Back to Database Analyze Any Skincare
CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector ingredient analysis, safety score, and dupe alternatives

Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector

Target: Anti-aging, Hydration
EFFICACY
Effective
3.8
/5.0
SAFETY
Safe
4.5
/5.0
Buy

Support the DemythSkin tool! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.

Our Verdict

⚖️ Fair Price

Mediocre hybrid sunscreen with low mineral filters and outdated chemical actives failing clinical SPF optimization. Efficacy score of 3.8 deducts heavily for suboptimal mineral concentrations (ZnO 3.6% +...

Caution: Red Flag Detected. Potential Irritants identified in Tier 5.

Key Ingredients Found

Tier 1: Gold StandardsHigh Clinical Proof
Titanium DioxideZinc Oxide
Tier 2: Good BasicsProven Results
TocopherolSodium HyaluronateDimethicone
Tier 3: Supporting IngredientsHydration & Texture
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Tier 4: Marketing IdolsHype / Neutral
None detected
Tier 5: Potential IrritantsRed Flag
Octinoxate
View Full Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (5.0%), Titanium Dioxide (3.2%), Zinc Oxide (3.6%). Inactive Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polydecene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Hydrated Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Hydroxyapatite, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Rna, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-8 Laurate, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492).[2][3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector worth it?

Mediocre hybrid sunscreen with low mineral filters and outdated chemical actives failing clinical SPF optimization. Efficacy score of 3.8 deducts heavily for suboptimal mineral concentrations (ZnO 3.6% + TiO2 3.2% provide only ~40-50% UVA protection vs. ideal 15-20% ZnO alone) and reliance on Octinoxate (environmentally controversial, weaker UVA); no encapsulation or synergistic antioxidants beyond trace Tocopherol, plus silicone-heavy base risks pilling under makeup despite good water-resistance from Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer. If you're looking for vegan skincare, this is worth evaluating.

What are the key ingredients in CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector?

This is a fragrance free skincare formula, making it suitable as fragrance free skincare for sensitive skin. The Gold Standard active ingredients in CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector are Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide. Potential irritants detected: Octinoxate.

Is CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector safe for sensitive skin?

CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector has a safety score of 4.5/5. It contains potential irritants including Octinoxate. Patch testing is recommended. As a fragrance free moisturiser suitable for sensitive skin care, it avoids common triggers for reactivity.

What skin type is CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector best for?

Based on its formulation, CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector is best suited as a moisturizer for sensitive skin and best sunscreen for sensitive skin or sun cream for fair skin.

What are the best dupes or alternatives to CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector?

DemythSkin recommends: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60 — Higher ZnO/TiO2 (11% minerals) for superior UVA/UVB, tinted non-nano.. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — 15% ZnO hybrid with niacinamide, optimal pH/stability for acne-prone.. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 — Chemical hybrid with better boosters, primer-like silicone base without pilling..

Is CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector truly fragrance free?

Based on DemythSkin's INCI analysis, no fragrance, parfum, or essential oils were detected in CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector's formula. This makes it a strong candidate as a fragrance free moisturiser for dry skin or fragrance free skincare for sensitive skin care routines. Always cross-check the current label as formulas can change.

How does DemythSkin score skincare products?

DemythSkin uses a 5-tier clinical ingredient system to score every product from 0–5 on both Efficacy and Safety. Tier 1 is Gold Standard actives with high clinical proof. Tier 5 flags potential irritants like fragrance, drying alcohols, and essential oils. Scores power our skincare routine for glow up database — helping you find the best anti aging moisturizer, best sunscreen for sensitive skin, or fragrance free skincare without the marketing noise.

🔬

About This Analysis

This product analysis was produced by the DemythSkin Research Team using our proprietary AI-powered scoring engine. Every ingredient is classified using our 5-tier clinical evidence system, and scores are computed from a deterministic rubric — not opinions. We have no affiliation with the brand reviewed.

Read our full methodology →

Curious about your own routine?

Scan any skincare product's barcode or search its name to get an instant AI clinical analysis.

Try Ingredient Analyzer
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This analysis is generated by AI based on publicly available ingredient lists and has not been verified by a dermatologist. Always patch test products and consult a physician for skin concerns.