Nivea Sun Protect Moisture Sun Cream Lotion SPF15
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 + 2 moreWorks
“Sun Protect Moisture Sun Cream Lotion SPF15”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin.
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).
Anti-agingNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“Key Benefits , Moisturising , Suncream cares and moisturises skin , SPF 15 , Factor 15 sunblock reduces the risk of sun damage , Water Resistant , Water-resistant formula , Immediate Protection , Instantly protects against harmful UV rays , UVA/UVB protection , filters reduce the risk of sun allergies SPF 15 , this sun cream SPF 15 offers a high level of sun protection which reduces the risk of sun-induced allergies and UV-induced skin damage.”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.
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).
Evens skin toneNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“Key Benefits , Moisturising , Suncream cares and moisturises skin , SPF 15 , Factor 15 sunblock reduces the risk of sun damage , Water Resistant , Water-resistant formula , Immediate Protection , Instantly protects against harmful UV rays , UVA/UVB protection , filters reduce the risk of sun allergies SPF 15 , this sun cream SPF 15 offers a high level of sun protection which reduces the risk of sun-induced allergies and UV-induced skin damage.”
This product contains ingredients () that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
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
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%
Isopropyl palmitate~4.7–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateGlycerin~3.3–5%
- 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 GlycerinC12-15 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.~2.1–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Ethylhexyl salicylate~2.2–3.3%
- 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 salicylateButyl 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneStearyl alcohol~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.5–2.2%
- 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 triazineC18-38 alkyl hydroxystearoyl stearate~0.8–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate se~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient
More about Glyceryl stearate seSilica dimethyl silylate~0.35–0.85%
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~0.4–0.95%
- 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 acidTocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.55%
- 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 acetateXanthan gum~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTrisodium edta~0.15–0.5%
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseSodium cetearyl sulfate~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Sodium cetearyl sulfateSodium hydroxide~0.1–0.5%
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.1–0.45%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolLinalool~0.05–0.3%
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholAlpha-isomethyl ionone~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeCitronellol~0.05–0.15%
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Isopropyl palmitate, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Stearyl alcohol, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, C18-38 alkyl hydroxystearoyl stearate, Glyceryl stearate se, Silica dimethyl silylate, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Xanthan gum, Trisodium edta, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Sodium cetearyl sulfate, Sodium hydroxide, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Citronellol, 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.
| NiveaSun Protect Moisture Sun Cream Lotion SPF15YOUR PRODUCT | EucerinSun Anti-Age Face Fluid SPF30 | VichyCapital Soleil Solar Protective Water - Enhanced Tan SPF30 | Childs FarmChildren's SPF 50+ Sun Lotion, Water Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 50% | 46% | 46% |
| Price | — | $22.53 | $20.86 | $13.03 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Dimethicone | Uvinul A Plus | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | 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 Cicaplast Repairing Baume B5+ SPF50 For Irritated SkinGlow Hub Beauty DEFEND YOURSELF SUN SILK SPF 30
Product summary
"Nivea - Sun Protect Moisture Sun Cream Lotion SPF15" 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.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
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. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.50% - 2.20%, avobenzone 1.90% - 2.80% and octisalate 2.20% - 3.30%.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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 15.95£ 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.
- 1Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate journals.sagepub.com
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