Photoderm Max SPF 50+ Tinted Cream - Golden Colour by Bioderma for Unisex - 1.3 oz Cream
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This sunscreen contains a mix of chemical and mineral UV filters, including octocrylene, which can cause skin irritation and generate free radicals. However, it also includes beneficial ingredients like titanium dioxide, a mineral sunscreen agent, and ectoin, which offers protective and moisturizing properties. The presence of PEG compounds and other synthetic ingredients suggests a moderate level of processing, impacting the overall score.
Key ingredients 32
EctoinGood
Ectoin is a natural compound known for its protective and moisturizing properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Provides hydration and protection against environmental damage.
Laminaria Ochroleuca ExtractGood
This extract is derived from brown algae and is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental stress.
Risks
Generally safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides soothing and protective benefits to the skin.
Decyl GlucosideGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
Low risk of irritation, suitable for sensitive skin.
Benefits
Gently cleanses the skin while maintaining moisture.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and moisturizes the skin.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water acts as a solvent and hydrates the skin.
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano]Neutral
This ingredient is a broad-spectrum UV filter that helps protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Its nano form allows for better application and coverage.
Risks
Concerns about nanoparticle absorption and potential environmental impact.
Benefits
Effective broad-spectrum UV protection.
Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneNeutral
Also known as Avobenzone, it is a widely used UVA filter in sunscreens. It provides effective protection against UVA rays but can degrade in sunlight.
Risks
Degradation in sunlight can reduce effectiveness.
Benefits
Provides effective UVA protection.
Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)Neutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Inhalation of nanoparticles can be a concern in powdered forms.
Benefits
Offers broad-spectrum UV protection and is gentle on the skin.
CyclopentasiloxaneNeutral
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone-based compound used to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It evaporates quickly, leaving a silky feel.
Risks
Potential environmental concerns due to bioaccumulation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and application.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineNeutral
This is a photostable broad-spectrum UV filter that provides long-lasting protection. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays.
Risks
Limited data on long-term safety.
Benefits
Provides stable and effective UV protection.
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateNeutral
This ingredient acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based components. It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and texture.
MethylpropanediolNeutral
Methylpropanediol is a solvent and skin-conditioning agent. It enhances the absorption of other ingredients.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves ingredient absorption and skin feel.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients and improve product texture. It is derived from glycerin and stearic acid.
Risks
Generally safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and stability of formulations.
PEG-100 StearateNeutral
This ingredient is an emulsifier that helps mix oil and water components. It is commonly used in creams and lotions.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and texture.
Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Ci 77499)Neutral
Iron Oxides are used as colorants in cosmetics. They provide pigmentation and are considered safe for use.
Risks
Minimal risks associated with topical use.
Benefits
Provides natural pigmentation and color.
SilicaNeutral
Silica is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of products. It also helps absorb excess oil.
Risks
Inhalation of fine particles can be a concern.
Benefits
Improves texture and oil absorption.
MannitolNeutral
Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a humectant and moisturizer. It helps retain moisture in the skin.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin hydration.
XylitolNeutral
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in the skin. It also has mild antimicrobial properties.
Risks
Generally safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and has antimicrobial effects.
RhamnoseNeutral
Rhamnose is a sugar molecule that may have anti-aging properties. It is used to improve skin texture and firmness.
Risks
Minimal risks associated with topical use.
Benefits
May improve skin texture and firmness.
FructooligosaccharidesNeutral
These are prebiotic sugars that help support the skin's microbiome. They can improve skin health and hydration.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Supports skin microbiome and hydration.
Pentylene GlycolNeutral
Pentylene Glycol is a humectant and solvent that helps retain moisture in the skin. It also enhances the absorption of other ingredients.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and ingredient absorption.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize formulations. It helps improve the texture and consistency of products.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
1,2-HexanediolNeutral
1,2-Hexanediol is a solvent and preservative that helps improve the texture of products. It also has antimicrobial properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides antimicrobial benefits.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin-conditioning agent that helps retain moisture. It also has antimicrobial properties.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and provides antimicrobial benefits.
Hydrogenated LecithinNeutral
Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients and improve product texture. It also has moisturizing properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Improves texture and provides moisturizing benefits.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of formulations and has mild exfoliating properties. It helps maintain product stability.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.
Benefits
Helps maintain pH balance and provides mild exfoliation.
CyclomethiconeNeutral
Cyclomethicone is a silicone-based compound used to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It evaporates quickly, leaving a silky feel.
Risks
Potential environmental concerns due to bioaccumulation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and application.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideNeutral
This ingredient is an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps moisturize and soften the skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Provides moisturizing and skin-softening benefits.
OctocryleneBad
Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter that can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is also known to generate free radicals when exposed to sunlight, potentially leading to skin damage.
Risks
Potential skin irritation and free radical generation.
Benefits
Provides UVB protection in sunscreen formulations.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential environmental concerns due to bioaccumulation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and application.
Propylene GlycolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and ingredient absorption.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and shelf life.
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