Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer With SPF 30
Works for
4 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 6 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
Anti-aging2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer With SPF 30”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: vitis vinifera seed extract.
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.
This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“This nourishing Total Effects Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 gives you seven benefits: it hydrates, replenishes, brightens, evens tone, minimizes the look of pores, visibly firms, and visibly smooths - all while protecting your skin from the sun.”
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
Moisturizing17 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer With SPF 30”
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, butylene glycol.
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (vitis vinifera seed extract) 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-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Parfum, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate + 1 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~4.4–5.4%
- 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 GlycerinPolymethylsilsesquioxane~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneNiacinamide~3–3.7%
- 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~2.4–2.9%
Pentylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolTocopheryl acetate~1.5–1.8%
- 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 acetatePanthenol~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolDimethicone~1.2–1.4%
- 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 DimethiconeHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerBenzyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholTitanium dioxide~0.75–1.1%
- 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 dioxideStearyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholBehenyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholPolyacrylamide~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamidePeg-100 stearate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateCetyl alcohol~0.45–0.7%
- 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 alcoholMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Parfum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumEthylparaben~0.2–0.4%
C13-14 isoparaffin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinPropylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Cetearyl glucoside~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideCetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 alcoholDimethiconol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 DimethiconolLaureth-7~0.25–0.45%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Stearic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPalmitic acid~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidIodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- 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 salicylateOctocrylene2.6%
- 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 OctocryleneBenzophenone-36%
- Irritation risk
- High
Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption
More about Benzophenone-3Water~0.25–0.4%
Glycerin~0.25–0.5%
- 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 GlycerinPolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneNiacinamide~0.25–0.45%
- 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~0.35–0.6%
Pentylene glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolTocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.45%
- 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 acetatePanthenol~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolDimethicone~0.3–0.5%
- 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 DimethiconeHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerBenzyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholTitanium dioxide~0.3–0.6%
- 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 dioxideStearyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholBehenyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholPolyacrylamide~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamidePeg-100 stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateCetyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 alcoholMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Parfum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumEthylparaben~0.2–0.4%
C13-14 isoparaffin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinPropylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Cetearyl glucoside~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideCetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 alcoholDimethiconol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 DimethiconolLaureth-7~0.25–0.45%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Stearic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPalmitic acid~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidIodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Petrolatum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss
More about PetrolatumPeg-100~0.25–0.45%
Glycerin~0.25–0.5%
- 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 GlycerinCyclodextrin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of sugar that is used to support delivery of active ingredients and can enhance their penetration into the skin without disrupting the skin's barrier
More about CyclodextrinCocamidopropyl betaine~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineSodium lauroyl sarcosinate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateDecyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideLauryl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
Butylene glycol~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolParfum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumPeg-14m~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyquaternium-10~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-10Benzyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholPanthenol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSalicylic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidPhenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Propylparaben~0.15–0.25%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Sodium polyacrylate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateHydrogenated polydecene~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydeceneTocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.25%
- 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 acetateTrideceth-6~0.15–0.25%
Vitis vinifera seed extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation
More about Vitis vinifera seed extractAloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extractChamomilla recutita flower extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Niacinamide, Polyethylene, Pentylene glycol, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Benzyl alcohol, Titanium dioxide, Stearyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Peg-100 stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Parfum, Ethylparaben, C13-14 isoparaffin, Propylparaben, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethiconol, Laureth-7, Disodium edta, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Water, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Niacinamide, Polyethylene, Pentylene glycol, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Benzyl alcohol, Titanium dioxide, Stearyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Peg-100 stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Parfum, Ethylparaben, C13-14 isoparaffin, Propylparaben, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethiconol, Laureth-7, Disodium edta, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Petrolatum, Peg-100, Glycerin, Cyclodextrin, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Decyl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside, Butylene glycol, Parfum, Peg-14m, Polyquaternium-10, Benzyl alcohol, Panthenol, Salicylic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium edta, Sodium polyacrylate, Hydrogenated polydecene, Tocopheryl acetate, Trideceth-6, Vitis vinifera seed extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract
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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.
| OlayTotal Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer With SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | La Roche-PosayEffaclar Duo+ SPF 30 | SVRSEBIACLEAR Crème SPF50 | MartidermPigment Zero DSP-Cream SPF 50+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 74% | 73% | 72% |
| Price | $10.91 | $20.09+$9.18 | — | $63.03+$52.12 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 15 | 4 of 15 | 6 of 15 |
| Key difference | — | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid | Gluconolactone | Ferulic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Olay - Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer With SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate and octocrylene. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 9.00£ up to 29.12£ in the United Kingdom, for 34.19CA$ in Canada, from 22.80A$ up to 51.97A$ in Australia and from 5.76$ up to 46.31$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 5
- 6
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