Moisturizer with sunscreen blends well, exhibits good cosmetic outcomes in skin of color

Key takeaways:

• After a week of use, 93.7% of participants reported the product did not leave a white residue.
• 87.5% stated the product blended seamlessly into darker skin tones.

A facial moisturizer that contains sunscreen did not leave a white cast on individuals with skin of color, providing a formulation that will encourage sun protection, according to a study.

“Sunscreens and other photoprotective measures are recommended for all individuals, including those with richly pigmented skin,” DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, a cosmetic dermatologist at Hopkins Dermatology, and colleagues wrote. “Persons with [skin of color] have noted that it can be challenging to find a sunscreen that can accommodate their skin tone.”

With continued issues of white cast and discoloration impacting sunscreen usage among patients with skin of color, the researchers conducted a single-center, 7-day, open-label study to test a daily facial moisturizer with a sun protection factor of 35 (Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 35, Galderma Laboratories) among healthy adult women with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI and sensitive skin.

Of the 32 study participants, 31.3% had Fitzpatrick IV, 53.1% Fitzpatrick V and 15.6% Fitzpatrick VI skin types. Before and after applying the formulation once daily for 7 days, the participants completed a cosmetic acceptability questionnaire. Investigator-led photography was also performed at day 7.

After applying the SPF moisturizer on day one, 96.7% of participants agreed the product was easy to apply with 86.7% reporting the formulation was lightweight, nongreasy and hydrated the skin. Additionally, 90% of participants stated their skin felt softer after one use.

On day 7, 93.7% participants stated the formulation absorbed well leaving no visible white residue on the skin. Further, 90.6% of the subjects reported they would continue to use and recommend the product.

Clinical photography confirmed what 87.5% of the subjects reported, which is that the product blended seamlessly into darker skin tones. These responses were consistent across normal, oily and combination skin types.

None of the patients or investigators reported adverse events.

“A well formulated sunscreen incorporated into a moisturizing product can influence more use and is needed in the [skin of color] community to help prevent skin damage from sun exposure,” the authors concluded.