Nivea

Nivea SUN Suncream Lotion SPF 20, Protect & Moisture

Name: Nivea - SUN Suncream Lotion SPF 20, Protect & Moisture
Brand: Nivea

SPF 20Efficacy66/100IrritancyHigh·4 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 20 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 20Broad spectrumChemical filtersWater-resistantNo 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

Homosalate

Octocrylene

Octisalate

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation~6.3–7.7%

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~4.4–5.4%

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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~2.1–2.6%

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.~2–2.4%

~ 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 + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF20 provides immediate UVA and UVB protection and supports skin protection with anti-oxidant Vitamin E to keep skin moisturised for 48h.”

Source: Supderdrug

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).

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~0.95–1.15%

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~3.1–3.7%

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~2.4–2.9%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.35–0.65%

Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.5%

Myristyl myristateUnder-dosedAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic~0.65–0.95%

Anti-aging

No ingredient credited for this claim

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Immediately protects against sunburn and premature skin aging.”

Source: Boots

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?

Irritancy

7 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Linalool + 5 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~1.9–2.3%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.25%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

CoumarinA fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~6.3–7.7%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~4.4–5.4%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~2–2.4%est.

Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesHelps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skinMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Myristyl myristateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenicMedium~0.65–0.95%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~0.5–0.75%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.6%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

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

1 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

Myristyl myristateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic3/5~0.65–0.95%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Face Reality Skincare Brilliant Defense SPF 50

Higher efficacy · 100/10067% match

$42.00

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35

Higher efficacy · 100/10067% match

$24.43

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Homosalate~6.3–7.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate

Octocrylene~4.4–5.4%

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

Glycerin~3.1–3.7%

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

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.4–2.9%

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

Alcohol denat.~1.9–2.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Ethylhexyl salicylate~2.1–2.6%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 salicylate

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2–2.4%

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

Glyceryl stearate citrate~1.2–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate

Panthenol~0.95–1.15%

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

Hydrogenated coco-glycerides~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Hydrogenated coco-glycerides

Myristyl myristate~0.65–0.95%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic

More about Myristyl myristate

Tocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.75%

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

Cellulose gum~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum

Tetrasodium iminodisuccinate~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Tetrasodium iminodisuccinate

Vp/hexadecene copolymer~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates a nice product texture and can support water-resistance of sunscreens

More about Vp/hexadecene copolymer

Xanthan gum~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%

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

Cetyl alcohol~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Stearyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol

Silica dimethyl silylate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica dimethyl silylate

Trisodium edta~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps preserve product formulations

More about Trisodium edta

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Linalool~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Limonene~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Citronellol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Coumarin~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Coumarin

Parfum~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Panthenol, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Myristyl myristate, Tocopheryl acetate, Cellulose gum, Tetrasodium iminodisuccinate, Vp/hexadecene copolymer, Xanthan gum, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Silica dimethyl silylate, Trisodium edta, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl alcohol, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Citronellol, Coumarin, Parfum

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🇬🇧 Boots (UK)200 ml

≈ $8.05

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🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)Price as of 11/1 21:00 GMT

≈ $10.33

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🇬🇧 Supderdrug (UK)200 ml

≈ $11.66

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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
	NiveaSUN Suncream Lotion SPF 20, Protect & MoistureYOUR PRODUCT	Face Reality SkincareBrilliant Defense SPF 50	CetaphilDaily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35	OlayComplete+ Moisturizer with SPF 40 Sensitive
Match	—	67%	67%	67%
Price	—	$42.00	$24.43	$17.74
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 6	5 of 6	5 of 6
Key difference	—	Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate	Niacinamide	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Low	Medium	Low
SPF	SPF 20	SPF 50	SPF 35	SPF 40
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Childs Farm Children's SPF 50+ Sun Lotion, Water Resistant By Sainsbury's Sun Protect Baby Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+

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Product summary

"Nivea - SUN Suncream Lotion SPF 20, Protect & Moisture" "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 sunscreen uses so-called" chemical ", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 2.00% - 2.50%, avobenzone 2.50% - 3.10%, octisalate 3.20% - 3.90% and uvinul t 1.50% - 1.80%.

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. 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.