Nivea

Nivea MEN Sensitive Face SPF15 Moisturiser with 0% Alcohol

Name: Nivea - MEN Sensitive Face SPF15 Moisturiser with 0% Alcohol
Brand: Nivea

SPF 15Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·3 UV filters

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Works for

2 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 15 · 3 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 15Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

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

Octocrylene

Ensulizole

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen~1.3–2%

EnsulizolePhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidUVB Photo-stable 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~1.1–1.7%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. 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.~2.1–3.1%

~ 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.

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 5 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“MEN Sensitive Face SPF15 Moisturiser with 0% Alcohol”

From product name

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: 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.85–1.25%

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~3.2–4.7%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1–1.5%

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~2.1–3.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.6–2.4%

TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~7.1–10.7%

Isopropyl palmitate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~2.5–3.7%

Anti-aging

Tocopherol

Moderate evidence

What the product description says

“It is also formulated with SPF15 to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and from premature sun-induced skin ageing.”

Source: Boots

This product contains tocopherol. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging. The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~7.1–10.7%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Tocopherol, Tocopheryl acetate

Strong evidence

This product contains antioxidants (tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

TocopherolKey activeEffect: 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~7.1–10.7%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.6–1.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana bark/leaf extract, Linalool + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Chamomilla recutita extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~22–33%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.55–1.3%est.

Hamamelis virginiana bark/leaf extract—High~0.55–1.25%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

CoumarinA fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2.5–3.7%est.

Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~1.9–2.8%est.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. 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.Medium~2.1–3.1%est.

Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesHelps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skinMedium~1.3–2%est.

OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium~1.3–2%est.

Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidEnsulizole. 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 formulationsMedium~1.1–1.7%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.95–1.45%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~1–1.5%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.6–1.35%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–1.1%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.85%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Piroctone olamineA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

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

2 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

Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency3/5~2.5–3.7%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.6–2.4%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Sepai Flawless Immaculate Bright SPF50 Moisturiser

Higher efficacy · 90/10064% match

$370.30

Olay Complete 3in1 Day Cream Moisturiser For Sensitive Skin

Higher efficacy · 83/10063% match

$9.36

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Chamomilla recutita extract~22–33%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita extract

Tocopherol~7.1–10.7%

Key active

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

Water~4.4–6.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~3.2–4.7%

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

Isopropyl palmitate~2.5–3.7%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Isopropyl palmitate

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.1–3.2%

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

Tapioca starch~1.9–2.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Tapioca starch

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.1–3.1%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 methoxydibenzoylmethane

Cetearyl alcohol~1.6–2.4%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Hydrogenated coco-glycerides~1.3–2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skin

More about Hydrogenated coco-glycerides

Octocrylene~1.3–2%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene

Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~1.1–1.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 acid

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.95–1.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Panthenol~0.85–1.25%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Tocopheryl acetate~0.6–1.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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 acetate

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.55–1.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Hamamelis virginiana bark/leaf extract~0.55–1.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Hamamelis virginiana bark/leaf extract

Maltodextrin~0.55–1.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Trisodium edta~0.45–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps preserve product formulations

More about Trisodium edta

Sodium carbomer~0.5–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps improve the texture

More about Sodium carbomer

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–1.1%

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

1,2-hexanediol~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Piroctone olamine~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Piroctone olamine

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Benzoic acid~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Linalool~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Limonene~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Coumarin~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritating

More about Coumarin

Parfum~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Chamomilla recutita extract, Tocopherol, Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl palmitate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Tapioca starch, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cetearyl alcohol, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Octocrylene, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Hamamelis virginiana bark/leaf extract, Maltodextrin, Trisodium edta, Sodium carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, 1,2-hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Piroctone olamine, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Linalool, Limonene, Coumarin, Parfum

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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
	NiveaMEN Sensitive Face SPF15 Moisturiser with 0% AlcoholYOUR PRODUCT	Dennis KnudsenDay Cream	SepaiFlawless Immaculate Bright SPF50 Moisturiser	OlazRegenerist Regenerating Day Cream SPF 15
Match	—	66%	64%	63%
Price	$7.29	—	$370.30+$363.01	—
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 7	5 of 7	6 of 7
Key difference	—	Mineral Oil	Bakuchiol	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 15	SPF 15	SPF 50	SPF 15
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Nivea - MEN Sensitive Face SPF15 Moisturiser with 0% Alcohol" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream.

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. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: avobenzone 2.10% - 3.10%, octocrylene 1.30% - 2.00% and ensulizole 1.10% - 1.70%.

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.