Nivea Face Cream Light Moisturiser
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
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.
MoisturizingGlycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 6 moreWorks
“NIVEA Refreshing Day Face Cream 50ml is specially designed for normal skin to provide long-lasting hydration and daily protection.”
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4.3–6.5%
- 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 GlycerinEthylhexyl salicylate~3.7–5.5%
- 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 salicylateC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.7–4%
- 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 benzoateAlcohol denat.~2–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Cetearyl alcohol~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~1.9–2.8%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.4–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideDistarch phosphate~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate~0.8–1.25%
- 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 stearateHydroxypropyl starch phosphate~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulations
More about Hydroxypropyl starch phosphatePhenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~0.5–1.2%
- 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 acidAloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderSodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateButyrospermum parkii butter~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterTapioca starch~0.1–0.5%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.5%
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.1–0.45%
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.15–0.65%
- 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 triazineTrisodium edta~0.05–0.3%
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.25%
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Alcohol denat., Cetearyl alcohol, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Distarch phosphate, Glyceryl stearate, Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Tapioca starch, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan gum, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Trisodium edta, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, 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.
| NiveaFace Cream Light MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCT | V. SunSun cream face spf 50 perfume free | EucerinHyaluron-Filler Day Cream SPF30 | REVOLUTION SKINCARESPF50 Daily Defender Lightweight Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 46% | 45% | 45% |
| Price | $18.12 | $16.64−$1.48 | $31.23+$13.11 | $20.08+$1.96 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 7 | 5 of 7 | 5 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Uvasorb Heb | Dimethicone | Octocrylene |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Balea Men Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Lift EffectDermasence Solvinea Med SPF 50+
Product summary
"Nivea - Face Cream Light Moisturiser" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called" chemical "sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 1.60% - 1.90% and octocrylene 2.40% - 3.00%.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 16.06A$ in Australia and from 2.10£ up to 4.19£ 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 4 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
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