Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients like Zinc Oxide, which provides effective broad-spectrum UV protection, and Squalane, known for its hydrating properties. While the product includes some synthetic compounds necessary for formulation stability, it avoids harsh chemicals and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The processing level is moderate, but the clean ingredient list supports a favorable rating.
Key ingredients 23
Zinc OxideVery Good
Zinc Oxide is a mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is considered safe and effective for sensitive skin. It is often used in sunscreens due to its ability to reflect and scatter UV radiation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Zinc Oxide, though it can sometimes leave a white cast on the skin.
Benefits
Zinc Oxide is beneficial as it provides strong sun protection and is less likely to cause skin irritation compared to chemical sunscreens.
AllantoinGood
Allantoin is a skin-conditioning agent known for its soothing and healing properties. It helps to protect the skin and promote cell regeneration. It is often used in skincare products for its ability to improve skin smoothness.
Risks
Allantoin is generally considered safe with a low risk of irritation.
Benefits
It helps to soothe and protect the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
SqualaneGood
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It helps to hydrate and protect the skin, improving its texture and appearance. It is often used in skincare products for its ability to enhance skin health.
Risks
Squalane is generally considered safe with a low risk of irritation.
Benefits
It provides excellent hydration and protection for the skin, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateNeutral
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient that provides a silky feel to the skin. It is used to enhance the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It is commonly found in sunscreens and moisturizers for its ability to improve product aesthetics.
Risks
It is generally safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and feel of skincare products, making them more pleasant to use.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative booster. It helps to improve the moisture content of the skin. It is often used in formulations to enhance the efficacy of preservatives.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but can cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate the skin and improve the shelf life of cosmetic products.
Dimethiconol/Propylsilsesquioxane/Silicate CrosspolymerNeutral
This ingredient is a silicone-based compound used to provide a smooth, silky texture to products. It helps to form a protective barrier on the skin. It is commonly used in sunscreens and moisturizers for its ability to enhance product feel.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and helps to protect the skin from environmental factors.
Glyceryl BehenateNeutral
Glyceryl Behenate is an ester of glycerin and behenic acid used as an emollient and thickening agent. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is often used in skincare products for its ability to enhance product consistency.
Risks
It is generally safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, making them more effective.
Glyceryl DibehenateNeutral
Glyceryl Dibehenate is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to enhance the texture and stability of products. It is commonly used in skincare products for its ability to improve product consistency.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, improving their performance.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend water and oil components in formulations. It provides a smooth texture and enhances the stability of products. It is widely used in skincare products for its ability to improve product consistency.
Risks
It is generally safe, but can cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, making them more effective.
Isodecyl SalicylateNeutral
Isodecyl Salicylate is used as an emollient and UV filter enhancer in sunscreens. It helps to improve the texture and efficacy of formulations. It is commonly used in cosmetic products for its ability to enhance product performance.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and effectiveness of sunscreen formulations.
Isopropyl IsostearateNeutral
Isopropyl Isostearate is an emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel to the skin. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of formulations. It is often used in skincare products for its ability to enhance product aesthetics.
Risks
It is generally safe, but can cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and feel of skincare products, making them more pleasant to use.
Neopentyl Glycol DiheptanoateNeutral
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate is an emollient that provides a silky feel to the skin. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of formulations. It is commonly used in cosmetic products for its ability to enhance product aesthetics.
Risks
It is generally safe, but can cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and feel of skincare products, making them more pleasant to use.
1,2-HexanediolNeutral
1,2-Hexanediol is a humectant and preservative booster used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the moisture content of the skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives. It is often used in skincare products for its ability to improve product performance.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate the skin and improve the shelf life of cosmetic products.
Polyester-7Neutral
Polyester-7 is a film-forming agent used to provide water resistance in sunscreen formulations. It helps to enhance the durability and effectiveness of products. It is commonly used in sunscreens for its ability to improve product performance.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the water resistance and effectiveness of sunscreen formulations.
Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleateNeutral
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate is an emulsifier that helps to blend water and oil components in formulations. It provides a smooth texture and enhances the stability of products. It is widely used in skincare products for its ability to improve product consistency.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, making them more effective.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a humectant and solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the moisture content of the skin and enhance the texture of products. It is often used in skincare products for its ability to improve product performance.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Silica SilylateNeutral
Silica Silylate is a thickening agent used to enhance the texture and stability of formulations. It provides a matte finish and helps to improve the spreadability of products. It is commonly used in sunscreens and cosmetics for its ability to enhance product aesthetics.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, improving their performance.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to enhance the texture and consistency of products. It is commonly used in skincare products for its ability to improve product performance.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, making them more effective.
TribeheninNeutral
Tribehenin is an emollient and thickening agent used to enhance the texture and stability of formulations. It helps to improve the spreadability and consistency of products. It is commonly used in skincare products for its ability to enhance product performance.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, improving their performance.
Tridecyl SalicylateNeutral
Tridecyl Salicylate is used as an emollient and UV filter enhancer in sunscreens. It helps to improve the texture and efficacy of formulations. It is commonly used in cosmetic products for its ability to enhance product performance.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and effectiveness of sunscreen formulations.
WaterNeutral
Water is used as a solvent and base in cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provide a smooth texture. It is the most common ingredient in skincare products for its ability to enhance product consistency.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It acts as a solvent and base, enhancing the texture and consistency of cosmetic products.
Butyloctyl SalicylateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Butyloctyl Salicylate, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves the spreadability and effectiveness of sunscreen formulations.
LecithinBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations, making them more effective.
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