Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light Moisturiser
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 4 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.
MoisturizingAcetyl tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl tetrapeptide-9 + 11 moreWorks well
“Magic Cream Light Moisturiser”
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, butylene 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, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl tetrapeptide-11, acetyl tetrapeptide-9
Anti-agingAcetyl tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl tetrapeptide-9 + 1 moreMay help
“It's formulated with a potent line up of fortifying and youth-boosting complexes; first up is Replexium, a blend of peptides that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
This product contains acetyl tetrapeptide-11, acetyl tetrapeptide-9. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works. 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?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Rosa damascena extract, Michelia alba leaf oil + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Homosalate~5.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateOctocrylene~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneEthylhexyl salicylate~3.5–4.3%
- 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~2.4–2.9%
- 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 benzoateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.5–3.1%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene glycol~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolCoconut alkanes~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Coconut alkanesGlycerin~1.2–1.5%
- 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 GlycerinSilica~1.2–1.5%
Crambe abyssinica seed oil~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Crambe abyssinica seed oilCetyl alcohol~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~0.55–0.8%
- 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 stearateCaprylyl methicone~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconePotassium cetyl phosphate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphatePeg-75 stearate~0.4–0.65%
Dimethyl isosorbide~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbidePolysorbate 20~0.35–0.65%
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.5%
Marrubium vulgare extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ceteth-20~0.35–0.65%
Steareth-20~0.3–0.5%
Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateXanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerDisodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Rosa damascena extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
More about Rosa damascena extractEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Beta-carotene~0.2–0.35%
Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolXanthophylls~0.2–0.35%
Michelia alba leaf oil~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil used in cosmetics for its smell. Can be irritating
More about Michelia alba leaf oilCitric acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oilRosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractSolanum tuberosum pulp extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acetyl tetrapeptide-11~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl tetrapeptide-11Acetyl tetrapeptide-9~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl tetrapeptide-9Linalool~0.15–0.25%
Citronellol~0.1–0.15%
Geraniol~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene glycol, Coconut alkanes, Glycerin, Silica, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Caprylyl methicone, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Peg-75 stearate, Dimethyl isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Marrubium vulgare extract, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Disodium edta, Rosa damascena extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Beta-carotene, Tocopherol, Xanthophylls, Michelia alba leaf oil, Citric acid, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Solanum tuberosum pulp extract, Acetyl tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl tetrapeptide-9, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol
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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.
| Charlotte TilburyMagic Cream Light MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCT | Nutra EffectsAgeless Protecting Day Cream SPF30 | Lise WatierLift & Firm Y-Zone High Firming Day Creme SPF 20 | SulwhasooSnowise UV Daily Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 45% | 44% | 43% |
| Price | $44.00 | — | $62.88+$18.88 | $75.00+$31.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 9 | 5 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Colloidal Oatmeal | Bakuchiol | Butyloctyl Salicylate |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 20 | SPF 30 | SPF 20 | SPF 40 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: M-61 Hydraboost Moisturizer SPF 30Peter Thomas Roth Max Matte Shine Control Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Product summary
"Charlotte Tilbury - Magic Cream Light Moisturiser" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called" chemical "sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: avobenzone 2.50% - 3.10%, octisalate 3.50% - 4.30%, homosalate 5.40% - 6.60% and octocrylene 4.40% - 5.40%.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 45.00$ in the United States and from 25.00£ up to 32.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 5Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
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