Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze Tan Activating Spray SPF20
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 5 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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Glycyrrhetinic acid, Tocopheryl acetateWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Anti-agingSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimMay help
This product contains glycyrrhetinic acid. 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).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin + 6 moreWorks
“Moisturising .”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Glycyrrhetinic acidMay help
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycyrrhetinic acid.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from 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?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Linalool + 3 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.~8.3–10.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Ethylhexyl salicylate~4.6–5.7%
- 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 salicylateIsopropyl palmitate~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateDibutyl adipate~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.5–3%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2.1–2.6%
- 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 triazineC12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.4–1.7%
- 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 benzoateGlyceryl stearate~1.2–1.4%
- 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 stearatePhenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~1.4–1.7%
- 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 acidEthylhexyl triazone~1.1–1.3%
- 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 triazoneGlycerin~0.55–0.85%
- 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 GlycerinGlycyrrhetinic acid~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Active compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation
More about Glycyrrhetinic acidTocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%
- 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 acetateMicrocrystalline cellulose~0.45–0.65%
C18-38 alkyl hydroxystearoyl stearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Copernicia cerifera cera~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Brazilian palm wax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Copernicia cerifera ceraHydrogenated rapeseed oil~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl palmitate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateXanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCellulose gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTrisodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Linalool~0.15–0.3%
Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholLinalyl acetate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeCitronellol~0.1–0.15%
Vanillin~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl salicylate, Isopropyl palmitate, Dibutyl adipate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glyceryl stearate, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Ethylhexyl triazone, Glycerin, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Microcrystalline cellulose, C18-38 alkyl hydroxystearoyl stearate, Copernicia cerifera cera, Hydrogenated rapeseed oil, Cetyl palmitate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Xanthan gum, Cellulose gum, Sodium hydroxide, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Trisodium edta, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, Linalyl acetate, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Citronellol, Vanillin, Parfum
Compare prices
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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.
| NiveaSun Protect & Bronze Tan Activating Spray SPF20YOUR PRODUCT | EucerinSun Allergy Protect Sun Crème Gel SPF50 | VichyCapital Soleil Sun Protection Water SPF50 | GarnierAmbre Solaire Kids Sun Cream Trigger Spray SPF50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 46% | 45% | 43% |
| Price | — | $15.91 | $19.83 | $9.27 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 6 | 5 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Uvinul A Plus | Uvinul A Plus | Mexoryl Xl |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 20 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection Spray SPF50Jean&Len Sun Spray SPF 30
Product summary
"Nivea - Sun Protect & Bronze Tan Activating Spray SPF20" "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, it does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
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 2.20% - 3.30%, octisalate 3.00% - 4.50%, homosalate 5.10% - 7.60% and octocrylene 3.80% - 5.70%.
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 sunscreen 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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