Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 Review

Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27
4.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
27
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 3.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.5 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%) and Caprylyl Methicone (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

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

Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 27, Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

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 works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain 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: Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 to your skincare routine:
 

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does 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 Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
10
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ferula Assa Foetida Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.6
2
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
10.9
6.0
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
2
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 10.9 20
5.5
6.0
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
All humectants
3.6
2
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 10.9 20
5.5
All occlusives
10.9
6.0
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
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
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.6 3 No
All antioxidants
1.6
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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. %10
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the flowers of the common daisy with additional astringent and wound healing benefits.
Glyceryl Isostearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Isostearate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
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.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower ExtractDerived from bright red hibiscus flowers, this extract contains anthocyanins (red plant pigments), antioxidant flavonoids, and high amounts of organic acids.
Ferula Assa Foetida Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ferula Assa Foetida Root Extract
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract
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.

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Oil
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.