Balea Vitamin C Day Cream SPF 15
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 5 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
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.
MoisturizingGlycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 5 moreWorks
“The soft texture keeps the skin supple and provides a radiant, delicately nourished complexion.”
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.
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: myristyl myristate, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Anti-agingSodium ascorbyl phosphateNot delivered
“The concentrated vitamin C supports collagen production and thus helps to reduce wrinkles.”
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?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Parfum, Linalool + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4.4–6.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinEthylhexyl salicylate~4–5.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 salicylateC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 benzoateDibutyl adipate~2.1–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipateCetearyl alcohol~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~1.9–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 methoxydibenzoylmethanePolyglyceryl-6 stearate~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-6 stearateTocopheryl acetate~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateSodium ascorbyl phosphate~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphateHydrogenated coco-glycerides~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skin
More about Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesCetearyl isononanoate~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and helps prevent moisture loss.
More about Cetearyl isononanoateMyristyl myristate~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic
More about Myristyl myristateSodium phenylbenzimidazole sulfonate~0.5–1.15%
Glyceryl stearate~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateXanthan gum~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPolyglyceryl-6 behenate~0.15–0.7%
Ethylhexyl triazone~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazoneBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineDisodium edta~0.1–0.45%
Parfum~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumHydroxyacetophenone~0.1–0.35%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolLinalool~0.05–0.2%
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholLimonene~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dibutyl adipate, Cetearyl alcohol, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polyglyceryl-6 stearate, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Cetearyl isononanoate, Myristyl myristate, Sodium phenylbenzimidazole sulfonate, Glyceryl stearate, Xanthan gum, Polyglyceryl-6 behenate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Disodium edta, Parfum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, Limonene
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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.
| BaleaVitamin C Day Cream SPF 15YOUR PRODUCT | SoltanFace Protect & Moisturise SPF50+ | OlayRegenerist Luminous Day Cream SPF20 | DermaceuticK Ceutic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 64% | 62% | 60% |
| Price | — | — | $42.99 | $49.99 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 7 | 2 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Uvasorb Heb | Niacinamide | Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 50 | SPF 20 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: EVY Technology Sunscreen Mousse SPF30Coppertone SPORT SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, Sport Sunscreen, Water Resistant, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, SPF 30
Product summary
"Balea - Vitamin C Day Cream SPF 15" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 0.30% - 0.75%, avobenzone 1.90% - 2.80%, octisalate 4.00% - 5.90% and uvinul t 0.35% - 0.80%.
Irritation risk
We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 5.99$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsionssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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