CeraVe
Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body
face sunscreen
CeraVe
face sunscreen
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General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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| HOMOSALATE | 6% |
| ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE | 5% |
| OCTOCRYLENE | 5% |
| ZINC OXIDE | 7% |
Introducing CeraVe's first-ever mineral/chemical hybrid sunscreen for use on the face and body. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 combines mineral and chemical sun filters to help effectively reflect and absorb the sun's damaging rays. This multi-benefit sunscreen helps protect you from the sun's harmful rays while also delivering instant hydration that lasts all day long. Its ultra-lightweight fluid formula goes on white to guide an even application, and is absorbed within seconds for a non-greasy finish.
Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body is a lightweight sunscreen from CeraVe, a brand based in USA. It is rated SPF 30. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 39 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Sodium Hyaluronate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It uses a hybrid filter system — Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene and Zinc Oxide — combining mineral and organic filters. Between them those filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so the formula is broad-spectrum in the meaningful sense: it reaches past 340 nm, where the ageing wavelengths sit. Every filter in the formula is photostable, so its protection does not fall away over the first hour in the sun — reapplication is still about sweat, water and rubbing rather than degradation.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate and Water.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide and Triethyl Citrate.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide and Sodium Hyaluronate.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, brightening and tone, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Use it in the morning. In a routine it goes final morning step, before makeup. Apply about two finger-lengths for the face and neck — under-application is the single most common reason sunscreen underperforms. Reapply every two hours of sun exposure, and after swimming or towelling off. Let it set for a couple of minutes before makeup so it does not pill.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Hybrid mineral and organic filter system · broad-spectrum through UVA I
Another solvent-filter: modest UVB coverage, mostly there to carry other filters.
A weak filter used mainly as a solvent — it dissolves the crystalline filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone) so they can be formulated at all.
Mostly present to stabilise avobenzone rather than for its own modest UVB coverage. Degrades slowly into benzophenone over a product's shelf life.
The only single filter that covers the whole UVB–UVA1 range on its own. Scatters and absorbs rather than purely absorbing, and can leave a white cast at high loads.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list. Regulation caps it at 7.34%, so it is present at roughly 3.67–7.34%.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester
2nd on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2.5–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
3rd on the list. Regulation caps it at 10%, so it is present at roughly 5–10%.
2-Cyano-3,3-Diphenyl Acrylic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Zinc oxide (CI 77947)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Propenoic acid, 2-cyano-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-, 2-ethylhexyl ester
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Every filter in this formula is photostable
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Protect" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 39 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Dissolves and carries everything else
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Forms a film that slows water loss
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list. Regulation caps it at 7.34%, so it is present at roughly 3.67–7.34%.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester
2nd on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2.5–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
3rd on the list. Regulation caps it at 10%, so it is present at roughly 5–10%.
2-Cyano-3,3-Diphenyl Acrylic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Zinc oxide (CI 77947)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Alcohols, coco, mixed esters with octanoic and decanoic acids
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer is a copolymer of C12-22 alkyl acrylate and hydroxyethylacrylate
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Propenoic acid, 2-cyano-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-, 2-ethylhexyl ester
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
AEC Rice Wax,Oryza Sative Bran Wax,Rice Bran Wax,Rice Wax
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silane, triethoxyoctyl-
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulphate
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Triethyl citrate
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 2-(1-carboxylatoethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl laurate
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Propanedioic Acid, [(4-Hydroxy-3,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)Methylene]-, Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Ester
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, homopolymer
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzoic acid
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
CeraVe
Shares 12 key ingredients with Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide, Water
CeraVe
Shares 11 key ingredients with Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body: Zinc Oxide, Water, Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol
CeraVe
Shares 10 key ingredients with Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Water, Glycerin
CeraVe
Shares 10 key ingredients with Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body: Zinc Oxide, Water, Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol
CeraVe
Shares 10 key ingredients with Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body: Zinc Oxide, Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol
Pyunkang Yul
Shares 9 key ingredients with Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate
HOMOSALATE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, OCTOCRYLENE, ZINC OXIDE, WATER, GLYCERIN, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, PROPANEDIOL, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, C12-22 ALKYL ACRYLATE/HYDROXYETHYLACRYLATE COPOLYMER, NIACINAMIDE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCRYLENE, ORYZA SATIVA BRAN WAX, STEARETH-20, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, CARBOMER, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, CHLORPHENESIN, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, CITRIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, DIETHYLHEXYL SYRINGYLIDENEMALONATE, XANTHAN GUM, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, POLYSORBATE 60, BENZOIC ACID.
NIACINAMIDE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID.
Apply CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every two hours, immediately after towel drying, and after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. For Face: Dispense one line of product on two separate fingers. Blend until fully absorbed. For Body: Apply 1 ounce, approximately the size of a golf ball. Blend until fully absorbed.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it in the morning, final morning step, before makeup.
It lists 39 ingredients, of which 10 are recorded as actives.
CeraVe, a brand based in USA.
It filters UV with Homosalate (homosalate), Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate), Octocrylene (octocrylene), Zinc Oxide (zinc oxide).
Yes. Its filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so protection reaches past 340 nm into the deep-UVA range associated with ageing and pigmentation.
It may leave a slight cast. The formula mixes mineral and organic filters, so any cast is usually lighter than a fully mineral sunscreen's.
It contains none of the filters named in the Hawaii and Key West reef legislation (oxybenzone and octinoxate). "Reef safe" is not a regulated term, so treat that as a fact about the filter list rather than a certification.
Yes. Let it set for a couple of minutes before foundation so it does not pill, and reapply over makeup with a stick or powder rather than rubbing more in.
Every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily or towelling off.
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