Kiehl's

Kiehl's s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50

Name: Kiehl's - s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50
Brand: Kiehl's

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·6 UV filters

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 6 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filters

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octinoxate

Mexoryl Xl

Titanium Dioxide

Tinosorb S

Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid

Uvinul A Plus

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating~5.4–6.6%

Mexoryl XlDrometrizole TrisiloxaneUVBUVA2 Photo-stable Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet~3.2–3.9%

Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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~1.9–2.4%

Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable 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.~0.5–0.75%

Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic AcidUVA1 Photo-stable Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostable~2.6–3.1%

Uvinul A PlusDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUVA1 Photo-stable 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~0.5–0.75%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Anti-aging

2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Benefits , Helps protect skin from environmental aggressors including UVA/UVB rays and pollution, which can cause the first signs of ageing , Protects against the premature signs of ageing , Lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin with an invisible finish , Formulated with advanced UVA/UVB technology and pollution protection , Tested under dermatological control , Non-comedogenic Paraben Free Fragrance Free Non-Comedogenic Oil Free Directions Apply in the morning at the end of your daily skincare routine. Avoid the eye area.”

Source: Feelunique

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

This product can also 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.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.45%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.25–0.5%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

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).

Yeast extractEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claim

Moderate support

This product contains antioxidants (scutellaria baicalensis 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.

Scutellaria baicalensis extractKey activeEffect: MediumA 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 typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.25–0.5%

Scutellaria baicalensis root extractEffect: LowA 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~0.25–0.45%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.45%

Pyridoxine hclEffect: LowMight help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.25–0.45%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.25–0.5%

Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · 20 ingredients credited for this claim

Good support

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: arginine, 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: arginine, dimethicone.

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.25–0.45%

TyrosineKey activeEffect: High~0.1–0.2%

Histidine hclKey activeEffect: HighA salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~4.5–5.5%

Faex extractKey activeEffect: HighYeast extract. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.1–3.8%

MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.45–0.7%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.45%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~1.7–2.1%

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA 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~0.25–0.45%

Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.25–0.45%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.5–0.75%

Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.4–0.6%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.55–0.8%

Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.8–1.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Mentha piperita extract, Rosa gallica flower extract

Medium risk

We flagged 23 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritatingHigh~5.4–6.6%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~1.7–2.1%est.

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~1.2–1.4%est.

Scutellaria baicalensis extractA 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 typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA 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 propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Mentha piperita extractUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Rosa gallica flower extract—High~0.15–0.3%est.

Drometrizole trisiloxaneMexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yetMedium~3.2–3.9%est.

Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidEcamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostableMedium~2.6–3.1%est.

TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.95–1.15%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb 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.Medium~0.5–0.75%est.

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateUvinul 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) yetMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate—Medium~0.35–0.6%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Pyridoxine hclMight help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.55%est.

Zea mays kernel extract—3/5~0.25–0.5%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.3–0.5%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~5.4–6.6%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate

Dimethicone~4.5–5.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Glycerin~3.1–3.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Glycerin

Drometrizole trisiloxane~3.2–3.9%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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

More about Drometrizole trisiloxane

Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~2.6–3.1%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostable

More about Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid

Propylene glycol~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Propylene glycol

Titanium dioxide~1.9–2.4%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 dioxide

Alcohol denat.~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Alcohol denat.

Triethanolamine~0.95–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Stearic acid~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Nylon-12~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12

Palmitic acid~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Peg-100 stearate~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Glyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Phenoxyethanol~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Cetyl alcohol~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Cellulose~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.

More about Cellulose

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.5–0.75%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 triazine

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.5–0.75%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 benzoate

Citric acid~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Aluminum hydroxide~0.3–0.55%

Formula

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 hydroxide

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

More about Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate

Carbomer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Tocopherol~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol

Tromethamine~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Scutellaria baicalensis extract~0.25–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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 typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis extract

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

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 extract

Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures

More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer

Isohexadecane~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Myristic acid~0.3–0.55%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid

Disodium edta~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Adenosine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Polysorbate 80~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

Arginine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Mannitol~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol

Disodium adenosine triphosphate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Disodium adenosine triphosphate

Rna~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rna

Pyridoxine hcl~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Pyridoxine hcl

Sorbitan oleate~0.3–0.5%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Sorbitol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol

Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Bht~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Histidine hcl~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Histidine hcl

Zea mays kernel extract~0.25–0.5%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Zea mays kernel extract

Sodium chloride~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Faex extract~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Yeast extract. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Faex extract

Yeast extract~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract

Phenylalanine~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phenylalanine

Mentha piperita extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita extract

Rosa gallica flower extract~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Rosa gallica flower extract

Tyrosine~0.1–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Tyrosine

Sorbic acid~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Propylene glycol, Titanium dioxide, Alcohol denat., Triethanolamine, Stearic acid, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Nylon-12, Palmitic acid, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl alcohol, Cellulose, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Citric acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Carbomer, Tocopherol, Tromethamine, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Isohexadecane, Xanthan gum, Myristic acid, Disodium edta, Adenosine, Polysorbate 80, Arginine, Mannitol, Disodium adenosine triphosphate, Rna, Pyridoxine hcl, Sorbitan oleate, Sorbitol, Pentylene glycol, Bht, Histidine hcl, Zea mays kernel extract, Sodium chloride, Faex extract, Yeast extract, Phenylalanine, Mentha piperita extract, Rosa gallica flower extract, Tyrosine, Sorbic acid

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Kiehl'ss Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50YOUR PRODUCT	HYGGEEReal Sun Cream
Match	—	52%
Price	$44.99	$21.60−$23.39
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 17
Key difference	—	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Low
SPF	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol
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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Kiehl's - s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense 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).

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus, mexoryl xl, octinoxate and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.

Irritation risk

We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. 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.