Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair Review

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair
4.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.1 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 Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Lycopodium Clavatum Extract (est. ≈3.0%) and Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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, Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair 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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • 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: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
35
22.5
22.5
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Lycopodium Clavatum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Quercus Robur Wood Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-4
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.1
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
All humectants
8.1
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.5 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.6 3 No
All antioxidants
2.6
Sodium Hyaluronate
2
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
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

Mica
Est. %35
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %22.5
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %22.5
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.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Dimethiconol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Lycopodium Clavatum Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Lycopodium Clavatum Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Imperata Cylindrica Root ExtractAn extract obtained from cogongrass roots. According to the patent holder, it contains significant amounts of potassium, a humectant and anti-wrinkle compound, as well as sulfur-containing proteins.
Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Water
Est. %0.3
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.
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractA potent antioxidant and emollient extract derived from grape seeds. It contains antioxidant flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It is often used in skincare products aimed at soothing and healing irritated skin.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Quercus Robur Wood Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Quercus Robur Wood Extract
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethiconeA silicone oil that can function as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Occasionally, methicone is used as a surface modifier for various pigments to improve the longevity and vibrancy of colorants.
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.
Laureth-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-4A surfactant that can suspend oil droplets in a large water phase. The oils are typically fragrances or other oils added in small amounts. Laureth-4 is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.