EWG's Sunscreen Investigation 2009 Donate

SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL UV DEFENSE, SPF 30

last updated: 10/01/09 brand: SkinCeuticals by L'Oréal

SCORE

3

moderate hazard (out of 10)

health
hazard

sun
hazard
 

83%

data gap

COMPANY POLICIES

Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Non-signer: This company has not signed the Compact.

Animal Testing Policy
This company conducts animal tests.



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Sunscreen effectiveness* breakdown

HIGHUVB sunburn protection
MEDIUMUVA protection
HIGHsunscreen stability

*Note that the same active ingredient combination may score differently in two different products depending on the concentration of the ingredients and the mixture of inactive ingredients.


Active ingredient UV
blocking strength
Product total
NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm) (5%) 
NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE (10%) 

Note to manufacturers: We have assumed a typical particle size for the mineral(s) in your product based on typical industry use. We welcome specific data from manufacturers if actual particle size is different.


Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to one or more ingredients in this product -- not the product itself -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.


Ingredients in this product are linked to:
noCancer
yesDevelopmental/reproductive toxicity
yesViolations, restrictions & warnings
yesAllergies/immunotoxicity
yesOther concerns for ingredients used in this product:
Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes


Ingredients from packaging: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS ZINC OXIDE 5%, TITANIUM DIOXIDE 10% INACTIVE INGREDIENTS WATER, C12 - 15 ALKYL BENZOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BIS-PEG/PPG-16/PEG/PPG-16/16 DIMETHICONE, ALUMINUM STEARATE, GLYCERIN, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CETEARETH-20, GREEN TEA EXTRACT, APPLE EXTRACT, CITRUS EXTRACT, SUGAR CANE EXTRACT, ALUMINA, PVP, EICOSENE COPOLYMER, POLYSORBATE-20, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, DIBENZOATE, DIMETHICONE, ZANTHAN GUM, CETYL DIMETHICONE, CARBOMER, PPG-15, STEARYL ETHER BENZOATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN.

Directions from packaging: Apply daily to face, neck and chest, or apply liberally before sun exposure. Use before applying makeup. Reapply every two hours and after swimming, excessive perspiring, or after towel drying. For children under 6 months of age, consult a doctor.

 

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ingredients

     score    data gap       concerns
NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
(Active Ingredient)		287%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes
NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm)
(Active Ingredient)		373%Violations, restrictions & warnings, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Occupational hazards
CETEARETH-20571%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE, ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
ALUMINA585%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Enhanced skin absorption, Occupational hazards
BIS-PEG/ PPG-16/ 16 DIMETHICONE
BIS-PEG/PPG-16/PEG/PPG-16/16 DIMETHICONE		476%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
ALUMINUM STEARATE583%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Occupational hazards
BUTYLPARABEN579%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Biochemical or cellular level changes
PROPYLPARABEN482%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
PHENOXYETHANOL466%Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
ETHYLPARABEN380%Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE279%Persistence and bioaccumulation
DIMETHICONE274%Violations, restrictions & warnings
GLYCERIN274%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE094%none identified
CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE094%none identified
DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL DIBENZOATE094%none identified
CETEARYL ALCOHOL093%none identified
GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE
GLYCERYL STEARATE		188%none identified
DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL185%Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
POLYSORBATE-20181%none identified
PVP181%none identified
CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT176%none identified
CITRUS EXTRACT0100%none identified
PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER BENZOATE0100%none identified
PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) FRUIT EXTRACT
APPLE EXTRACT		0100%none identified
SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM (SUGAR CANE) EXTRACT0100%none identified
CETYL DIMETHICONE099%none identified
POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID094%none identified
VP/ EICOSENE COPOLYMER094%none identified
XANTHAN GUM
ZANTHAN GUM		094%none identified
CARBOMER093%none identified
WATER00%innocuous


Cancer*

*This table includes all possible cancer concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results   PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses   CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses   ALUMINA
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm)
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results   PROPYLPARABEN, GLYCERIN, ETHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN
Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen   PVP

Developmental/reproductive toxicity*

*This table includes all possible developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show developmental effects at high doses   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at high doses   ETHYLPARABEN, POLYSORBATE-20
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses   GLYCERIN
One or more animal studies show any effects at low doses   PROPYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show any effects at very low doses   BUTYLPARABEN
Human nervous system toxicant - moderate evidence   ALUMINUM STEARATE, ALUMINA

Violations, restrictions & warnings*

*This table includes all possible violations, restrictions & warnings concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications   CETEARETH-20, BIS-PEG/ PPG-16/ 16 DIMETHICONE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - any   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), PHENOXYETHANOL
Recommended restricted in cosmetics - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Product type restrictions or differences noted in safety assessment by industry panel   DIMETHICONE

Neurotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible neurotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), GLYCERIN, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses   PHENOXYETHANOL, CETEARETH-20,
One or more animal studies show any effects at moderate doses   CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity   ALUMINUM STEARATE, ALUMINA

Endocrine disruption*

*This table includes all possible endocrine disruption concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses   PVP, POLYSORBATE-20, GLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more studies show weak endocrine disruption   ETHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show endocrine disruption at moderate doses   CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
Limited evidence of any disruption   PROPYLPARABEN

Allergies/immunotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible allergies/immunotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
respiratory - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed/unreview: published lit review or major tox study   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity   PHENOXYETHANOL
Human skin toxicant - strong evidence   PROPYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN

Persistence and bioaccumulation*

*This table includes all possible persistence and bioaccumulation concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), CYCLOPENTASILOXANE

Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)*

*This table includes all possible organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show gastrointestinal effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)   POLYSORBATE-20
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL
One or more animal studies show classified as toxic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), ALUMINA
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)   PVP, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE
Limited evidence of sense organ toxicity   PROPYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN, BIS-PEG/ PPG-16/ 16 DIMETHICONE
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at low doses products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips CETEARETH-20
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at very low doses   GLYCERIN, NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE

Multiple, additive exposure sources*

*This table includes all possible multiple, additive exposure sources concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, XANTHAN GUM, PVP, PROPYLPARABEN, POLYSORBATE-20, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT, BUTYLPARABEN, BIS-PEG/ PPG-16/ 16 DIMETHICONE, ALUMINUM STEARATE
Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available   ALUMINUM STEARATE

Ecotoxicology*

*This table includes all possible ecotoxicology concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
Wildlife and environmental toxicity   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Wildlife and environmental toxicity   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), PROPYLPARABEN

Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)*

*This table includes all possible irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses   POLYSORBATE-20, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), GLYCERIN, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses   CETEARETH-20
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses   BUTYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show significant but moderate pulmonary irritation at low doses   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Human any irritant - strong evidence products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne) DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Classified as irritant   PHENOXYETHANOL

Data gaps*

*This table includes all possible data gaps concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
Safety assessment was based on related chemical   CETYL DIMETHICONE
Insufficient data to determine safety   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm)
Safety assessment was based on related chemical   ALUMINUM STEARATE
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product   PVP, PROPYLPARABEN, POLYSORBATE-20, PHENOXYETHANOL, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, ETHYLPARABEN, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CARBOMER, BUTYLPARABEN, ALUMINUM STEARATE
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, XANTHAN GUM, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM (SUGAR CANE) EXTRACT, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) FRUIT EXTRACT, VP/ EICOSENE COPOLYMER, PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER BENZOATE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), GLYCERIN, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL DIBENZOATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CITRUS EXTRACT, CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, BIS-PEG/ PPG-16/ 16 DIMETHICONE, ALUMINA

Occupational hazards*

*This table includes all possible occupational hazards concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses   GLYCERIN
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses   NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses   ALUMINA
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses   ALUMINUM STEARATE

Biochemical or cellular level changes*

*This table includes all possible biochemical or cellular level changes concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern product conditions ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood   GLYCERIN
Interferes with gene expresion   BUTYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood   CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at very low doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood   NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE

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