Nivea Sun Protect Moisture Sun Cream Spray SPF20
Works for
1 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 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.
Moisturizing8 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
“Sun Protect Moisture Sun Cream Spray SPF20”
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 toneNo ingredient credited for this claimLimited support
“SPF 20 , sun cream SPF 20 offers a medium 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).
Anti-agingNo ingredient credited for this claimLimited support
“Key Benefits , Moisturising , Sun cream moisturises and cares for the skin , SPF 20 , Factor 20 sun cream 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 Moisturising Protection , this moisturising cream spray offers effective protection against sun exposure with its highly effective UVA/UVB filter.”
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).
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
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Water~45–55%
Alcohol denat.~8.2–10%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Glycerin~4.2–5.1%
- 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~3.6–4.4%
- 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~2.3–2.8%
- 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~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2–2.5%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneC12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.5–1.8%
- 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 benzoateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.6–1.9%
- 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 triazineGlyceryl stearate~1–1.2%
- 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~1.1–1.4%
- 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~0.55–0.85%
- 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 acetateHydrogenated rapeseed oil~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Copernicia cerifera cera~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Brazilian palm wax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Copernicia cerifera ceraCetyl palmitate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateC18-38 alkyl hydroxystearoyl stearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateMicrocrystalline cellulose~0.4–0.6%
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCellulose gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTrisodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideLinalool~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 alcoholAlpha-isomethyl ionone~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeCitronellol~0.1–0.2%
Anise alcohol~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., Glycerin, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Isopropyl palmitate, Dibutyl adipate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Glyceryl stearate, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydrogenated rapeseed oil, Copernicia cerifera cera, Cetyl palmitate, C18-38 alkyl hydroxystearoyl stearate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Xanthan gum, Cellulose gum, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Trisodium edta, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium chloride, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Citronellol, Anise alcohol, Parfum
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Product summary
"Nivea - Sun Protect Moisture Sun Cream 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, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. 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. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.60% - 1.90%, avobenzone 2.00% - 2.50%, octisalate 3.60% - 4.40% and ensulizole 1.10% - 1.40%.
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 from 18.39£ up to 20.96£ 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 3 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 3
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