L'Essence des Notes White Leaf Lightening Emulsion SPF30 PA+++
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 5 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Ascorbic acidWorks well
“This novel and effective complex has been designed to act on the skin pigmentation process at the 3 essential levels production, transfer and diffusion of melanin.”
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).
MoisturizingNiacinamide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 6 moreWorks well
“The fluid and light texture melts instantly on the skin without any oily or sticky effect leaving the skin hydrated.”
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:
algae extract, 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: algae extract, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-blemishSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Algae extract + 2 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Actinidia chinensis fruit water + 6 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Alcohol denat.~7.8–9.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.C12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.3–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 benzoateGlycerin~3–3.7%
- 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 GlycerinDicaprylyl carbonate~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl salicylate~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not 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
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateEthylhexyl triazone~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazoneNiacinamide~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazinePhenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ensulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulations
More about Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidTriethanolamine~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineCetyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholButylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- 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 polyacrylate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateC20-22 alkyl phosphate~0.45–0.65%
Actinidia chinensis fruit water~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Claimed to have anti-oxidant properties but it is unlikely that it can have an effect in the skin
More about Actinidia chinensis fruit waterButyloctyl salicylate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 salicylateC20-22 alcohols~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholTocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.45%
- 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 acetateDipropylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolSophora angustifolia root extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Algae extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractAscorbic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidTocopherol~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolPhenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLimonene~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneHydroxycitronellal~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating
More about HydroxycitronellalCitronellol~0.1–0.25%
Hexyl cinnamal~0.1–0.2%
Geraniol~0.05–0.15%
Ci 77891~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Niacinamide, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Triethanolamine, Cetyl alcohol, Butylene glycol, Sodium polyacrylate, C20-22 alkyl phosphate, Actinidia chinensis fruit water, Butyloctyl salicylate, C20-22 alcohols, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Tocopheryl acetate, Dipropylene glycol, Sophora angustifolia root extract, Algae extract, Ascorbic acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal, Geraniol, Ci 77891
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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.
| L'Essence des NotesWhite Leaf Lightening Emulsion SPF30 PA+++YOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeInvisible Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 | BaleaNiacinamide Tagescreme LSF30 | SkinCeuticalsAdvanced Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 89% | 87% | 86% |
| Price | — | $18.50 | — | $55.49 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 6 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Np | Panthenol | Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: grüum skyda Daily Defence Face Lotion SPF50Altruist Sunscreen Fluid SPF50
Product summary
We assess that "L'Essence des Notes - White Leaf Lightening Emulsion SPF30 PA+++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because 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 so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: tinosorb s 1.40% - 1.70%, avobenzone 2.40% - 3.00%, butyloctyl salicylate 0.30% - 0.55%, octisalate 2.00% - 2.50%, uvinul t 1.90% - 2.30% and ensulizole 1.10% - 1.40%.
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 moisturizer 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 26.63£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
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