PRODUCT REVIEW

Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector SPF30

Works for:

based on ingredients and %

Anti-aging
Sun protection
Evens skin tone
Moisturizing

Can it cause trouble?

Key actives

Tocopherol 0.25% - 0.45%Glycerin 5% - 6.1%

See all ingredients

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Cheaper alternatives

Garnier - Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream Lotion SPF50+

Price: $6.37

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Ambre Solaire - Kids Sensitive Sand Resistant Sun Cream SPF50+

Price: $14.64

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Product summary

The ingredient list suggests that "Kiehl's - Activated Sun Protector SPF30" 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).

This product should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 2.00% - 2.50%, uvinul a plus 1.40% - 1.70%, mexoryl xl 3.20% - 3.90%, octisalate 2.10% - 2.60%, uvinul t 1.20% - 1.40%, homosalate 4.50% - 5.50% and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid 0.60% - 0.90%.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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 15.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

What can the product work for?

Sun protection

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.

drometrizole trisiloxane 3.2% - 3.9%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet

bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine 2% - 2.5%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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.

diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate 1.4% - 1.7%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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

Anti-aging

What does the product description say?

Fast-absorbing and non-ashy, the sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB damage with SPF 30 and UV Filter Technology, while antioxidant-rich vitamin E defends against daily environmental wear and tear.

Source: Lookfantastic

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.

tocopherol 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Insufficient!

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

Evens 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).

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

The lotion's moisturising texture rehydrates and helps skin retain vital moisture, leaving it feeling soft, supple and comfortable.

Source: Lookfantastic

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: glycine soja oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.

glycerin 5% - 6.1%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

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

glycine soja oil 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

c12-15 alkyl benzoate 3.1% - 3.8%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

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

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Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

tocopherol 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Anti-oxidation, Moisturizing, Anti-aging, Anti-inflammatory

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

glycerin 5% - 6.1%

Irritation risk:

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

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Potential irritants

alcohol denat. 1.9% - 2.3%

Irritation risk:

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

propylene glycol 0.55% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

Comodogenic ingredients

zea mays starch 1.2% - 1.5%

Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High

Works for: Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

glycine soja oil 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium

Works for: Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

All ingredients

water 45% - 55%

Irritation risk:

Plain old water

glycerin 5% - 6.1%

Irritation risk:

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

homosalate 4.5% - 5.5%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Sun protection

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

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Homosalate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl salicylate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Zea mays starch, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Propylene glycol, Triethanolamine, Synthetic wax, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl stearate, Parfum, Caprylyl glycol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Glycine soja oil, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Benzyl salicylate, Benzyl alcohol, Myristic acid, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Benzyl benzoate, Citronellol, Coumarin

	Kiehl's - Activated Sun Protector SPF30	Garnier - Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream Lotion SPF50+	Ambre Solaire - Kids Sensitive Sand Resistant Sun Cream SPF50+	La Roche-Posay - Anthelios Invisible Spray SPF50+	Vichy - Capital Soleil Beach Protect Anti-Dehydration Spray SPF50	SKIN - Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen	SkinCeuticals - Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50	Nivea - sun kids protect and care SPF50+ sun lotion	SVR - Sun Secure Fliude SPF 50	Polaar - Sun Very High Protection Tinted Sun Cream SPF50+	Eucerin - Sun Allergy Protect Sun Crème Gel SPF50
Price
WIMJ similarity score		41%	41%	39%	39%	38%	38%	37%	36%	35%	35%
SPF	SPF 30	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50
Key ingredients	bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +7 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +5 more Other: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane octocrylene +2 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +5 more Other: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane octocrylene +2 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine drometrizole trisiloxane +4 more Other: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane dimethicone +1 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine drometrizole trisiloxane +4 more Other: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane dimethicone +2 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +4 more Other: butyrospermum parkii butter dimethicone +2 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +4 more Other: butyrospermum parkii butter dimethicone +2 more	Common: diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate ethylhexyl triazone +3 more Other: panthenol butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +3 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +5 more Other: cyclopentasiloxane ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate +2 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +3 more Other: butyrospermum parkii butter caprylic/capric triglyceride +5 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +4 more Other: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane cera alba +4 more
Irritancy	IRRITANCY HIGH	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM
Potential Irritants	coumarin Has skin benefit? citronellol Has skin benefit? +22 more	alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? +16 more	alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? +16 more	parfum Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? +12 more	parfum Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? +13 more	rosa damascena extract Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? +12 more	rosa damascena extract Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? +12 more	parfum Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? +9 more	parfum Has skin benefit? sodium laureth sulfate Has skin benefit? +18 more	parfum Has skin benefit? coco-glucoside Has skin benefit? +18 more	alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? sodium stearoyl glutamate Has skin benefit? +10 more
All ingredients	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +33 more	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +30 more	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +30 more	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +23 more	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +26 more	water Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? +31 more	water Has skin benefit? ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate Has skin benefit? +31 more	water Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +30 more	water Has skin benefit? diisopropyl adipate Has skin benefit? +38 more	water Has skin benefit? diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate Has skin benefit? +43 more	water Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +30 more

PRODUCT REVIEW

Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector SPF30

Works for:

Can it cause trouble?

Key actives

Cheaper alternatives

Product summary

Sunscreen filters

Irritation risk

Price

What can the product work for?

Works for

Sun protection

Anti-aging

What does the product description say?

Evens skin tone

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

Honesty check

How honest is this product?

Buy now

UK Retailers

Can it cause trouble?

Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

User reviews (0)

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Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

All ingredients

Ingredient list view

Sources