Kiehl's

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++

Name: Kiehl's - Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++
Brand: Kiehl's

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyHigh·5 UV filters

See all ingredients In 2 routines

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 5 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersTintedNano 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.

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.

UV spectrum

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

Uvinul T

Titanium Dioxide

Mexoryl Xl

Tinosorb S

Uvinul A Plus

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Uvinul TEthylhexyl TriazoneUVB Photo-stable 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~3.1–3.8%

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~1.5–1.8%

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~0.75–1.15%

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.~2–2.5%

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~1.9–2.3%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Adenosine, Tocopherol

Strong evidence

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)~0.25–0.4%

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~0.5–0.7%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

Strong evidence

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

Not advertised by the brand · Glycerin, Cetyl alcohol + 13 more

Good evidence

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, butylene glycol.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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~0.8–1.2%

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%

Diisopropyl sebacateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish~4.3–5.3%

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)~0.25–0.4%

Moringa oleifera seed extractKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect~0.1–0.2%

Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~3.1–3.8%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~1.8–2.2%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.2–0.4%

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

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.45–0.65%

Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.15–0.25%

Gentiana lutea root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can help strengthen the skin barrier function and improve skin moisture levels~0.2–0.4%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.55–0.85%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Menthoxypropanediol + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~8.2–10.1%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~1.8–2.2%est.

MenthoxypropanediolUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Mentha piperita extractUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

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

Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistencyMedium~3.1–3.8%est.

Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul 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) yetMedium~3.1–3.8%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~2–2.5%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~1.9–2.3%est.

Drometrizole trisiloxaneMexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yetMedium~0.75–1.15%est.

Ceteth-10Helps water and oil mix together and is used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

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

Dextrin palmitateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Peg-8 laurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Gentiana lutea root extractA plant extract that can help strengthen the skin barrier function and improve skin moisture levelsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Moringa oleifera seed extractHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effectMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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 comedogenic3/5~0.25–0.5%est.

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Alternatives

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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

Alcohol denat.~8.2–10.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Alcohol denat.

Diisopropyl sebacate~4.3–5.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish

More about Diisopropyl sebacate

Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate~3.1–3.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate

Ethylhexyl triazone~3.1–3.8%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 triazone

Propylene glycol~1.8–2.2%

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

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2–2.5%

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~1.9–2.3%

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

Titanium dioxide~1.5–1.8%

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

Glycerin~0.8–1.2%

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

Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Helps thicken the product consistency

More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer

Drometrizole trisiloxane~0.75–1.15%

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

Tocopherol~0.5–0.7%

Formula

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

Stearic acid~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.6%

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

Palmitic acid~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

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

More about Palmitic acid

Styrene/acrylates copolymer~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters

More about Styrene/acrylates copolymer

Ceteth-10~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and is used as a cleansing agent

More about Ceteth-10

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

Menthoxypropanediol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Menthoxypropanediol

Dextrin palmitate~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Dextrin palmitate

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Aluminum hydroxide~0.25–0.5%

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

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Butylene glycol~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Potassium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide

Peg-8 laurate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-8 laurate

Disodium edta~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Adenosine~0.25–0.4%

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

Myristic acid~0.25–0.5%

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

Gentiana lutea root extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant extract that can help strengthen the skin barrier function and improve skin moisture levels

More about Gentiana lutea root extract

Pentylene glycol~0.25–0.5%

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

Mentha piperita extract~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita extract

Butyrospermum parkii seedcake extract~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Butyrospermum parkii seedcake extract

Rosa gallica flower extract~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Rosa gallica flower extract

Sorbitol~0.15–0.25%

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

Moringa oleifera seed extract~0.1–0.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect

More about Moringa oleifera seed extract

Disodium phosphate~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Citric acid~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol denat., Diisopropyl sebacate, Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Propylene glycol, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Titanium dioxide, Glycerin, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Tocopherol, Stearic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl alcohol, Palmitic acid, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Ceteth-10, Caprylyl glycol, Menthoxypropanediol, Dextrin palmitate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Aluminum hydroxide, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Butylene glycol, Potassium hydroxide, Peg-8 laurate, Disodium edta, Adenosine, Myristic acid, Gentiana lutea root extract, Pentylene glycol, Mentha piperita extract, Butyrospermum parkii seedcake extract, Rosa gallica flower extract, Sorbitol, Moringa oleifera seed extract, Disodium phosphate, Citric acid

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Kiehl'sUltra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++YOUR PRODUCT	ABOUT_TONELightful Dew Sun Essence	TEABLESSAntique Sun Essence	eSpoirWater Splash Sun Cream Fresh *Renewed SPF50+PA++++
Match	—	59%	59%	59%
Price	$32.08	$18.02−$14.06	$16.56−$15.52	—
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 9	5 of 9	5 of 9
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Niacinamide	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

We believe that "Kiehl's - Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

Sunscreen filters

This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus, mexoryl xl and uvinul t. 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 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.