Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Review

Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
3.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30:
 

Basic Moisturizer for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 3.7 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈2.5%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.4 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%) and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, provides moderate hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

With an SPF of 30, Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 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: Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Acetyl Glucosamine and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, 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 Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Basic moisturizing that can work for combination and oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • Can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for normal skin
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure and light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Ferulate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Acacia Senegal Gum
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glucosamine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.7
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.9
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.7 10
3.7
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.9 20
3.4
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.7 10
3.7
All humectants
3.7
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.9 20
3.4
All occlusives
6.9
4.0
2.0
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Acetyl Glucosamine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.5
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
2
Tocopherol
0.3
Ethyl Ferulate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
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. %9
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.
Coco-Caprylate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Coco-CaprylateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced oil with a very light feel. An alternative to silicones, this ingredient spreads quickly and doesn't leave a residue on skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
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.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Propanediol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

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.
Coco-Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-GlucosideA mild cleansing and foaming agent. It can be used on its own as a gentle cleanser in a skin cleansing product or can be combined with more powerful cleansing agents, called anionic surfactants, to make them milder on the skin.
Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter
Ethyl Ferulate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Ferulate
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Sorbitan Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Palmitate
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
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).
Arachidyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl GlucosideA mild cleanser and emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix and form emulsions.
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Acacia Senegal Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acacia Senegal GumA formula helper, also known as gum arabic, derived from the African Acacia tree. It is used in skincare formulas due to its good adhesive and film-forming properties.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Acetyl Glucosamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl GlucosamineA body-natural amino-saccharide used in skincare as an anti-pigment ingredient. Some other benefits of acetyl glucosamine include decreased skin flakiness, improved wound healing, and even a slight reduction in facial wrinkles.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
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.

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.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.