Holika Holika Make Up Sun Cream SPF50+
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
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.
Evens skin tonePrunus mume fruit extractStrong evidence
“even out the skin tone”
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).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Centella asiatica extractStrong evidence
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: centella asiatica extract.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Centella asiatica extract, Prunus mume fruit extract + 7 moreModerate evidence
This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Saccharomyces ferment, Dimethicone + 18 moreGood evidence
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:
citrulline, 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: dimethicone, methicone.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Parfum, Citrus paradisi fruit extract + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Cyclopentasiloxane~5.9–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneZinc oxide~5.3–6.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideTitanium dioxide~4–4.9%
- 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 dioxideDipropylene glycol~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolPeg-10 dimethicone~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeDicaprylyl carbonate~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateGlycerin~1.7–2%
- 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 GlycerinDisteardimonium hectorite~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteMagnesium sulfate~1.1–1.4%
Methicone~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
More about MethiconeMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerMica~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaPhenoxyethanol~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTalc~0.95–1.15%
Parfum~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumAluminum hydroxide~0.65–1%
- 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 hydroxideCaprylyl glycol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolStearic acid~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidDimethicone~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeGlyceryl caprylate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateTocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.8%
- 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 acetatePolyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleatePropanediol~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolIron oxides~0.45–0.7%
- 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 oxidesIron oxides~0.45–0.7%
- 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 oxidesButylene glycol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 glycolSodium hyaluronate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePortulaca oleracea extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Portulaca oleracea extractCentella asiatica extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractAminopropyl dimethicone~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Aminopropyl dimethiconePolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneEthylhexylglycerin~0.5–0.75%
Citrus paradisi fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–0.7%
Fragaria vesca fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
More about Fragaria vesca fruit extractPrunus avium fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractLonicera japonica flower extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating
More about Lonicera japonica flower extractPrunus armeniaca fruit extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A fruit extract that might have some antioxidant properties and might help attract water to the skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking
More about Prunus armeniaca fruit extractCoix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Plantago asiatica extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractCarica papaya fruit extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus unshiu peel extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Prunus mume fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant extract that might have an anti-oxidant effect and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence of effectiveness is lacking
More about Prunus mume fruit extractPrunus persica fruit extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fruit extact. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Prunus persica fruit extractAloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extractSolanum lycopersicum fruit extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Saccharomyces ferment~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharomyces fermentCitrullus lanatus fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound
More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extractSodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%
Citrulline~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about CitrullinePotassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Dipropylene glycol, Peg-10 dimethicone, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Glycerin, Disteardimonium hectorite, Magnesium sulfate, Methicone, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Talc, Parfum, Aluminum hydroxide, Caprylyl glycol, Stearic acid, Dimethicone, Glyceryl caprylate, Tocopheryl acetate, Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, Propanediol, Iron oxides, Iron oxides, Butylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate, Portulaca oleracea extract, Centella asiatica extract, Aminopropyl dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus paradisi fruit extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Fragaria vesca fruit extract, Prunus avium fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Lonicera japonica flower extract, Prunus armeniaca fruit extract, Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract, Plantago asiatica extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Carica papaya fruit extract, Citrus unshiu peel extract, Prunus mume fruit extract, Prunus persica fruit extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract, Saccharomyces ferment, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Sodium benzoate, Citrulline, Potassium sorbate
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Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Holika Holika - Make Up Sun Cream SPF50+" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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 sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
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 this product 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 from 14.18£ up to 16.45£ in the United Kingdom and for 16.45$ 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 32 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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