Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Review

Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
7.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.1 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50:
 

Well-Suited Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 7.6 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylyl Methicone (est. ≈10.0%) and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with normal skin who want significant hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

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

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈3.0%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 also contains contains Retinyl Palmitate and Beta-Glucan, 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. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (est. ≈3.0%), Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈3.0%), Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈2.0%), and others.

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.

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

With an SPF of 50, Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum 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 Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Well-suited for moisturizing normal to dry skin
  • Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • 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
10
10
10
5
5
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1.9
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
Est. %
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Stachys Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Melanin
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Ferulate
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Lanolin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Function:
Origin:
VP/VA Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.6
3
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
15.3
10.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
3
3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 15.3 20
7.6
10.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
3
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
10
3
2
0.3
All occlusives 15.3 20
7.6
All occlusives
15.3
10.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 3 1.5
n/a
- 2 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
3
2
2
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 10.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
10.6
Ascorbic Acid
3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
3
Tocopheryl Acetate
2
Tocopherol
2
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Ethyl Ferulate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %10
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.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %10
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.
Homosalate
Est. %10
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octinoxate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
OctinoxateA chemical sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It protects against UVB, which causes the skin to burn and tan and can lead to certain types of skin cancers. For broad-spectrum protection claims, octinoxate should be paired with a UVA sunscreen.
Octisalate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Avobenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Octocrylene
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Propanediol
Est. %3
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.
Silica
Est. %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.
Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Acrylates CopolymerA highly functional synthetic ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin and reduces static buildup. It gives an emollient feel to the product, including a silky after-feel.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %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.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polymethyl MethacrylateA powdered ingredient with an impressive sensory profile that gives off a creamy, sometimes velvety feeling on the skin. It is made up of tiny microspheres that roll smoothly across the skin and create slip and high spreadability.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %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.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Stachys Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Stachys Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %2
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.

Tocopherol
Est. %2
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.

Maltodextrin
Est. %1.9
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.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Dimethicone CopolymerA synthetic polymer that produces protective films across the skin and prevents caking in powdered products.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Melanin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melanin
Ethyl Ferulate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Ferulate
Isododecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Lanolin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lanolin Oil
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
VP/VA Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
VP/VA CopolymerVp/Va copolymer is a synthetically produced cosmetic ingredient that can come either in a powder or an alcohol solution form. It is added into skincare products to help other ingredients bind or disperse in one another. Vp/Va Copolymer can also perform a film forming function.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
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.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.