A hybrid sunscreen and anti-aging moisturizer formulated with Retinol, Ceramides, and Zinc Oxide to protect the skin barrier while fighting fine lines.
This formulation is an impressive multi-tasker that combines broad-spectrum sun protection with high-efficacy skincare actives. The blend of Octinoxate and Zinc Oxide provides reliable UV defense. The standout feature is the inclusion of Retinol for cell turnover and anti-aging, paired with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (a stable Vitamin C) for brightening. Furthermore, the skin barrier is heavily supported by a complex of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine, while Squalane and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid ensure deep hydration. It effectively bridges the gap between sun care and reparative skincare.
While effective, the ingredient profile has some caveats regarding safety and sensitivity. Retinol is a potent active that can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, and is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Octinoxate is a chemical sunscreen filter often scrutinized for potential endocrine disruption and is not coral-reef safe. The formula includes BHT and Phenoxyethanol as preservatives, which are standard but avoided by ‘clean beauty’ purists. On the positive side, it appears to be fragrance-free and utilizes Zinc Oxide, which is soothing and generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
This is a top-tier drugstore-level formulation (likely a CeraVe product) that offers exceptional value by consolidating three steps: moisturizing, sun protection, and anti-aging treatment. The synergy of Ceramides, Retinol, and Peptides/Vitamins makes it highly effective for maturing skin. However, the rating is slightly adjusted down because the inclusion of chemical sunscreens and Retinol makes it unsuitable for pregnant users or those with hypersensitive skin barriers.
This product represents an efficient multitasker, combining the protective qualities of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with the corrective potency of an anti-aging treatment. At its core, the formula relies on a blend of Octinoxate and Zinc Oxide. This hybrid approach—mixing chemical and physical UV filters—ensures robust protection against burning UVB rays and aging UVA rays. The high percentage of Zinc Oxide is particularly beneficial for soothing inflammation, although the inclusion of Octinoxate means this is not a “reef-safe” formulation. What sets this moisturizer apart is the inclusion of Retinol in a daytime product. While Retinol is the gold standard for accelerating cell turnover and smoothing fine lines, it renders the skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, the accompanying SPF is not just a bonus; it is a necessity. To counterbalance the potential drying effects of the retinoid, the formula is packed with skin-identical lipids. A complex of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine works to reinforce the stratum corneum, ensuring the moisture barrier remains intact and resilient against environmental stressors. Hydration is further boosted by Squalane and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, both of which draw moisture into the skin and seal it in without feeling overly heavy. The presence of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a stable oil-soluble form of Vitamin C, provides antioxidant protection and assists in brightening the complexion over time. Texture-wise, the use of Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone suggests a silky, spreadable consistency that creates a smooth canvas, potentially blurring pores before makeup application. However, users should approach this product with specific caveats. The presence of Retinol generally makes this unsuitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Additionally, those with highly reactive skin might find the combination of chemical sunscreens and retinoids irritating. It is best suited for those looking to streamline their morning routine by combining sun protection with active anti-aging care.
🧪 Octinoxate / 甲氧基肉桂酸乙基己酯 (桂皮酸盐)
Purpose: Chemical UVB sunscreen filter.
Concerns: Potential endocrine disruptor; not reef-safe; can be unstable under sunlight.
Notes: Commonly used chemical sunscreen ingredient.
🧪 Zinc Oxide / 氧化锌
Purpose: Physical broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Concerns: Can leave a white cast if not micronized; generally very safe.
Notes: Excellent for sensitive skin; provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP
Purpose: Restores skin barrier function.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Essential for water retention and barrier repair.
🧪 Ceramide AP / 神经酰胺 AP
Purpose: Restores skin barrier function.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides.
🧪 Ceramide EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP
Purpose: Restores skin barrier function.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Part of the essential ceramide complex.
🧪 Phytosphingosine / 植物鞘氨醇
Purpose: Lipid that supports barrier function; antimicrobial.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Precursor to ceramides.
🧪 Cholesterol / 胆固醇
Purpose: Skin-identical lipid for barrier repair.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Works best when combined with ceramides and fatty acids.
🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠
Purpose: Emulsifier that also enhances ceramide delivery.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often found in ceramide complexes.
🧪 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid / 水解透明质酸
Purpose: Deep hydration.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper than standard HA.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant; draws moisture to the skin.
Concerns: None.
Notes: A classic, highly effective moisturizer.
🧪 Squalane / 角鲨烷
Purpose: Emollient; prevents moisture loss.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Highly stable and compatible with skin oils.
🧪 Retinol / 视黄醇 (A醇)
Purpose: Cell turnover, collagen production.
Concerns: Can cause irritation, redness, and peeling; not recommended during pregnancy.
Notes: Gold standard anti-aging ingredient; increases sun sensitivity.
🧪 Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate / 四己基癸醇抗坏血酸酯
Purpose: Oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative; brightening and antioxidant.
Concerns: None.
Notes: More stable and less irritating than pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid).
🧪 Iris Florentina Root Extract / 香根鸢尾根提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant; skin conditioning.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps maintain skin structure.
🧪 BHT / 丁羟甲苯
Purpose: Antioxidant used to preserve product stability.
Concerns: Controversial preservative; potential sensitizer in high concentrations.
Notes: Used here mainly to stabilize the formula ingredients like Retinol.
🧪 Cyclomethicone / 环聚甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Silicone; provides silky feel and evaporation.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps product spreadability.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Occlusive silicone; locks in moisture.
Concerns: Can feel heavy on oily skin.
Notes: Forms a protective barrier.
🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol; thickens and softens skin.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Not a drying alcohol; beneficial for dry skin.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol; emollient.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Provides creaminess.
🧪 Phenyl Trimethicone / 苯基聚三甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Silicone; adds shine and spreadability.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often used to improve texture.
🧪 Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides / 氢化棕榈油甘油酯类
Purpose: Emollient; skin conditioning.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Derived from palm oil.
🧪 PEG-40 Stearate / PEG-40 硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier; cleansing agent.
Concerns: PEG compounds can be contaminated with impurities if not purified.
Notes: Helps mix oil and water.
🧪 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate / 鲸蜡醇磷酸酯钾
Purpose: Surfactant; emulsifier.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Standard emulsifier.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickener; gel-forming agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Controls viscosity.
🧪 Behentrimonium Methosulfate / 山嵛基三甲基硫酸甲酯铵
Purpose: Emulsifier; conditioning agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Very mild; often used in hair conditioners but also good for skin.
🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.
🧪 Lecithin / 卵磷脂
Purpose: Emollient; emulsifier.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Skin-restoring ingredient.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Base of the formulation.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Safe in low concentrations; rare irritation.
Notes: Alternative to parabens.
🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: May cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Notes: Antimicrobial.
🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇 (酒精)
Purpose: Solvent; penetration enhancer.
Concerns: Can be drying and irritating to the skin barrier.
Notes: Likely included to help Retinol or filters dissolve/penetrate.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Prevents metals in water from destabilizing the formula.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: Can be exfoliating in high amounts, here likely just for pH balance.
Notes: A type of AHA.