CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face - SPF 50 - 2.5 fl oz

Common questions

Is CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face - SPF 50 - 2.5 fl oz healthy?

CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face - SPF 50 - 2.5 fl oz scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This mineral sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients like zinc oxide, niacinamide, and ceramides, which support skin health and provide effective UV protection.

How processed is CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face - SPF 50 - 2.5 fl oz?

CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face - SPF 50 - 2.5 fl oz is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face - SPF 50 - 2.5 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP count in its favor; Dimethicone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate 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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CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face - SPF 50 - 2.5 fl oz

70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 6
Category Face Wash, Moisturizer & Skin Care
Summary

This mineral sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients like zinc oxide, niacinamide, and ceramides, which support skin health and provide effective UV protection. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation, slightly lowers its safety profile. The product is processed, but it maintains a relatively clean ingredient list with a focus on skin-friendly components.

Key ingredients 46

Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is a lipid that supports the skin barrier and improves hydration. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier and improves hydration.

See more about Ceramide AP →
Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is a lipid that enhances the skin's natural barrier and retains moisture. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin barrier and retains moisture.

See more about Ceramide EOP →
Tocopherol
Very Good

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Benefits

Protects skin from free radical damage and supports skin health.

See more about Tocopherol →
Panthenol
Very Good

Panthenol, or Provitamin B5, is a humectant that helps retain moisture and improve skin barrier function. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Benefits

Retains moisture and improves skin barrier function.

See more about Panthenol →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and enhances the skin's natural barrier function.

Risks

Rarely, glycerin can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and improves barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that improves skin barrier function, reduces inflammation, and brightens skin tone. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Rarely, it can cause mild irritation or redness.

Benefits

Improves skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and brightens skin.

See more about Niacinamide →
Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Restores skin barrier and retains moisture.

See more about Ceramide NP →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture in the skin, improving hydration and plumpness. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and plumpness.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Zinc Oxide
Good

Zinc Oxide is a mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. It is generally considered safe and effective for use in sunscreens.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides broad-spectrum UV protection.

See more about Zinc Oxide →
Water
Neutral

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.

Benefits

Provides a base for other ingredients to be dissolved and applied.

See more about Water →
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Neutral

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient that helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product spreadability and skin feel.

See more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate →
Isododecane
Neutral

Isododecane is a lightweight, volatile solvent that helps products dry quickly and feel weightless on the skin. It is commonly used in long-wear formulations.

Risks

May cause dryness if used excessively.

Benefits

Contributes to a lightweight, non-greasy feel.

See more about Isododecane →
Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Risks

Rarely, it can cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps stabilize emulsions and improve product texture.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Neutral

Dicaprylyl Carbonate is an emollient that provides a silky feel and enhances the spreadability of products. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product texture and application.

See more about Dicaprylyl Carbonate →
Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Rarely, it can cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and improves skin hydration.

See more about Propanediol →
Stearic Acid
Neutral

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Aluminum Hydroxide
Neutral

Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a thickening agent and to improve the opacity of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product texture and opacity.

See more about Aluminum Hydroxide →
PEG-100 Stearate
Neutral

PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to ethoxylation byproducts.

Benefits

Stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture.

See more about PEG-100 Stearate →
Sorbitan Stearate
Neutral

Sorbitan Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps stabilize emulsions and improve product texture.

PEG-8 Laurate
Neutral

PEG-8 Laurate is an emulsifier and surfactant used to blend ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to ethoxylation byproducts.

Benefits

Helps blend ingredients and stabilize formulations.

See more about PEG-8 Laurate →
Sorbitan Isostearate
Neutral

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components. It is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps stabilize emulsions and improve product texture.

See more about Sorbitan Isostearate →
Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes and thickens formulations.

See more about Carbomer →
Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsifier. It is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Acts as an emollient and stabilizes emulsions.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Ceteareth-20
Neutral

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to ethoxylation byproducts.

Benefits

Stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture.

See more about Ceteareth-20 →
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Neutral

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone-based compound used to improve the spreadability and feel of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product spreadability and feel.

See more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane →
Dimethiconol
Neutral

Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used to provide a smooth application and form a protective barrier on the skin. It is non-comedogenic and widely used in skincare.

Risks

Can potentially trap dirt and bacteria if not properly cleansed from the skin.

Benefits

Provides a smooth application and helps protect the skin barrier.

See more about Dimethiconol →
Sodium Citrate
Neutral

Sodium Citrate is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps maintain product pH stability.

See more about Sodium Citrate →
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Acts as a mild surfactant and emulsifier.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate →
Myristic Acid
Neutral

Myristic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Acts as an emulsifier and surfactant.

Cholesterol
Neutral

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps maintain the skin barrier and improve hydration. It is generally safe and beneficial for dry skin.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin barrier and improve hydration.

See more about Cholesterol →
Palmitic Acid
Neutral

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and surfactant in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Acts as an emollient and surfactant.

See more about Palmitic Acid →
Chlorphenesin
Neutral

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Neutral

This copolymer is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes and thickens formulations.

See more about Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin conditioning and preservative efficacy.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Adjusts pH and provides mild exfoliation.

See more about Citric Acid →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes and thickens formulations.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Phytosphingosine
Neutral

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps maintain the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Maintains skin barrier and reduces inflammation.

See more about Phytosphingosine →
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Neutral

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes and thickens formulations.

See more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin-conditioning agent. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances preservative efficacy and conditions the skin.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Titanium Dioxide
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides broad-spectrum UV protection.

See more about Titanium Dioxide →
Dimethicone
Bad

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

Risks

Can potentially trap dirt and bacteria if not properly cleansed from the skin.

Benefits

Provides a smooth application and helps protect the skin barrier.

See more about Dimethicone →
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves product adherence and longevity.

See more about Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer →
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves sunscreen efficacy and product feel.

See more about Butyloctyl Salicylate →
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Bad

Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a surfactant that can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation. It is generally avoided in sensitive skin formulations.

Risks

Can cause skin irritation and dryness, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Effective as a cleansing and foaming agent.

Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is often used as an alternative to parabens.

Risks

Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Effective as a preservative to prevent microbial growth.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Polysorbate 60
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to ethoxylation byproducts.

Benefits

Stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture.

See more about Polysorbate 60 →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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