PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID

Common questions

Is PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID healthy?

PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, arginine, ectoin, and tocopherol, which provide moisturizing and protective benefits to the skin.

How processed is PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID?

PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, GLYCERIN, ARGININE, ECTOIN count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID

65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Sunscreen
Summary

This sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, arginine, ectoin, and tocopherol, which provide moisturizing and protective benefits to the skin. However, it also includes chemical UV filters such as bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, which can be concerning due to potential endocrine disruption. The product is moderately processed, which affects its overall rating.

Key ingredients 14

TOCOPHEROL
Very Good

Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It is widely used in skincare products for its moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with tocopherol, though it may cause irritation in rare cases.

Benefits

Tocopherol helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and improve its overall health.

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GLYCERIN
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation in rare cases.

Benefits

Glycerin helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.

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ARGININE
Good

Arginine is an amino acid that helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is often used in skincare products for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with arginine, though it may cause irritation in rare cases.

Benefits

Arginine helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity, promoting a youthful appearance.

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ECTOIN
Good

Ectoin is a natural compound known for its protective and moisturizing properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and improve hydration. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with ectoin, though it may cause irritation in rare cases.

Benefits

Ectoin helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and maintain hydration.

AQUA/WATER/EAU
Neutral

Water is commonly used as a solvent 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 cosmetic products.

Benefits

Water helps in the application and absorption of the product.

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C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE
Neutral

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient that helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is commonly used in sunscreens to enhance the feel on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It provides a smooth application and helps to condition the skin.

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SILICA
Neutral

Silica is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps to absorb moisture and oil, providing a matte finish. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

Inhalation of silica dust can be harmful, but this is not a concern in liquid formulations.

Benefits

Silica helps control oil and provides a smooth, matte finish.

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BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL
Neutral

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol is a UV filter used in sunscreens to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. It is effective in providing broad-spectrum protection. It is generally considered safe for use in sunscreens.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides effective protection against UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

1, 2-HEXANEDIOL
Neutral

1, 2-Hexanediol is used as a preservative and humectant in cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain product stability and improve skin hydration. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and maintain skin moisture.

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BENTONITE
Neutral

Bentonite is a type of clay used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties. It helps to remove excess oil and impurities from the skin. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with bentonite, though it may cause dryness in some skin types.

Benefits

Bentonite helps to cleanse the skin and control oil production.

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BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4
Neutral

Biosaccharide Gum-4 is a polysaccharide used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It forms a protective film on the skin, helping to retain moisture. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to soothe and hydrate the skin, providing a protective barrier.

BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE
Neutral

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, also known as Avobenzone, is a chemical sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. It is effective in protecting the skin from UVA rays. It is generally considered safe for use in sunscreens.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides effective protection against UVA radiation, reducing the risk of skin aging and damage.

CITRIC ACID
Neutral

Citric Acid is used in cosmetics to adjust the pH and as an exfoliant. It helps to improve skin texture and promote cell turnover. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with citric acid, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture.

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TRIMETHOXYBENZYL ACETYLSINAPATE
Neutral

Trimethoxybenzyl Acetylsinapate is a UV filter used in sunscreens to protect the skin from UV radiation. It is effective in providing broad-spectrum protection. It is generally considered safe for use in sunscreens.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides effective protection against UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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