Shiseido White Lucent Day Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 23
Works for
2 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 23 · 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.
Evens skin tonePotassium methoxysalicylate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate + 1 moreStrong evidence
“This formula visibly brightens skin and helps diminishes the look of dark spots and unevenness, while supporting skin's natural resistance to the appearance of dullness, dark spots, and uneven tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: potassium methoxysalicylate
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).
MoisturizingPhytosteryl macadamiate, Dimethicone + 9 moreGood evidence
“91% felt it enhances effects of other skincare products they’re using Tested on intentionally irritated skin; inner skin defenses index (based on moisture retention rate and transepidermal water loss). . 28% improvement 1 week after application”
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:
erythritol, 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, phytosteryl macadamiate.
Anti-agingTocopherol, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateLimited evidence
“It also protects skin from pollen and air pollutants, and provides all day moisture to improve the appearance dryness and fine lines.”
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?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Alcohol, Angelica keiskei leaf/stem extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2.5%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctocrylene3%
- 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 OctocryleneWater~40–60%
Alcohol~4.8–7.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 AlcoholDimethicone~4.3–6.4%
- 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 DimethiconeDipropylene glycol~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolGlycerin~2.4–3.7%
- 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 GlycerinDiisopropyl sebacate~1.8–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacatePeg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilPotassium methoxysalicylate~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can help reduce hyperpigmentation
More about Potassium methoxysalicylateErythritol~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about ErythritolXanthan gum~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.7%
- 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 acetatePeg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 etherPeg/ppg-17/4 dimethyl ether~0.1–0.3%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycyrrhizate2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caffeine~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineAscorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 tetraisopalmitatePhytosteryl macadamiate~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Phytosteryl macadamiateAngelica keiskei leaf/stem extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrant plant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
More about Angelica keiskei leaf/stem extractPaeonia albiflora root extract~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Crataegus monogyna flower extract~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Rehmannia chinensis root extract~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pyrola incarnata extract~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potentilla erecta root extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyquaternium-51~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
More about Polyquaternium-51Ppg-17~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Peg-240/hdi copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a gel-like product texture
More about Peg-240/hdi copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 etherTriethanolamine~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineSilica~0.1–0.4%
Butylene glycol~0.05–0.15%
- 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 glycolIsostearic acid~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Isostearic acidPpg-3 dipivalate~0.05–0.15%
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products
More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymerCarbomer~0.05–0.15%
- 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 CarbomerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.1–0.3%
- 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 crosspolymerBht~0.01–0.05%
Sodium metaphosphate~0.01–0.05%
Alcohol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 AlcoholTocopherol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolDisodium edta~0.05–0.2%
Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Prunus yedoensis leaf extract~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzoic acid~0.05–0.2%
Parfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumTitanium dioxide~0.05–0.2%
- 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 dioxideMica~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaIron oxides~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxidesIngredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Water, Alcohol, Unknown, Dimethicone, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Diisopropyl sebacate, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Potassium methoxysalicylate, Erythritol, Xanthan gum, Tocopheryl acetate, Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether, Peg/ppg-17/4 dimethyl ether, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, 2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Caffeine, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Angelica keiskei leaf/stem extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Crataegus monogyna flower extract, Rehmannia chinensis root extract, Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract, Pyrola incarnata extract, Potentilla erecta root extract, Polyquaternium-51, Ppg-17, Peg-240/hdi copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether, Triethanolamine, Silica, Butylene glycol, Isostearic acid, Ppg-3 dipivalate, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Bht, Sodium metaphosphate, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Disodium edta, Sodium metabisulfite, Prunus yedoensis leaf extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Parfum, Titanium dioxide, Mica, Iron oxides
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Product summary
"Shiseido - White Lucent Day Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 23" 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.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
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, octinoxate and octocrylene. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. 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 for 173.33CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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