Kiehl's

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

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

SPF 50Efficacy60/100IrritancyLow·2 UV filters

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Works for

0 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrum

Weak protection

SPF 50Partial spectrumChemical filtersTinted

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

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

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Titanium Dioxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own~1.3–1.6%

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 skin15%

~ 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-blemish

No ingredient credited for this claim

No evidence

What the product description says

“This mineral formula absorbs only into the surface layer of skin, minimising the risk of irritation and breakouts.”

Source: Escentual

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin + 12 more

Good evidence

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, isododecane.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

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~6–7.3%

TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances 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~3.8–4.7%

IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~7.2–8.8%

UndecaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin~2.6–3.2%

Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~1.7–2.1%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.6%

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~0.65–1%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.4–0.65%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~0.9–1.1%

Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~0.55–0.85%

Propylene carbonateEffect: LowIs used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture~0.2–0.35%

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~0.2–0.35%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.5–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

14 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 14 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

UndecaneHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skinMedium~2.6–3.2%est.

Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownMedium~1.3–1.6%est.

Phenethyl benzoateUsed as a fragranceMedium~1.1–1.4%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

TridecaneHelps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skinMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.65%est.

Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Aluminum stearateUsed to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Peg-8 laurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.25%est.

Disodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix together and workd as a cleanserMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide15%

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

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Isododecane~7.2–8.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

Dimethicone~6–7.3%

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

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~3.8–4.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Undecane~2.6–3.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin

More about Undecane

Styrene/acrylates copolymer~1.9–2.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Styrene/acrylates copolymer

Caprylyl methicone~1.7–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone

Nylon-12~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12

Butyloctyl salicylate~1.3–1.6%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own

More about Butyloctyl salicylate

Phenethyl benzoate~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used as a fragrance

More about Phenethyl benzoate

Dicaprylyl carbonate~0.9–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Silica~1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Triethylhexanoin~0.55–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin

Isohexadecane~0.65–1%

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

Tridecane~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skin

More about Tridecane

Dicaprylyl ether~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether

Talc~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Absorbs oil and moisture helping to create a dryer product finish

More about Talc

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer

Aluminum hydroxide~0.5–0.7%

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

Stearic acid~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Pentylene glycol~0.4–0.65%

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

Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone

Iron oxides~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 oxides

Aluminum stearate~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation

More about Aluminum stearate

Peg-8 laurate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-8 laurate

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Magnesium sulfate~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Alumina~0.45–0.65%

Formula

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 Alumina

Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid

Disteardimonium hectorite~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency

More about Disteardimonium hectorite

Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Propylene carbonate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture

More about Propylene carbonate

Benzoic acid~0.1–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Disodium stearoyl glutamate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and workd as a cleanser

More about Disodium stearoyl glutamate

Peg-9~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Peg-9

Ingredient list view

Titanium dioxide, Water, Isododecane, Dimethicone, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Undecane, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Caprylyl methicone, Nylon-12, Butyloctyl salicylate, Phenethyl benzoate, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Silica, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl ether, Talc, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Pentylene glycol, Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Iron oxides, Aluminum stearate, Peg-8 laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium sulfate, Caprylyl glycol, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Disteardimonium hectorite, Tocopherol, Propylene carbonate, Benzoic acid, Disodium stearoyl glutamate, Peg-9

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Product summary

"Kiehl's - Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF50" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.

This sunscreen should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day.

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: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be low. 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.