GUERLAIN Orchidée Impériale Brightening The Global Uv Protector
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
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.
Anti-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · Hexapeptide-2, TocopherolWorks well
“It helps to fight external aggressors that dull the epidermis, in order to reveal the most imperial light of all and elevate the skin's youthful beauty.”
This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: hexapeptide-2.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Hexapeptide-2, Glycerin + 16 moreWorks well
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:
artemia extract, 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: helianthus annuus seed oil, cetyl alcohol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: hexapeptide-2
Evens skin toneSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Parfum, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Butylene glycol~5.9–7.2%
- 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 glycolDicaprylyl carbonate~4.3–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~3.5–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateEthylhexyl salicylate~3–3.7%
- 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 salicylateNeopentyl glycol diheptanoate~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazineGlycerin~1.3–1.6%
- 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 GlycerinTitanium dioxide~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideEthylhexyl triazone~1.3–1.5%
- 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 triazoneCetyl alcohol~0.6–0.95%
- 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 alcoholPotassium cetyl phosphate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateDiisopropyl sebacate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacatePolyurethane-35~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%
- 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 stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCoco-caprylate/caprate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/capratePhenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ensulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulations
More about Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidOrchid extract~0.2–0.4%
Parfum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCaprylyl glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolBoron nitride~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to absord oil and evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in product formulation
More about Boron nitrideCrambe abyssinica seed oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Crambe abyssinica seed oilHydroxyacetophenone~0.2–0.35%
Propanediol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Aluminum hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideEthylene brassylate~0.15–0.3%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Titanium dioxide~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumStearic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPolysorbate 60~0.25–0.45%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateMethylpropanediol~0.2–0.4%
Iron oxides~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesPentylene glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSilica~0.35–0.65%
Tropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideSodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Artemia extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Zooplankton extract that can attract water to the upper level of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Artemia extractCetyl palmitate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateTocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 TocopherolTin oxide~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
More about Tin oxideAlumina~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaPolysorbate 80~0.25–0.5%
Sorbitan stearate~0.25–0.45%
Beta-carotene~0.25–0.4%
Xanthophylls~0.25–0.45%
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chloridePhenylpropanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation
More about PhenylpropanolPentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateSodium myristoyl glutamate~0.3–0.6%
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.25–0.5%
- 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~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractDisodium phosphate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphateCitric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidErgothioneine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking
More about ErgothioneineHydrogenated lecithin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinCitronellol~0.15–0.25%
Hexapeptide-2~0.15–0.3%
- 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 Hexapeptide-2Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium chloride~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium phosphate~0.1–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Glycerin, Titanium dioxide, Ethylhexyl triazone, Cetyl alcohol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Diisopropyl sebacate, Polyurethane-35, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Orchid extract, Parfum, Caprylyl glycol, Boron nitride, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Propanediol, Chlorphenesin, Aluminum hydroxide, Ethylene brassylate, Sodium hydroxide, Titanium dioxide, Xanthan gum, Stearic acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Methylpropanediol, Iron oxides, Pentylene glycol, Silica, Tropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sodium benzoate, Artemia extract, Cetyl palmitate, Tocopherol, Tin oxide, Alumina, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan stearate, Beta-carotene, Xanthophylls, Sodium chloride, Phenylpropanol, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium myristoyl glutamate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Disodium phosphate, Citric acid, Ergothioneine, Hydrogenated lecithin, Citronellol, Hexapeptide-2, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10, Potassium chloride, Potassium phosphate
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| GUERLAINOrchidée Impériale Brightening The Global Uv ProtectorYOUR PRODUCT | Institut EsthedermBrightening Face Sun Protection SPF50+ | TONYMOLYRetinol Red Radiance Sun Essence | TypologyCrème Solaire Corps SPF 30 à l'Aloe Vera | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 55% | 44% | 41% |
| Price | — | $75.03 | $29.20 | $19.90 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 12 | 5 of 12 | 6 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Avobenzone | Retinol | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter |
| Irritancy | High | Low | High | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion Baby-Children-Family SPF50+KORRES Coconut - Almond Kids Sensitive Sunscreen Face + Body SPF 50
Product summary
We assess that "GUERLAIN - Orchidée Impériale Brightening The Global Uv Protector" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus, octisalate, uvinul t and ensulizole. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This product 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 it 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 125.00£ 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 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 3Safety Assessment of Boron Nitride as Used in Cosmetics cir-safety.org
- 4
- 5Fragrance material review on ethylene brassylatesciencedirect.com
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.