Mustela Fragrance Free Mineral Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 - 3.38 fl oz: Whole Body Sun Protection, Zinc Oxide
Summary
This sunscreen lotion contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronate sodium, which enhance skin hydration and barrier function. However, it also includes synthetic polymers such as Butyl Methacrylate/Methyl Methacrylate/Methacrylic Acid/Styrene Crosspolymer and Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, which may raise environmental concerns due to their persistence. The product is processed, which limits its maximum potential score despite the presence of beneficial components.
At a glance
Key ingredients 21
WaterNeutral
Water is used as a solvent and base for the formulation, providing a medium for other ingredients. It is typically purified to remove contaminants, ensuring safety and effectiveness. In this context, it serves as a neutral carrier without direct health benefits or risks.
See more about Water →GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin, enhancing hydration. It is derived from natural sources like plant oils and is considered safe and effective for skin care. Its ability to improve skin barrier function makes it beneficial in sunscreen formulations.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin hydration and improve barrier function.
Polyglyceryl-3 RicinoleateNeutral
Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate is an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water components in the lotion. It is derived from castor oil and glycerin, making it a mild and skin-friendly ingredient. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits or risks.
See more about Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate →Medium-Chain TriglyceridesGood
Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are used as emollients to improve skin texture and hydration. They are derived from coconut or palm kernel oil and are easily absorbed by the skin. MCTs provide a lightweight feel and enhance the spreadability of the lotion.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and texture, providing a lightweight feel.
Butyl Methacrylate/Methyl Methacrylate/Methacrylic Acid/Styrene CrosspolymerBad
This crosspolymer is used to provide film-forming properties and enhance the sunscreen's water resistance. It is a synthetic polymer that may raise environmental concerns due to its persistence. While effective in function, it does not offer direct health benefits.
Risks
Potential environmental persistence and accumulation concerns.
Benefits
Enhances water resistance and film-forming properties of the sunscreen.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a solvent and humectant that helps improve the texture and moisture retention of the product. It is derived from corn sugar and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. Its primary role is functional, with no direct health benefits.
See more about Propanediol →1, 2-HexanediolNeutral
1, 2-Hexanediol is used as a preservative and humectant to maintain product stability and moisture. It is a synthetic ingredient that is generally considered safe in cosmetic formulations. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
Magnesium SulfateNeutral
Magnesium Sulfate is used as a thickening agent and to enhance the texture of the lotion. It is a naturally occurring mineral salt that is safe for topical use. While it aids in formulation stability, it does not provide direct health benefits.
See more about Magnesium Sulfate →Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride is used to adjust the viscosity and stability of the formulation. It is a common salt that is safe for use in cosmetics. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
See more about Sodium Chloride →Caprylhydroxamic AcidNeutral
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in the product. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered a safer alternative to traditional preservatives. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
See more about Caprylhydroxamic Acid →Hyaluronate SodiumGood
Hyaluronate Sodium is a form of hyaluronic acid that provides excellent moisture retention and skin hydration. It is naturally occurring in the body and is highly effective in improving skin elasticity and smoothness. Its ability to hold water makes it beneficial in skincare products.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and elasticity, improving overall skin appearance.
Malic AcidNeutral
Malic Acid is used to adjust the pH of the formulation and improve skin texture. It is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from fruits and is generally safe for topical use. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
See more about Malic Acid →Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl DimethiconeBad
This ingredient is a silicone-based surfactant used to improve spreadability and texture. It is a synthetic compound that may raise environmental concerns due to its persistence. While effective in enhancing product feel, it does not offer direct health benefits.
Risks
Potential environmental persistence and accumulation concerns.
Benefits
Improves spreadability and texture of the product.
C15-19 AlkaneNeutral
C15-19 Alkane is used as an emollient to provide a smooth application and enhance skin feel. It is a hydrocarbon derived from natural sources and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
Ethyl MacadamiateNeutral
Ethyl Macadamiate is an emollient derived from macadamia oil that provides a silky feel and enhances skin hydration. It is considered safe and effective for improving skin texture. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
Stearyl/Octyldodecyl Citrate CrosspolymerNeutral
This crosspolymer is used to enhance the texture and stability of the formulation. It is a synthetic ingredient that is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneNeutral
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is used as a coupling agent to improve the dispersion of mineral sunscreens. It is a silicone-based compound that is considered safe for use in cosmetics. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
See more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane →Polyhydroxystearic AcidNeutral
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is used as a dispersing agent to stabilize the formulation. It is a synthetic compound that is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
See more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid →HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain product stability. It is a synthetic compound that is considered safe for use in cosmetics. Its role is primarily functional, with no direct health benefits.
See more about Hydroxyacetophenone →Alpha-Tocopherol AcetateGood
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is a form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant benefits and protects the skin from free radical damage. It is derived from natural sources and is effective in improving skin health. Its antioxidant properties make it beneficial in skincare formulations.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and improves skin health.
Alpha-TocopherolGood
Alpha-Tocopherol is a natural form of Vitamin E that offers antioxidant protection and supports skin health. It is derived from natural sources and is effective in reducing oxidative stress. Its role in protecting skin cells makes it beneficial in sunscreen products.
Benefits
Offers antioxidant protection and supports overall skin health.
Processing
Processed Foods
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