Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial Sunscreen

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial Sunscreen

SPF 42Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·2 UV filters
Edit

Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 42 · 2 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 42Broad spectrumMineral filtersWater-resistant

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.

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
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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 skin4.9%
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant13.6%
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-aging
3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Oiliness Formulation.”
Source: Sephora

This product can 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.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–0.8%
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.75–1.1%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.25–0.45%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

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).

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–0.8%
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.75–1.1%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.6–0.9%
Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · 18 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support

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, sodium hyaluronate.

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, peg-10 dimethicone.

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~3.3–4%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.7–1.05%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.8%
Phytosteryl macadamiateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.75–1.15%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~26–32%
Peg-10 dimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss~0.95–1.15%
IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~2–2.4%
Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl etherKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss~1.3–1.6%
Spirulina platensis extractKey activeEffect: MediumAn algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect~0.5–0.75%
Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.6–2%
Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethiconeEffect: LowHelp improve the product's texture~2.1–2.6%
Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~2.6–3.2%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.55–0.8%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.35–0.6%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–0.8%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.6–0.9%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.25–0.45%
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.75–1.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Perilla ocymoides leaf extract
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.55–0.8%est.
Perilla ocymoides leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains a number of volatile compounds and could be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1–1.2%est.
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Medium~0.75–1.1%est.
Curcuma longa rhizome extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but there is no evidence of effectiveness in skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Sodium metabisulfiteA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%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
Spirulina platensis extractAn algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect3/5~0.5–0.75%est.
Edit
Cheaper Alternatives
Similar formulations, better price
No cheaper similar product found.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide4.9%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Dimethicone~26–32%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
Water~9.6–11.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Silica~6.3–7.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Zinc oxide13.6%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide
Dipropylene glycol~4.1–5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol
Glycerin~3.3–4%
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
Caprylyl methicone~2.6–3.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone
Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone~2.1–2.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Help improve the product's texture

More about Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone
Isododecane~2–2.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane
Hydrogenated polydecene~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene
Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether~1.3–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss

More about Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether
Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~1–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone
Bis-butyldimethicone polyglyceryl-3~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Bis-butyldimethicone polyglyceryl-3
Peg-10 dimethicone~0.95–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss

More about Peg-10 dimethicone
Trehalose~0.7–1.05%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Phytosteryl macadamiate~0.75–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Phytosteryl macadamiate
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.75–1.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizing

A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate
Thiotaurine~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Thiotaurine
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.6–0.9%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterial

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Paeonia albiflora root extract~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Sodium hyaluronate~0.5–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Sanguisorba officinalis root extract~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Ononis spinosa root extract~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Garcinia mangostana bark extract~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Curcuma longa rhizome extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but there is no evidence of effectiveness in skin

More about Curcuma longa rhizome extract
Perilla ocymoides leaf extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains a number of volatile compounds and could be irritating

More about Perilla ocymoides leaf extract
Spirulina platensis extract~0.5–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Spirulina platensis extract
Aluminum hydroxide~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)

More about Aluminum hydroxide
Hydrogen dimethicone~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation

More about Hydrogen dimethicone
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Butylene glycol~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Isostearic acid~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a nice product texture

More about Isostearic acid
Disteardimonium hectorite~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency

More about Disteardimonium hectorite
Trisodium edta~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps preserve product formulations

More about Trisodium edta
Sodium citrate~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Alcohol~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Citric acid~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite
Polysilicone-2~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polysilicone-2
Barium sulfate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Barium sulfate
Syzygium jambos leaf extract~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Benzoic acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Iron oxides~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Ingredient list view

Titanium dioxide, Dimethicone, Water, Silica, Zinc oxide, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Caprylyl methicone, Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone, Isododecane, Hydrogenated polydecene, Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether, Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Bis-butyldimethicone polyglyceryl-3, Peg-10 dimethicone, Trehalose, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Thiotaurine, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Ononis spinosa root extract, Garcinia mangostana bark extract, Curcuma longa rhizome extract, Perilla ocymoides leaf extract, Spirulina platensis extract, Aluminum hydroxide, Hydrogen dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Butylene glycol, Isostearic acid, Disteardimonium hectorite, Trisodium edta, Sodium citrate, Alcohol, Citric acid, Sodium metabisulfite, Polysilicone-2, Barium sulfate, Syzygium jambos leaf extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Iron oxides

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Walmart
$45.12
Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Shiseido - Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial Sunscreen" can provide reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because 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 contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

Sunscreen filters

This product is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.

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 product 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.

Price

The product retails from 45.12$ up to 139.99$ 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 29 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial Sunscreen
ShiseidoUrban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Facial Sunscreen

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.