Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 Review

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.2 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with oily and combination skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, all skin types, and high-risk conditions

With an SPF of 50, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Suitable for moisturizing combination and oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • Can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for normal skin
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
21.6
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.6
3
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.3
2.5
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.6 10
4.6
3
1.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
2.5
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.3
0.3
All humectants 4.6 10
4.6
All humectants
4.6
3
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
All occlusives
4.3
2.5
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %21.6
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Ethyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Methicone
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Cetyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl DimethiconeA silicone-based emollient and occlusive ingredient that provides slip and adds shine to formulas.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Glyceryl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl BehenateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced emollient that can help create oil gels. It provides a soft feeling to the skin, improving product spread and reducing tackiness.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Dimethicone CopolymerA synthetic polymer that produces protective films across the skin and prevents caking in powdered products.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Phenethyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel FlourA mild abrasive, finely milled oat kernel flour that is also used as a formula helper.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice