Olay Complete BB Face Cream Medium SPF15
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 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.
Evens skin toneNiacinamideWorks well
“Ideal for medium skin tone .”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
This product can also help with skin tone because it offers 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).
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Panthenol + 9 moreWorks well
“Nourishing vitamins (B3, E and Pro-V B5) .”
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.
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: dimethicone, dimethiconol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol
Anti-agingSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy14 strong irritants: Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Parfum + 12 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~45–55%
Glycerin~5–6.1%
- 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~4.4–5.4%
- 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 salicylateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~3.5–4.2%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneDimethicone~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeTitanium dioxide~2.5–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideIsopropyl isostearate~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Isopropyl isostearateNiacinamide~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamidePolyethylene~1.4–1.8%
Octocrylene~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 OctocrylenePhenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~1.2–1.4%
- 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 acidBehenyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholPanthenol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolTocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.75%
- 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 acetateDimethiconol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time
More about DimethiconolPeg-4~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethanolamine~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateStearyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholAcrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures
More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymerCetyl alcohol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholSorbitan stearate~0.3–0.55%
C13-14 alkane~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about C13-14 alkaneCarbomer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerLaureth-7~0.25–0.5%
Cetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 alcoholCetearyl glucoside~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosidePeg-100 stearate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateStearic acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPeg-4 laurate~0.3–0.5%
Peg-4 dilaurate~0.3–0.5%
Alumina~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaAmmonium polyacrylate~0.25–0.5%
Silica~0.4–0.65%
Benzyl alcohol~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ethylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Propylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Parfum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumBenzyl benzoate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Benzyl benzoateAlpha-isomethyl ionone~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeHexyl cinnamal~0.2–0.4%
Benzyl salicylate~0.2–0.4%
Hydroxycitronellal~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating
More about HydroxycitronellalLinalool~0.2–0.35%
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehydeLimonene~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCitronellol~0.15–0.3%
Benzyl cinnamate~0.15–0.25%
Geraniol~0.1–0.25%
Amyl cinnamal~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
Ci 77492~0.15–0.25%
Ci 77491~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491Ci 77499~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Titanium dioxide, Isopropyl isostearate, Niacinamide, Polyethylene, Octocrylene, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Behenyl alcohol, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, Dimethiconol, Peg-4, Triethanolamine, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Stearyl alcohol, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Cetyl alcohol, Sorbitan stearate, C13-14 alkane, Carbomer, Laureth-7, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Peg-100 stearate, Stearic acid, Peg-4 laurate, Peg-4 dilaurate, Alumina, Ammonium polyacrylate, Silica, Benzyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Parfum, Benzyl benzoate, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Hexyl cinnamal, Benzyl salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl cinnamate, Geraniol, Amyl cinnamal, Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Ci 77499
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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.
| OlayComplete BB Face Cream Medium SPF15YOUR PRODUCT | OlazRegenerist Regenerating Day Cream SPF 15 | UltraceuticalsNEW Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying | CetaphilHealthy Renew Day Cream SPF 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 100% | 91% | 91% |
| Price | — | — | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 | Octinoxate | Adenosine |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 15 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Balea Niacinamide Tagescreme LSF30grüum skyda Daily Defence Face Lotion SPF50
Product summary
"Olay - Complete BB Face Cream Medium 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.
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and ensulizole. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
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