saturated with hydrogen for stability. It helps form creams and lotions while conditioning the skin. CIR and EU assessments support its safety in cosmetics at typical use levels.
Full ingredient details →Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateGenerally safe
A polyol ester emulsifier that stabilizes water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions with minimal irritation. Like other polyglyceryl esters, it is valued for its mildness and is used across a range of skincare and color cosmetics.
Full ingredient details →Hexyl LaurateGenerally safe
Hexyl Laurate is an ester of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid used as a light, fast spreading emollient that gives creams and makeup a silky, non greasy finish. CIR reviewed it within a group of 237 alkyl esters and found low potential for acute toxicity, irritation, and sensitization when products are formulated to be nonirritating.
Full ingredient details →BeeswaxWatch if sensitive
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.
Full ingredient details →IsohexadecaneGenerally safe
This branched hydrocarbon is one of the isoparaffins the CIR Expert Panel reviewed and found safe as used in cosmetics, including as an emollient in leave-on face creams. It is generally considered non-comedogenic and used mainly to give a lightweight, non-greasy skin feel.
Full ingredient details →PhenoxyethanolCommonly feared, low concern
A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.
Full ingredient details →SilicaGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →EthylhexylglycerinGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →TriethoxycaprylylsilaneGenerally safe
A silane used to improve texture and conditioning properties in leave-on cosmetics. It is hydrolyzed during formulation and creates silicone-like benefits; well tolerated at standard use levels.
Full ingredient details →DimethiconeCommonly feared, low concern
A silicone that gives a smooth, soft feel and helps hold water in the skin. Inert and well studied.
Full ingredient details →Sodium ChlorideCommonly feared, low concern
Ordinary salt, used in surfactant-based products like shampoos and body washes to adjust viscosity by interacting with the surfactant micelles. It has no meaningful toxicity concern at cosmetic use levels; the main practical downside is that too much can make a formula feel less mild.
Full ingredient details →Disodium EDTACommonly feared, low concern
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.
Full ingredient details →Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →Vitamin EGenerally safe
An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →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 Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen against anything we have scored →
Some links are affiliate links. They never change a score.
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.