Alba Botanica Sensitive Sheer Shield Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 45

EWG scientists reviewed the Alba Botanica Sensitive Sheer Shield Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 45 product label collected on March 30, 2020 for safety according to the methodology outlined in our Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. We assess the ingredients listed on the labels of personal care products based on data in toxicity and regulatory databases, government and health agency assessments and the open scientific literature. EWG's rating for Alba Botanica Sensitive Sheer Shield Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 45 is 3.
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Data last updated: March 2020
EWG's Sunscreen Findings
- Based on our modeling this product provides GOOD UVA protection and a MODERATE balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF.
- The FDA does not have enough health & safety data to classify all of the active ingredients as safe & effective.
Ingredient Concerns
Cancer 

Cancer: Ingredients linked to cancer in government, industry or academic studies or assessments.
Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity 

Developmental and reproductive toxicity: Ingredients linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, a broad class of health effects that range from infertility and reproductive organ cancers to birth defects and developmental delays in children.
Allergies & Immunotoxicity 

Allergies and immunotoxicity: Ingredients linked to harm to the immune system, a class of health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body.
Use Restrictions 

Use restrictions: Ingredients restricted or prohibited for use in cosmetics, according to industry safety guidelines, government requirements or guidance from the U.S., EU, Japan or Canada.
Other Ingredient Concerns
HIGH
- Contamination concerns
- Occupational hazards
- Use restrictions
MODERATE
- Multiple, additive exposure sources
- Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
- Persistence and bioaccumulation
LOW
- Enhanced skin absorption
- Ecotoxicology
- Endocrine disruption
- Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
- Neurotoxicity
Ingredient Concerns
Score | Data Availability | Ingredient | Concern |
---|---|---|---|
Fair
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (high) |
||
Fair
|
• Enhanced skin absorption |
||
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
||
Fair
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) |
||
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
||
Fair
|
• Cancer (low) |
||
Limited
|
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low) |
||
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
||
Limited
|
• Cancer (low) |
||
Good
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
||
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
||
Limited
|
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) |
||
Good
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
||
Limited
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate) |
||
Robust
|
|
||
Limited
|
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) |
||
Limited
|
|
||
Limited
|
|
||
Limited
|
|
||
Limited
|
• Cancer (moderate) |
||
Limited
|
CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (POT MARIGOLD) FLOWER EXTRACT
Appeared as: CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT(1) |
|
|
Fair
|
|
||
Limited
|
|
||
Fair
|
|
||
Fair
|
• Enhanced skin absorption |
||
Limited
|
|
||
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
||
Robust
|
|
||
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
||
None
|
|
||
Fair
|
|
Product's Animal Testing Policies
Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.
PETA Cruelty-free Companies

Companies that join the "Caring Consumer" program of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a leading international animal rights advocacy organization, attest that "neither they nor their ingredient suppliers conduct or commission any animal tests on ingredients, formulations or finished products, and that they pledge not to do so in the future."
For more information visit: http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/default.aspx
Leaping Bunny

Products bearing the Leaping Bunny mark are certified cruelty-free under the Humane Household Products Standard, managed in the U.S. and Canada by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, a coalition of eight national animal protection groups. Participating companies must open their processes to independent audits throughout the supply chain.
For more information visit: http://www.leapingbunny.org/
Product's Label Information
Ingredients from packaging:
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, Octyl Salicylate 5.0%, Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(1), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract(1), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract(1), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract(1), Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract(1), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol(1), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Olivate, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Directions from packaging:
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every 2 hours. Children under 6 months: ask a doctor. Sun Protection Measures: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease risk, regularly use a sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher and other protective measures including: limit time in sun, especially from 10am to 2pm, and wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses.
Warnings from packaging:
For external use only. Do not use on damaged or broken skin. When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and ask a doctor if skin rash occurs. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
ABOUT THE SKIN DEEP® RATINGS
EWG provides information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings below indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any. Learn more | Legal Disclaimer
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Beyond providing Skin Deep® as an educational tool for consumers, EWG offers its EWG VERIFIED™ mark as a quick and easily identifiable way of conveying personal care products that meet EWG's strict health criteria. Before a company can use EWG VERIFIED™ on such products, the company must show that it fully discloses the products' ingredients on their labels or packaging, they do not contain EWG ingredients of concern, and are made with good manufacturing practices, among other criteria. Note that EWG receives licensing fees from all EWG VERIFIED™ member companies that help to support the important work we do. Learn more | Legal Disclaimer