Balea

Balea Protective Day Cream SPF 20

Name: Balea - Protective Day Cream SPF 20
Brand: Balea

SPF 20Efficacy66/100IrritancyHigh·5 UV filters

See all ingredients

Edit

Works for

1 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 20 · 5 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 20Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octisalate

Uvinul T

Amiloxate

Tinosorb S

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen~4.3–5.3%

Uvinul TEthylhexyl TriazoneUVB Photo-stable Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet~0.6–0.9%

AmiloxateIsoamyl P-methoxycinnamateUVBUVA2Amiloxate or Neo Heliopan E1000. A UV filter. It is effective against UVB and UVA II rays. Not available in the US. It can be irritating~0.3–0.6%

Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.~0.3–0.55%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.~3–3.7%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Moisturizing

18 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Protective Day Cream SPF 20”

From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, caprylyl glycol.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.9–6%

Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiablesKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.3–0.6%

Alpha-glucan oligosaccharideKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%

Echium plantagineum seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin~0.2–0.4%

LactobacillusKey activeEffect: HighA non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation~0.15–0.3%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~1.9–2.3%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.4%

Moringa oleifera seed extractKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect~0.2–0.35%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.8–3.4%

Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~0.7–1%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.2–0.4%

Ethylhexyl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.5%

Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~0.2–0.35%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.2%

Polymnia sonchifolia root juiceEffect: LowA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.5%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.9–1.1%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.1–0.2%

Anti-aging

2 ingredients credited for this claim

Limited support

What the product description says

“Dryness wrinkles are also reduced.”

Source: German Drugstore

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Polymnia sonchifolia root juiceA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.3–0.5%est.

Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties but evidence is missingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamateAmiloxate or Neo Heliopan E1000. A UV filter. It is effective against UVB and UVA II rays. Not available in the US. It can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.25%est.

Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium~3–3.7%est.

Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.35–0.6%est.

Echium plantagineum seed oilA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skinMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Moringa oleifera seed extractHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effectMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.Medium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.2–0.4%est.

Edit

Cheaper Alternatives

Similar formulations, better price

No cheaper similar product found.

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.9–6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Ethylhexyl salicylate~4.3–5.3%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate

Glyceryl stearate~2.8–3.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~3–3.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.9–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Distarch phosphate~1.6–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Distarch phosphate

C12-13 alkyl lactate~1.4–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about C12-13 alkyl lactate

Ethylhexyl stearate~1.2–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Ethylhexyl stearate

Niacinamide~0.9–1.1%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Dicaprylyl ether~0.7–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether

Sodium phenylbenzimidazole sulfonate~0.75–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium phenylbenzimidazole sulfonate

Polyglyceryl-6 palmitate/succinate~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-6 palmitate/succinate

Ethylhexyl triazone~0.6–0.9%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Ethylhexyl triazone

Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Panthenol~0.3–0.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide

Polymnia sonchifolia root juice~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Polymnia sonchifolia root juice

Maltodextrin~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Echium plantagineum seed oil~0.2–0.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin

More about Echium plantagineum seed oil

Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables

Moringa oleifera seed extract~0.2–0.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect

More about Moringa oleifera seed extract

Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties but evidence is missing

More about Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract

Lactobacillus~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation

More about Lactobacillus

Octyldodecanol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.3–0.55%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine

Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate~0.3–0.6%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

Amiloxate or Neo Heliopan E1000. A UV filter. It is effective against UVB and UVA II rays. Not available in the US. It can be irritating

More about Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate

Parfum~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Cetearyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Behenyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Sodium carbomer~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps improve the texture

More about Sodium carbomer

Xanthan gum~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Limonene~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Citronellol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Linalool~0.1–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Glyceryl stearate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Distarch phosphate, C12-13 alkyl lactate, Ethylhexyl stearate, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl ether, Sodium phenylbenzimidazole sulfonate, Polyglyceryl-6 palmitate/succinate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Polymnia sonchifolia root juice, Maltodextrin, Echium plantagineum seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables, Moringa oleifera seed extract, Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract, Lactobacillus, Octyldodecanol, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, Parfum, Cetearyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Sodium carbomer, Xanthan gum, Disodium edta, Limonene, Citronellol, Linalool, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

German Drugstore

$5.49

Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	BaleaProtective Day Cream SPF 20YOUR PRODUCT	OlayTotal Effects Whip Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 40	AltruistSunscreen Fluid SPF50	grüumskyda Daily Defence Face Lotion SPF50
Match	—	90%	88%	88%
Price	$5.49	$16.99+$11.50	$11.90+$6.41	$11.90+$6.41
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 11	6 of 11	6 of 11
Key difference	—	Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate	Dimethicone	Dimethicone
Irritancy	High	Medium	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 20	SPF 40	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Balea - Protective Day Cream SPF 20" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: tinosorb s 0.30% - 0.55%, avobenzone 3.00% - 3.70%, octisalate 4.30% - 5.30%, uvinul t 0.60% - 0.90% and amiloxate 0.30% - 0.60%.

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.