Instant Radiance Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Instant Radiance Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

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About this product

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Instant Radiance Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is a sunscreen. Our analysis of its 59 ingredients (48 low-risk) rates it Excellent (97/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to dry and sensitive skin.

Vegan-friendly Reef-safe

Summarised from our ingredient analysis — not brand marketing copy.

At a glance

Type
Sunscreen
Ingredients
59
Low-risk
48
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Origin
United States
SPF
40 · blocks 97.5% UVB
Status
Discontinued
Data updated
Jun 2026

The evidence

Quick Product Notes

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free EU Allergen-Free Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Notable Effects & Ingredients

No Notable Effects & Ingredients

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Good   Bad — tap a skin type to see which ingredients · estimated from ingredient functions
Dry Skin 15/9
Good for dry skin
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Saccharide Isomerate Aluminum Hydroxide Isononyl Isononanoate Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate Isohexadecane Caprylyl Glycol Butylene Glycol Sodium PCA Sodium Hyaluronate Glycerin Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Coconut Alkanes Sphingolipids PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Caution for dry skin
Sorbitan Isostearate Stearic Acid Xanthan Gum Glycerin Polyhydroxystearic Acid Hydrogenated Lecithin Sodium Hydroxide Polysorbate 60 PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin No data
Sensitive Skin 12/12
Good for sensitive skin
Zinc Oxide Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid Melatonin Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate Ascorbyl Glucoside Aluminum Hydroxide Glycerin Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Sphingolipids Tocopheryl Acetate BHT Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Caution for sensitive skin
Sodium Citrate Stearic Acid Butylene Glycol Glycerin Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin Citric Acid Tromethamine Sodium Benzoate Potassium Sorbate Phenoxyethanol Benzyl Alcohol BHT

Ingredients list

59 total
Lower hazard (1) Higher hazard (6)
All59 Skin Conditioning40 Fragrance14 Emollient10 Humectant9 Masking9 Solvent8 Antioxidant8 Emulsifying7
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1
3
Titanium/Titanium Dioxide
(Cosmetic Colorant, Opacifying)
2
3
Zinc Oxide
(Bulking Agent, Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, Sunscreen Agent)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
1
Water
(Solvent)
2
A
Glycerin
(Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care Agent, Oral Health Care Drug, Skin Protecting, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Perfuming, Solvent)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
A
Butylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscositydecreasing Agent, Humectant, Masking, Viscosity Controlling)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
B
Isononyl Isononanoate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antistatic Agent)
1
A
Pentylene Glycol
(Skin Conditioning, Solvent)
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
(Fragrance, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antimicrobial)
1
Coconut Alkanes
(Emollient, Solvent)
1
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
(Emulsion Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Ascorbyl Glucoside
(Antioxidant)
1
Melatonin
(Antioxidant)
1
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
(Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning)
TOCOPHEROL
(Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
3
Tocopheryl Acetate
(Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
1
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
(Antioxidant)
1
A
Sodium Hyaluronate
(Skin Conditioning, Humectant)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
(Skin Conditioning, Solvent)
oenothera biennis oil
(Skin Conditioning Emollient)
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
(Skin Protecting)
1
A
Phospholipids
(Skin Conditioning)
3
Sphingolipids
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting)
1
Saccharide Isomerate
(Humectant)
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
4
B
Glycolic Acid
(Exfoliant, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
B
Sodium PCA
(Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Skin Conditioning)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
Oleanolic Acid
(Skin Conditioning)
3
B
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
2
A
Hydrogenated Lecithin
(Skin Conditioning, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant)
1
Acrylates/Carbamate Copolymer
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
1
Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate
(Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting)
1
B
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
(Emollient, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Aluminum Hydroxide
(Emollient, Humectant, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Xanthan Gum
(Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
2
A
Citric Acid
(Chelating Agent, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Masking)
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
A
Disodium EDTA
(Chelating Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
(Chelating Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Sodium Citrate
(Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating, Masking)
1
A
Caprylyl Glycol
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Humectant)
1
B
Isohexadecane
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Solvent)
1
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
(Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant, Emulsifying)
3
B
Sodium Hydroxide
(Denaturant, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent)
2
A
Tromethamine
(Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Masking)
6
A
BHT
(Antioxidant, Fragrance, Masking)
3
B
Polysorbate 60
(Emulsifying, Surfactant)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
A
Carbomer
(Emulsion Stabilising, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
(Surface Modifier, Emollient, Emulsifying)
1
A
Sorbitan Isostearate
(Emulsifying, Surfactant)
1
A
Stearic Acid
(Fragrance, Sufactant, Emulsifying, Surfactantsurfactant Cleansing Agent Is Included As A Function For The Soap Form Of Stearic Acid., Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Refatting)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
5
A
Benzyl Alcohol
(External Analgesic, Fragrance, Oral Health Care Drug, Preservative, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking)
Allergens
Allergens
4
A
Phenoxyethanol
(Fragrance, Preservative)
Paraben
Paraben
3
A
Potassium Sorbate
(Fragrance, Preservative)
3
A
Sodium Benzoate
(Fragrance, Preservative, Anticorrosive, Masking)
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
(Fragrance)
2
Mica
(Cosmetic Colorant, Opacifying)
2
Iron Oxides
(Colorant, Cosmetic Colorant)

My Ingredient Notes

No personal ingredient notes yet. Save ingredients to your profile to get good/bad alerts here.

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Key ingredients

Antioxidants
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Vitamin C
Brightens, evens tone, and supports collagen.
Vitamin E
Protects skin and soothes irritation.
Mineral UV Filter
Reflects UV rays using mineral barriers.
AHA
Exfoliates skin for a brighter complexion.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrates by attracting and holding water.
Peptides
Supports skin hydration and improves firmness.
Exfoliators
Removes dead skin cells to smoothe texture.

Benefits

HydratingBoosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Barrier RepairStrengthen and restore your skin's natural barrier.
Redness ReducingSoothes visible redness and calms irritation.
BrighteningRestores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Anti-AgingSoftens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Scar HealingImproves the look of marks and scars.
Reduces IrritationEases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Skin TextureSmooths rough patches and refines texture.

Concerns

Contains paraben
Contains eu allergen
Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe

Ingredients explained

Titanium/Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic colorant, Opacifying
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 1–3 Cosmetic colorantOpacifying
Water
Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Solvent
Isononyl Isononanoate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Skin conditioningEmollientAntistatic agent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin conditioning, Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningSolvent
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Fragrance, Skin conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A FragranceSkin conditioning
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Fragrance, Perfuming
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A FragrancePerfumingSkin conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningEmollientAntimicrobial
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient, Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 EmollientSolvent
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion stabilising, Viscosity controlling
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Emulsion stabilisingViscosity controlling
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Antioxidant
Melatonin
Antioxidant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 AntioxidantSkin conditioning
TOCOPHEROL
Antioxidant, Fragrance
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A AntioxidantFragranceSkin conditioning
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Skin conditioning
+ 31 more — see the full ingredients list above
Zinc Oxide
Bulking agent, Cosmetic colorant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 2–3 Bulking agentCosmetic colorantSkin protectingSunscreen agent Good for Oily Skin
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 2 CIR A DenaturantFragranceHair conditioningHumectantOral care agentOral health care drugSkin protectingViscosity decreasing agentPerfumingSolvent Good for Dry SkinFungal-acne trigger
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSkin conditioningSolventViscositydecreasing agentHumectantMaskingViscosity controlling Good for Dry Skin
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant, Skin conditioning
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 3 AntioxidantSkin conditioning Bad for Oily Skin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningHumectant Good for Dry Skin
Glycolic Acid
Exfoliant, Ph adjuster
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR B ExfoliantPh adjusterBuffering agent Good for Oily SkinBad for Sensitive Skin
Sodium PCA
Hair conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Hair conditioningHumectantAntistatic agentSkin conditioning Good for Dry Skin
Citric Acid
Chelating agent, Fragrance
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 2 CIR A Chelating agentFragrancePh adjusterBuffering agentMasking Bad for Sensitive Skin
BHT
Antioxidant, Fragrance
Moderate-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 6 CIR A AntioxidantFragranceMasking
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying, Surfactant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR B EmulsifyingSurfactant Fungal-acne trigger
Stearic Acid
Fragrance, Sufactant
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSufactantEmulsifyingSurfactantsurfactant-cleansing agent is included as a function for the soap form of stearic acid.Emulsion stabilisingMaskingRefatting Bad for Oily SkinFungal-acne trigger
Benzyl Alcohol
External analgesic, Fragrance
Moderate-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 5 CIR A External analgesicFragranceOral health care drugPreservativeSolventViscosity decreasing agentMasking Allergens
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR A FragrancePreservative Paraben

How to use

How to use

  • 1 Morning only: Apply as the last step of your AM routine, after moisturiser, and reapply every ~2 hours of sun exposure.
  • 2 Wear SPF the next day: Acids and retinoids increase sun sensitivity — daily sunscreen is a must while using this.

General guidance from this product's category and active ingredients — always follow the directions on the package.

Trust & honesty

Effective levels — general guide

The concentrations these actives are typically effective at in research — not a measurement of this product.

Vitamin C (ascorbic) 5–20%

L-ascorbic acid is usually used at 5–20% (around 10–15% is common). Above ~20% adds little and tends to irritate more; it also needs a low pH to work.

Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

AHA (acid exfoliant) 5–10% (OTC)

OTC leave-on AHAs are usually 5–10%. The effect also depends on pH and free-acid value, not the percentage alone.

Glycolic Acid

INCI lists don't disclose amounts, and we don't claim to know this product's levels — these are the ranges these ingredients are usually effective at, so you can tell a real formula from "fairy-dusting" a marketed active. How we estimate this.

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