SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum Spf 47
74/100 overall score
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About this sunscreen
SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear is a Broad Spectrum SPF 47 sunscreen that pairs the older chemical filter Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate with mineral Zinc Oxide. It commonly wears lightweight with a balanced finish and low white cast, and is generally comfortable without stinging. It tends to be acne-friendly, though it is only okay as a makeup base. With a score of 73.5 and good protection, it is a reasonable everyday choice.
Ingredient & SPF scores
βοΈ
UV protection
Good
60
- +18 Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate at #1, UV filter
- +41 Zinc Oxide at #2, UV filter (UVA1 +18)
- +1 Label claims (SPF 47)
β’οΈ
Health safety
High
64
- +100 Starting score
- β36 Octinoxate at #1 (regulatory/evidence concern)
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White cast
Low
74
- +100 Starting score
- β28 Zinc Oxide, 12% declared
- +2 Coated minerals (Triethoxycaprylylsilane)
π₯
Eye sting
Low
84
- +100 Starting score
- β16 Octinoxate at #1, migrates into eyes with sweat
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Heavy feel
Low
87
- +100 Starting score
- β18 Zinc Oxide, 12% declared
- +4.5 Volatile silicone at #4, flashes off
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Fungal acne
Low
76
- +100 Starting score
- β24 1 long-chain (C12+) esters that feed Malassezia (Oleth-3 Phosphate)
π
Fabric stains
Low
85
- +100 Starting score
- β15 Zinc Oxide at #2, white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
π§
Moisture
Balanced
LightNourishing
- β 5 Volatile carriers flash off, leaving a dry finish
- β 5 Zinc Oxide at #2, mild sebum absorbent
- β 4 Glycerin at #9, the anchor humectant
- β 2 Sodium Hyaluronate at #13, hyaluronic family
β¨
Finish
Balanced
MatteDewy
- β 4 Volatile carriers flash off, leaving a dry finish
- β 2 1 dry-touch emollients reduce greasy shine (Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate)
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Makeup base
Okay
PillsPrimer
- β 5 Primer-style base, volatile silicones and dimethicone slip
- β 2 Gel polymers prone to pilling under friction (Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer)
- β 15 High mineral load at #2 greys under foundation
π
Water resistance
Not resistant
Non-water-resistantWater-resistant
Nothing flagged in the ingredient list.
How we rate water resistance βSkincare extras
Beneficial actives this formula contains. Informational only, not part of the rating: their effect depends on a concentration the label does not disclose.
- β¨ Niacinamide
- β¨ Green tea
- β¨ Vitamin E
Full ingredient list (26)
What each ingredient does and how it moves each rating: green helps, red hurts, β / β give the direction, and β / β shift a slider toward its ends (finish, moisture, makeup base). Auto-derived from our scoring rules and the ingredient's position.
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Legacy UV filter (Octinoxate), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 18 UV protection
- β 16 migrates into eyes with sweat
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Mineral UV filter (Zinc Oxide), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 41 UV protection, incl. long-UVA (UVA1)
- β 28 12% declared
- β 18 12% declared
- β 15 white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
- light β 5 mild sebum absorbent
- pills β 15 High mineral load greys under foundation
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3 Water
Solvent base, the water phase
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Volatile silicone, flashes off for a light finish
- light β 5 volatile carrier, flashes off
- matte β 4 volatile carrier, flashes off
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Soothing, skin-conditioning active
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 24 feeds malassezia
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- matte β 2 dry-touch emollient, anti-shine
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Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
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9 Glycerin
Humectant, pulls water into the skin
- 4 β nourishing the anchor humectant
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Botanical extract
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Botanical extract
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Antioxidant, protects the formula and skin
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Humectant, pulls water into the skin
- 2 β nourishing hyaluronic family
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Supporting ingredient
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
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Humectant, pulls water into the skin
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Chelator, binds stray metal ions to keep the formula stable
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pH adjuster
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22 Citric Acid
pH adjuster
-
Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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24 Sorbic Acid
Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Humectant, pulls water into the skin
Does SkinMedica Essential Defense leave a white cast?
No, it commonly applies with a low white cast and a balanced finish, even though it contains some Zinc Oxide.
Is the SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum Spf 47 good for oily or acne-prone skin?
It is generally fine. The balanced finish and low pore-clogging rating tend to suit most skin types, including breakout-prone skin.
Is it mineral or chemical?
It is a hybrid sunscreen. It pairs the older chemical filter Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate with mineral Zinc Oxide.
Is SkinMedica Essential Defense good?
It is a reasonable everyday option. It scores 73.5 out of 100 with good protection, a comfortable feel, and low white cast.