Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin - Unscented - 2.5oz

Common questions

Is Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin - Unscented - 2.5oz healthy?

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin - Unscented - 2.5oz scores 82/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This moisturizer features zinc oxide as a mineral sunscreen, which is safe and effective for sensitive skin.

Which ingredients drive Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin - Unscented - 2.5oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Zinc Oxide, Squalane, Glycerin count in its favor; PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin - Unscented - 2.5oz

Vanicream
82 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$13.97 · 2.5 fl oz · $5.59 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 8
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc.
Category Moisturizer
Summary

This moisturizer features zinc oxide as a mineral sunscreen, which is safe and effective for sensitive skin. It includes beneficial ingredients like squalane and various ceramides that support skin hydration and barrier function. However, the presence of PEG-100 Stearate, which carries a risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, slightly lowers the score despite the overall clean and beneficial formulation.

Key ingredients 26

Squalane
Very Good

Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, but overuse may lead to a greasy feel for some skin types.

Benefits

It helps to hydrate and maintain the skin's moisture barrier, improving skin texture and elasticity.

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Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin's natural barrier. It is essential for maintaining skin hydration and integrity. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It strengthens the skin barrier and improves moisture retention.

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Ceramide NG
Very Good

Ceramide NG is a skin-identical lipid that helps to reinforce the skin's barrier. It is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and resilience. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances skin barrier function and improves moisture retention.

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Ceramide AS
Very Good

Ceramide AS is a lipid that helps to restore the skin's natural barrier. It is essential for maintaining skin hydration and integrity. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It strengthens the skin barrier and improves moisture retention.

See more about Ceramide AS →
Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is a lipid that supports the skin's natural barrier function. It helps to maintain skin hydration and protect against environmental stressors. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It strengthens the skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

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Zinc Oxide
Good

Zinc Oxide is a mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. It is considered safe and effective for sensitive skin. It forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Zinc Oxide, though it may leave a white cast on the skin.

Benefits

It offers excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays and is non-irritating.

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Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

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Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that supports the skin's natural barrier function. It helps to maintain skin hydration and protect against environmental stressors. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It strengthens the skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

See more about Ceramide NP →
Purified Water
Neutral

Purified Water is used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is essential for the formulation but does not provide direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with purified water.

Benefits

It acts as a carrier for active ingredients and hydrates the skin.

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C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Neutral

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient that provides a silky feel to the skin. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

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Isopentyldiol
Neutral

Isopentyldiol is a solvent and humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to improve skin hydration and product texture.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Neutral

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid. It provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances the spreadability and absorption of the product.

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Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer
Neutral

This ingredient acts as a film-forming agent and emollient. It helps to improve the texture and longevity of the product on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, even application and enhances product durability.

Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components. It provides a creamy texture to the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and improves product consistency.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Neutral

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances the viscosity and stability of the product.

See more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid →
Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsifier. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It improves the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Sucrose Stearate
Neutral

Sucrose Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components. It provides a smooth texture to the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and enhances product consistency.

Carnosine
Neutral

Carnosine is a dipeptide with antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and aging. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and may help to reduce signs of aging.

Phytosterols
Neutral

Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds that help to reinforce the skin barrier. They provide moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits. They are generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though they may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

They enhance skin barrier function and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Hydrogenated Lecithin
Neutral

Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps to stabilize formulations. It provides moisturizing benefits and improves product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances product stability and provides moisturizing benefits.

See more about Hydrogenated Lecithin →
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Neutral

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone-based compound used as a surface modifier. It helps to improve the dispersion of mineral sunscreens. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances the stability and effectiveness of mineral sunscreens.

See more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane →
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Neutral

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 is a thickening agent used to improve product texture. It helps to stabilize formulations and provide a smooth feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances product viscosity and stability.

Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and skin conditioning agent. It helps to retain moisture and improve skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and provides antimicrobial benefits.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
1,2-Hexanediol
Neutral

1,2-Hexanediol is a solvent and preservative booster. It helps to improve product stability and extend shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances product stability and provides antimicrobial benefits.

See more about 1,2-Hexanediol →
PEG-100 Stearate
Bad

PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend ingredients together. It is derived from ethoxylation, which can lead to contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

There is a risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, which is a concern for long-term exposure.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.

See more about PEG-100 Stearate →
Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It provides a smooth application and helps to lock in moisture.

See more about Dimethicone →

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