Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

Name: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Review
Item: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Rating: 82
Author: DermApproved

Verdicts

How well it fits each concern

Verdict by concern tap a concern for the case

Full protectionfor Sun DamageBroad-spectrum SPF 50 with zinc oxide: the protection sun damage calls for.Moderate evidenceGentle250 reviews collected

The case for it

Zinc Oxide is a first-line active — approved, monograph-listed or named in current guidelines — for this concern.
It is present at an effective concentration, declared or high in the ingredient list.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

Same rule for everyone. “Full protection” is the verdict on 2,288 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule P1 decided 2,232 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

Show the work

Rule: P1 — Photoprotection standing is regulatory (M020 / Annex VI filters; 21 CFR 201.327 attaches the early-skin-aging claim to tested broad-spectrum SPF 15+). SPF 30 is the AAD daily-use bar. · the full register
Carrying active: Zinc Oxide
Standing: first line — a regulator recognises it for this use; its mechanism is established; trials support it · per § 201.327 Over-the-counter sunscreen drug products; required labeling based on effectiveness testing (US FDA — 21 CFR 201.327 (via Cornell Legal Information Institute)), opened July 27, 2026
Form: adequate (declared 12%) — studied range 10–25%, from the OTC monograph or label; needs leave-on contact
Tolerability: gentle
Row checked: against its sources on July 27, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)

The studies behind the evidence row

Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial — Annals of Internal Medicine (2013), opened July 16, 2026
Sunscreen and Prevention of Skin Aging: A Randomized Trial (full text PDF — Methods read this session; formulation confirmed) — Annals of Internal Medicine (2013), opened July 16, 2026
The Nambour Skin Cancer and Actinic Eye Disease Prevention Trial: design and baseline characteristics of participants — Controlled Clinical Trials (1994), opened July 16, 2026
A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine (2019), opened July 16, 2026

All sun damage products →

Good choicefor SensitivityNo fragrance, drying alcohol, declarable allergens or sensitising preservatives in this liquid — the profile sensitive skin looks for.Not yet assessedGentle78% report improvement · n = 52

The case for it

Zinc Oxide has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.

Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 1,938 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule F2 decided 1,938 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

Show the work

Rule: F2 — Gentle = no weighted deduction fired and fit ≥ 90. · the full register
Carrying active: Zinc Oxide
Standing: not assessed
Form: plausible (declared 12%)
Tolerability: gentle

All sensitivity products →

Promisingfor EczemaNiacinamide has trial-level evidence for eczema but no guideline or regulatory standing yet — promising, short of a recommendation; the other actives here are not yet assessed for it.Moderate evidenceGentle250 reviews collected

The case for it

Niacinamide has trial-level evidence for this concern but no guideline or regulatory standing yet.
It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.

Same rule for everyone. “Promising” is the verdict on 7,858 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9p decided 7,858 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

Show the work

Rule: R9p — 0.5.0: 'Unproven' beside three filled dots read as one question answered twice with opposite words (7,018 rows). The chip measures standing, the dots measure trial volume; where the row carries at least one RCT or a tier-2 source (moderate dots) and the active is present at a working level, the honest word is Promising. Unproven is reserved for plausible-standing rows with limited or weak evidence, or an under-dosed form. Same rank as Unproven — a bet either way; the dots order them. · the full register
Carrying active: Niacinamide
Standing: plausible — trials support it
Form: plausible
Tolerability: gentle
Row checked: against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)

The studies behind the evidence row

A single-center, randomized, controlled study on the efficacy of niacinamide-containing body emollients combined with cleansing gel in the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis — Skin Research and Technology (2023), opened July 17, 2026

All eczema products →

Does the jobDoes what a sunscreen is for: UVA coverage, kind to the skin wearing it. Not measured from the label: pleasant enough to actually use.

A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide

Assessment

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ Independent lab testing confirms 99.9% UVA and 98.5% UVB protection — exceptional for a single-filter mineral
✓ Zinc oxide-only formula is the gentlest possible UV filter option for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
✓ Lightweight liquid format absorbs faster and feels less heavy than typical mineral sunscreen creams
✓ National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance validates safety for eczema-compromised skin
✓ Water-resistant 80 minutes (FDA maximum) for active daily protection
✓ Under $13 for SPF 50 mineral protection — exceptional drugstore value
✓ Reef-safe formulation without oxybenzone or octinoxate

Cons

✗ White cast remains visible on medium-to-dark skin tones despite improved formulation
✗ Dropper dispenser requires multiple fills for adequate facial coverage — can be fiddly
✗ Not moisturizing enough for dry skin — requires a separate moisturizer underneath
✗ Silicone-heavy base may not appeal to those avoiding dimethicone and similar ingredients
✗ Small 1.7 oz bottle means frequent repurchasing for daily users

Review

Full Review

The mineral sunscreen has an image problem. Say 'zinc oxide SPF 50' and most people picture a thick white cream that makes you look like a cricket player in the 1990s. The category has been weighed down by decades of products that traded cosmetic elegance for UV protection, as if looking decent and being protected were mutually exclusive goals.

Cetaphil's Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50 exists to prove that trade-off is a formulation failure, not a physical inevitability. And the independent lab data backs it up.

Let's start with the test results, because they're remarkable. The Sunscreen Tester lab — an independent facility that evaluates real-world UV protection — tested this exact formula and measured 99.9% UVA blockage and 98.5% UVB blockage. For context, that's a Global Sun Index of 99.83%, meaning virtually no UV radiation gets through. From a sunscreen that uses only one active ingredient — zinc oxide at 12%. No titanium dioxide. No chemical boosters. Just zinc oxide, formulated extremely well.

How does 12% zinc oxide achieve protection that rivals or exceeds multi-filter systems? The answer is formulation engineering. The zinc oxide particles are precisely sized and dispersed using silicone-based spreading agents (dimethicone, caprylyl methicone, and specialized silicone crosspolymers) that create an even, uniform film across the skin. Uneven distribution is the silent killer of sunscreen efficacy — a product can have a high SPF on paper but fail in practice because the active ingredients clump rather than spread. Cetaphil's liquid format solves this by being fluid enough to form a truly uniform protective layer. Butyloctyl salicylate and isododecane do the unglamorous solvent work that keeps the particles suspended rather than settled, and polymethylsilsesquioxane smooths the optical finish. None of this appears in the marketing. All of it is why the numbers came back the way they did.

The liquid consistency is the other revelation. This comes out of the bottle looking and feeling like a lightweight serum — milky, fluid, and thin. It spreads across the face with almost no resistance and absorbs within one to two minutes. The finish is satin — not matte, not dewy, just smooth and natural. There is some white cast, because physics demands it when you put mineral particles on skin. But it's dramatically less than traditional mineral creams, and on light-to-medium skin tones, it's barely noticeable after blending. Deeper skin tones will see more cast, which remains this product category's persistent limitation. Over-apply and you'll also find a chalky residue — a common complaint, and one that is genuinely user-correctable.

Beyond the zinc oxide, the formula includes ingredients that earn their place. Niacinamide provides antioxidant defense against UV-generated free radicals and stimulates ceramide production for barrier support, with its own cumulative benefits building across four to eight weeks of daily wear. Bisabolol — a chamomile derivative — delivers anti-inflammatory soothing that helps the skin tolerate daily zinc oxide wear. Allantoin adds a skin-protectant layer. Tocopherol (vitamin E) provides lipid-soluble antioxidant protection. These supporting ingredients transform this from a simple sunscreen into a daily skin-health product.

The National Eczema Association seal is significant. Most sunscreens — even mineral ones — contain ingredients that can irritate eczema-compromised skin. The NEA acceptance means the entire formulation, not just the zinc oxide, has been evaluated for eczema compatibility. The ophthalmologist testing adds another layer of confidence, particularly for people who find that sunscreen stings their eyes — a complaint that keeps a surprising number of people from wearing any sunscreen at all, and one this formula genuinely solves. It is also pregnancy-safe, which makes it a rare product that a dermatologist can recommend to almost anyone who walks through the door.

The water resistance rating of 80 minutes (the FDA maximum) makes this viable for active days, not just office commutes. Reapplication is still necessary every two hours in direct sun, but the water resistance means a walk in the rain or a light workout won't immediately compromise your protection.

The dropper dispenser is a design choice that divides opinion. It allows precise application — you can control exactly how much you use, which matters for a mineral sunscreen where over-application increases white cast. But dispensing enough for a full face (roughly a quarter teaspoon) requires multiple dropper-fills, and some users find the process fiddly compared to a pump or squeeze tube. There is a genuine tension here worth naming: a dropper encourages precision, and precision is the enemy of the generosity that sunscreen actually requires. Anyone using this should be counting toward a quarter-teaspoon, not toward a comfortable number of drops.

One more honest limitation: this is a sunscreen, not a moisturizer. The oil-free, silicone-forward base leaves dry skin wanting something underneath, and that is where it belongs in the routine — last, over your moisturizer, given a minute or two to set before makeup.

At approximately $13 for 1.7 oz — six to eight weeks of daily use — this is remarkably affordable for a mineral SPF 50 with this level of formulation sophistication. Comparable lightweight mineral sunscreens from prestige brands command $30-50 for similar volumes. The per-use cost for daily facial application is roughly 20-25 cents — well within reach for anyone who needs daily SPF, which dermatologists insist is everyone. The 2,200-odd reviews averaging 4.3 tell a consistent story, and it maps precisely onto the formulation: the liquid texture and the absence of eye-sting draw the praise, the cast on deeper tones and the fussy dropper draw the criticism.

This sunscreen does not solve the white cast problem entirely. It does not replace the cosmetic elegance of the best chemical sunscreens. What it does is push the mineral sunscreen category forward by proving that zinc oxide alone, formulated intelligently, can deliver exceptional protection in a format that people will actually use every day. For sensitive, reactive, and eczema-prone skin, that daily compliance is everything. A perfect sunscreen you leave in the drawer is worth less than a good sunscreen you wear every morning.

Formula

Key Ingredients

The hero actives that drive this product's performance.

Ingredient	Function	Evidence
Zinc Oxide (12%)	The sole UV filter in this formula — and a deliberate choice for sensitive skin. At 12%, zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection (independently tested at 99.9% UVA and 98.5% UVB blockage). Unlike chemical filters that absorb UV energy through heat-generating reactions, zinc oxide physically scatters UV radiation on the skin surface, making it inherently non-irritating. Its anti-inflammatory properties provide an additional soothing benefit for reactive skin.	Regulator-approved for Sun Damage · limited certainty
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)	Provides skincare benefits beyond sun protection — stimulating ceramide synthesis, improving barrier function, and offering antioxidant defense against UV-generated free radicals. In a sunscreen context, niacinamide addresses the skin damage that UV exposure causes at the cellular level, complementing the zinc oxide's physical UV blocking with biochemical photoprotection.	Limited for Sun Damage
Bisabolol	A chamomile-derived anti-inflammatory that calms the skin and reduces the irritation potential of the zinc oxide particles. Bisabolol's soothing properties make this sunscreen comfortable for daily wear on even reactive, eczema-prone skin, supporting the formula's NEA acceptance.	Not yet assessed
Allantoin	Provides skin-protectant and soothing action that complements the bisabolol's anti-inflammatory effects. In a mineral sunscreen that sits on the skin surface, allantoin helps maintain skin comfort during extended wear and reduces any potential dryness from the zinc oxide.	Not yet assessed
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)	A lipid-soluble antioxidant that scavenges the free radicals generated when UV radiation strikes the skin. Even with zinc oxide blocking most UV, some photodamage occurs — tocopherol provides a secondary defense layer that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage that the physical filter alone cannot prevent.	Limited for Sun Damage

Full INCI List

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 12%. Inactive Ingredients: Allantoin, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol/Propylsilsesquioxane/Silicate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Isododecane, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, PEG-10, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopherol, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Water

Safety & Formulation Facts

✓ Pregnancy Safe ✓ Fragrance Free✓ Alcohol Free✓ Oil Free✗ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✗ Cruelty Free✗ Vegan✗ Fungal Acne Safe

Compatibility

Skin Match

Best For

sensitive normal combination

Works For

oily dry

Routine Step

sunscreen

Time of Day

AM

Layering Tips

Save this for the last step in your morning skincare routine, after moisturizer. Allow 1-2 minutes to set before applying makeup. The liquid format layers well under foundation without pilling. Reapply every 2 hours during extended sun exposure. Water-resistant for 80 minutes.

Results Timeline

Immediate broad-spectrum UV protection upon application. Water-resistant protection lasts 80 minutes during swimming or sweating. The niacinamide provides cumulative skin benefits with daily use over 4-8 weeks. Daily consistent use prevents long-term sun damage and photoaging.

Pairs Well With

any moisturizervitamin C serums (applied underneath)gentle cleansers for removal

Planning a combo? Check it against what you already use

Sample AM Routine

Gentle cleanser
Vitamin C serum (optional)
Moisturizer
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Sample PM Routine

Double cleanse to remove sunscreen
Treatment serum
Night moisturizer

Evidence

Science & Expert Perspective

The Science

Zinc oxide is unique among UV filters as the only single ingredient that provides truly broad-spectrum protection across both UVA (320-400nm) and UVB (290-320nm) wavelengths. This was established in foundational work by Pinnell et al. (2000) in Dermatologic Surgery, which demonstrated that zinc oxide's reflective and absorptive properties cover the entire UV spectrum that reaches earth's surface.

The independent protection metrics measured for this specific formula (99.9% UVA, 98.5% UVB) are consistent with the theoretical broad-spectrum coverage of properly formulated zinc oxide. The key factor is particle size and distribution uniformity — studies have shown that micronized zinc oxide particles (100-300nm) provide superior UV attenuation compared to larger particles while reducing the visible white cast. The silicone-based vehicle in this formula facilitates uniform distribution across the skin surface.

Niacinamide's photoprotective properties add a biochemical dimension to the physical UV blocking. A 2005 study by Hakozaki et al. in the British Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that niacinamide reduces UV-induced immunosuppression and inhibits melanosome transfer, providing measurable protection against photodamage through pathways independent of UV absorption. In a sunscreen context, niacinamide addresses the residual photodamage that even high-SPF products cannot completely prevent.

Bisabolol's anti-inflammatory mechanism involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, reducing the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes that drive UV-induced skin inflammation. A 2014 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirmed bisabolol's utility in topical formulations for sensitive and irritation-prone skin.

The reef-safety profile of zinc oxide has been documented in marine biological studies showing minimal toxicity to coral larvae compared to chemical UV filters, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to cause coral bleaching at concentrations found in recreational swimming areas.

References

Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin<sup>1</sup> — British Journal of Dermatology (2005)

Dermatologist Perspective

Dermatologists consistently recommend mineral sunscreens for patients with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin, and this product is a frequent recommendation. Dermatologists note that the zinc oxide-only formula eliminates the risk of allergic or irritant reactions to chemical UV filters while providing the broad-spectrum coverage that is essential for preventing both photoaging and skin cancer. The ophthalmologist testing provides additional confidence for application near the eyes, where sunscreen-related irritation is most common. Clinicians advise applying a generous amount (approximately 1/4 teaspoon for the face) and reapplying every 2 hours during sun exposure, regardless of the SPF rating.

Guidance

Usage & Recommendations

How to Use

After completing your morning skincare routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer), use the dropper to dispense approximately 1/4 teaspoon onto your fingertips. Apply to the face in dots across the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then blend evenly using gentle, upward strokes. Allow 1-2 minutes to set before applying makeup. Reapply every 2 hours during extended sun exposure, or immediately after swimming, sweating heavily, or toweling off. Remove at night with a double cleanse — oil-based cleanser first, then a gentle water-based cleanser.

Value Assessment

At approximately $13 for 1.7 oz, this is one of the most affordable mineral SPF 50 sunscreens available. Comparable lightweight mineral formulas from La Roche-Posay, EltaMD, and Supergoop command $30-45 for similar volumes. The 1.7 oz bottle lasts 6-8 weeks with daily facial application, putting monthly cost at roughly $7-9. For a product carrying NEA acceptance, ophthalmologist testing, and independently verified exceptional UV protection, this represents outstanding value. The Galderma pharmaceutical heritage ensures the formulation science is clinical-grade despite the drugstore price point.

Who Should Buy

Anyone with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin who needs daily mineral SPF. People seeking reef-safe sunscreen with high UV protection. Budget-conscious consumers who want clinical-grade mineral sunscreen at a drugstore price. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals looking for a non-chemical SPF. Those who have found traditional mineral sunscreens too thick or heavy.

Who Should Skip

Those with deeper skin tones who find the white cast unacceptable — even this improved formula may leave visible residue. People who prefer completely silicone-free formulations. Anyone who finds dropper dispensers frustrating to use. Those with very dry skin should pair this with a hydrating moisturizer underneath.

Details

Product Details

Texture

Thin, fluid liquid with a milky-white appearance. Much lighter than traditional mineral sunscreen creams — closer to a serum consistency. Spreads easily with a dropper or fingertips. Absorbs faster than expected for a zinc oxide sunscreen.

Scent

Fragrance-free with no detectable scent

Packaging

Small bottle with dropper dispenser for precise application. The dropper allows controlled amounts, though some users find it awkward to dispense enough for full-face coverage. The compact size is travel-friendly.

Finish

satinlightweightnatural

What to Expect on First Use

Thinner than expected for a mineral sunscreen — the liquid format is a pleasant surprise for anyone accustomed to thick zinc oxide creams. Absorbs within 1-2 minutes and leaves a subtle satin finish rather than the heavy white mask typical of mineral sunscreens. Some white cast is visible on medium-to-dark skin tones but significantly less than most mineral SPF 50 products.

How Long It Lasts

6-8 weeks with daily facial application

Period After Opening

12 months

Opened yours? Track the toss-by date

Best Season

All Year

Certifications

National Eczema Association Seal of AcceptanceDermatologist and ophthalmologist testedReef-safe (no oxybenzone or octinoxate)Water-resistant 80 minutes

Background

The Story Behind This Product

Cetaphil developed this sunscreen to prove that mineral UV protection doesn't require sacrificing cosmetic elegance. The liquid drop format was designed to overcome the two biggest complaints about mineral sunscreens — heavy texture and white cast — while maintaining the gentle, non-reactive protection that sensitive and eczema-prone skin requires. Independent lab testing validated that the formulation achieves exceptional real-world UV protection despite using only one active filter.

About Cetaphil Legacy Brand (20+ years)

Cetaphil was created in 1947 and has been dermatologist-recommended for over 75 years. This sunscreen carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and has been independently lab-tested with exceptional UV protection results.

Brand founded: 1947 · Product launched: 2020

Myth vs. Reality

Common Myths

Myth

Mineral sunscreens can't achieve SPF 50 without looking like white paint

Reality

Modern formulation technology has dramatically improved mineral sunscreen elegance. This liquid format uses micronized zinc oxide particles and silicone-based spreading agents to achieve SPF 50 in a sheer, lightweight vehicle. While some white cast remains (especially on deeper skin tones), it's a fraction of what traditional mineral creams produce.

Myth

You need both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection

Reality

Zinc oxide alone provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection — it's the only single sunscreen ingredient that covers the full UV spectrum. This formula demonstrates that 12% zinc oxide, properly formulated, can achieve near-perfect UV protection scores without titanium dioxide.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen leave a white cast?

The lightweight liquid formula minimizes white cast compared to traditional mineral sunscreens, but some cast is visible — especially on medium-to-dark skin tones. Applying in thin layers and blending thoroughly reduces the cast. The sheer formula is significantly more elegant than most zinc oxide-based SPF 50 products.

Is Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen reef-safe?

Yes — this formula uses only zinc oxide as its UV filter and does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, the two sunscreen ingredients most commonly restricted by reef-protection legislation. Zinc oxide is considered safe for marine environments.

Can I use this sunscreen on eczema-prone skin?

Yes — this sunscreen carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. The zinc oxide-only formula with bisabolol and allantoin is specifically designed to be non-irritating on sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It's also ophthalmologist tested for safety around the eye area.

How does this compare to chemical sunscreens for UV protection?

Independent lab testing showed this formula blocks 99.9% of UVA and 98.5% of UVB radiation — matching or exceeding many chemical SPF 50 sunscreens. The single zinc oxide active provides truly broad-spectrum protection across the entire UV range, which some chemical filter combinations don't fully cover.

Is Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen water-resistant?

Yes — it's water-resistant for 80 minutes, the maximum rating allowed by the FDA. Reapply after swimming, sweating heavily, or toweling off. For daily non-athletic use, reapply every 2 hours during prolonged sun exposure.

Is this sunscreen safe during pregnancy?

Yes — zinc oxide is a mineral/physical UV filter that sits on the skin surface and is not absorbed systemically. It's considered one of the safest sunscreen options during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula is also free of fragrance, parabens, and chemical UV filters.

Reviews

What Reviewers Tend to Say

Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.

Common Praise

Lightweight liquid format absorbs better than cream sunscreens

No stinging around eyes

Excellent UV protection for a single-filter mineral sunscreen

Affordable for a mineral SPF 50

Layers well under makeup

Common Complaints

White cast on deeper skin tones

Chalky residue if over-applied

Dropper dispenser can be messy

Not moisturizing enough for dry skin on its own

Notable Endorsements