M2 Skin Care Ultra Sheer UV Daily Defence SPF 50+
Works for
1 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 2 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionLow filter dose
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Arginine + 6 moreStrong evidence
“The lightweight, hydrating formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, vitamin E and Papaya Extract.”
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, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideStrong evidence
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-agingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, TocopherolStrong evidence
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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideStrong evidence
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
This product can also help with skin tone because it offers sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Carica papaya fruit extractMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Helianthus annuus seed oil~22–34%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilWater~12–18%
Helianthus annuus seed oil~5–7.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilNiacinamide~3.4–5.1%
- 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 NiacinamideSodium polyacrylate~2.5–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2.2–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazineEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 methoxycinnamateDicaprylyl carbonate~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateSodium hyaluronate~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolGlycerin~0.5–1.2%
- 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 GlycerinCarica papaya fruit extract~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
Tocopherol~0.45–1.05%
- 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 TocopherolArginine~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 ArginineAcrylates/c12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateXylitol~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolCaprylic acid~0.2–0.75%
Citric acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidChlorphenesin~0.05–0.25%
Coco-glucoside~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating
More about Coco-glucosideDisodium lauryl sulfosuccinate~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinateSodium benzoate~0.05–0.2%
Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Helianthus annuus seed oil, Water, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Niacinamide, Sodium polyacrylate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Carica papaya fruit extract, Tocopherol, Arginine, Acrylates/c12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer, Glyceryl stearate, Xylitol, Caprylic acid, Citric acid, Chlorphenesin, Coco-glucoside, Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · prices updated regularly
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.
| M2 Skin CareUltra Sheer UV Daily Defence SPF 50+YOUR PRODUCT | Mad About SkinProtect & Hydrate Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ | CeraVeCrème Hydratante Visage SPF30 | SkinMedicaEssential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 89% | 85% | 85% |
| Price | — | $22.71 | — | $40.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 9 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Uvinul A Plus | Ceramide Np | Knotgrass Extract |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 47 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"M2skincare - Ultra Sheer UV Daily Defence SPF 50+" is using UV filters in a relatively low concentration. Because of this, it might not be able to provide reliable sun protection.
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
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 2.20% - 3.40% and octinoxate 1.80% - 2.70%.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.