The Astonishing Pros and Cons of CeraVe’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

The CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint is a 100% mineral tinted sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. The tinted sunscreen SPF formula could benefit people with sensitive skin, and it also offers a tint that can help offset the white cast that may occur when applying mineral sunscreens. 

This CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen only comes in one color or tint, which may not work for all skin tones, though CeraVe claims this product will “leave a sheer, natural finish that blends seamlessly with your skin.” 

Product Review: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint

Full Ingredients List of CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint:

Active Ingredients:

TITANIUM DIOXIDE (5.5%), ZINC OXIDE (10%)

Inactive Ingredients:

WATER, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, ISOHEXADECANE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, PEG-30 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, ETHYLENE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, SILICA, POLY C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE, STEARIC ACID, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, NIACINAMIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, ALUMINUM STEARATE, ALUMINA, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, IRON OXIDES, PHENOXYETHANOL, P-ANISIC ACID, CHLORPHENESIN, TOCOPHEROL, DISODIUM EDTA, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, CITRIC ACID, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, DIETHYLHEXYL SYRINGYLIDENEMALONATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, XANTHAN GUM, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

Clean vital ingredients in the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen

While the definition of “clean ingredients” in the skincare industry can be ambiguous, we at Clear Skinsights define it as: 

1. Ingredients that are non-toxic and considered safe for human use

2. Ingredients that are eco-friendly or have reduced environmental impact 

The CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face with Sheer Tint SPF 30 has the following clean ingredients: 

• Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

• Niacinamide

• Ceramides

• Sodium Hyaluronate, a salt derivative of Hyaluronic Acid

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide: 

Both titanium oxide and zinc oxide are the most common ingredients in mineral sunscreens or physical sunscreens as they sit on the skin’s surface and physically reflect the sun’s rays. 

There are two types of rays, UVB and short-wave UVA.

• UVB rays are what can cause sunburns and can lead to skin cancer. 

• UVA rays can go deeper into the skin and may cause wrinkles, premature aging, and potentially skin cancer. 

Titanium Dioxide is a mineral known for providing strong UVB protection and some protection against UVA rays, but not as much as Zinc Oxide. 

Zinc Oxide is a mineral that falls under the broad spectrum protection category, which means it comprehensively protects against both UVA and UVB rays. 

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that has many benefits for skin health. It’s a complementary ingredient in a mineral sunscreen that can help enhance the product’s efficacy and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function to lock in moisture and protect it against environmental stressors. 

Additionally, Niacinamide is known to reduce skin inflammation to help soothe the skin, regulate oil production in those with oily skin, and reduce hyperpigmentation often caused by sun exposure.

Ceramides

This CeraVe mineral sunscreen contains three essential ceramides or fats that can affect how the skin looks, feels, and responds to environmental stressors. Ceramides can help lock in moisture, keep the skin hydrated, and help protect the skin from pollution, stress, and harsh weather. 

The level of ceramides in our skin decreases with age, so it’s essential to replenish them to help combat signs of aging. 

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is a salt derived from hyaluronic acid. Molecularly, it’s smaller than hyaluronic acid, meaning it’s more easily absorbed into the skin and can hydrate the skin at deeper levels, making this product a hydrating mineral sunscreen.

Controversial Ingredients in CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Tinted Sunscreen

There are a few controversial ingredients in this mineral sunscreen, including: 

• Phenoxyethanol

• PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate (PEGs)

• Other ingredients with concerns about their biodegradability, such as Xanthan Gum and Disodium EDTA.

Phenoxyethanol

This ingredient is a common preservative used in many beauty and skincare products to extend a product’s shelf life. 

Phenoxyethanol is safe for use up to a concentration of 1%; however, there is controversy around this ingredient due to safety concerns, as some studies show it may cause skin irritation or allergies, mainly when used in higher concentrations. 

In addition, there’s been debate about its toxicity, as some animal studies have linked Phenoxyethanol to nervous system effects. However, it would typically need to be in high concentrations to have this effect, far more than the average person would get exposed to with their cosmetic products. 

PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate (PEGs)

PEGs are another common synthetic skincare ingredient. They’re often safe and mixed with other ingredients to make the skin softer.

PEGs are a controversial ingredient because they’re synthenthetically made, and the process of creating them can potentially lead to small trace amounts of harmful substances contaminating them. While this can be a concern, strict processes are usually in place to help prevent this. 

Xanthan Gum and Disodium EDTA

These ingredients are generally safe but biodegrade very slowly, which can be an environmental concern. 

How well will the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen work?

Based on the ingredients above, the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen will do its job and protect the skin against harmful UV rays. It’s also a mineral sunscreen, so it’s less likely to irritate your skin. 

Who should use it?

The CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is great for many individuals with different skin types, such as dry, normal, oily, or acne-prone skin. 

It’s an SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, meaning it blocks 97% of UVB rays when applied correctly. 

How do I apply it?

How to apply the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen can vary depending on your skin tone and type, where you are, and how much time you’ll be outside.

Generally, the rule of thumb is to take the following steps for an SPF 30 mineral sunscreen:

1. Apply around half a teaspoon for your face and a bit more for your neck

2. Reapply it every 1-2 hours or immediately after you swim or sweat

Note: If you’re outside during peak sun exposure hours or in a higher altitude or tropical climate, you may want to use a higher SPF. For everyday use, though, SPF 30 should be sufficient. 

Pros and Cons of the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen

Pros

Cons

Price and Availability

As of August 2023, this CeraVe mineral sunscreen can be purchased through Amazon, Walgreens, ULTA, CVS, and Target, costing around $13. 

Conclusion

The CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face with Sheer Tint SPF 30 received a 3.5/5 clean ingredient rating. It’s a solid and affordable choice for mineral sunscreen, but it has some controversial ingredients.

Additionally, it only comes in one color or tint, so it may not apply the same across every skin tone.