SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35

SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
7.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
35
SPF icon
SPF
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.6 out of 10.
  • High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35 has a moisturizing rating of 7.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 5.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%) and Aluminum Hydroxide (est. ≈2.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈22.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35 has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Caffeine, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Caffeine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Sun protection

SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35 has an SPF of 35 and provides high sun protection. This level of protection is ideal for activities such as spending time at the beach, outdoor sports, or other activities involving prolonged sun exposure. It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
5
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
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
5.3
3
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
22.6
22.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.3 10
5.3
3
2
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 22.6 20
10.0
22.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2
0.3
All humectants 5.3 10
5.3
All humectants
5.3
3
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
22
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 22.6 20
10.0
All occlusives
22.6
22.0
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
Caffeine
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Caffeine
0.3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
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

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %45
Function
Origin
A lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Dimethicone
Est. %22
Function
Origin
The 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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Zinc Oxide
Est. %6
Function
Origin
A 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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %5
Function
Origin
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A self-emulsifying surfactant, which means that it can help facilitate the formation of water-in-silicone emulsions. This results in lightweight formulas with a soft finish. It can also act as a film-former and thickener.
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This 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.
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A silicone-based emulsifier that has the ability to create non-sticky and non-greasy formulas.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.