SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 8 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.
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.
Anti-agingNiacinamide, TocopherolStrong evidence
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.
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 toneTranexamic acid, NiacinamideStrong evidence
“Dual-action, lightweight sunscreen with SPF 50 that helps protect the skin from UV-induced discolouration and helps evens skin tone.”
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).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Peg-10 dimethicone + 10 moreStrong evidence
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, peg-10 dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Alcohol denat.Medium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Alcohol denat.~8–9.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Ethylhexyl triazone~4.6–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazoneDrometrizole trisiloxane~3.5–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet
More about Drometrizole trisiloxaneIsononyl isononanoate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateIsopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2–2.5%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneDiisopropyl sebacate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineNiacinamide~0.9–1.15%
- 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 NiacinamideDimethicone~0.7–1.1%
- 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 DimethiconeMethylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolOctocrylene~0.7–1.05%
- 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 OctocrylenePropanediol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolEthylhexyl salicylate~0.55–0.85%
- 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 salicylateCetearyl alcohol~0.45–0.7%
- 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 alcoholSilica~0.55–0.85%
Tranexamic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally
More about Tranexamic acidTocopherol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 TocopherolPhenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPeg-10 dimethicone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeTitanium dioxide~0.35–0.65%
- 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 dioxidePolyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-10 laurateSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolButylene 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 glycolCetearyl 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 glucosideMica~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaGlycerin~0.25–0.45%
- 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 GlycerinPeg-20~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateCarbomer~0.1–0.2%
- 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 CarbomerInulin lauryl carbamate~0.1–0.15%
T-butyl alcohol~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl triazone, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Isononyl isononanoate, Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diisopropyl sebacate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Octocrylene, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Cetearyl alcohol, Silica, Tranexamic acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-10 dimethicone, Titanium dioxide, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Caprylyl glycol, Butylene glycol, Cetearyl glucoside, Mica, Glycerin, Peg-20, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Carbomer, Inulin lauryl carbamate, T-butyl alcohol
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| SkinCeuticalsAdvanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50YOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeInvisible Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 | La Roche-PosayAnthelios Anti-Imperfections Corrective Gel-Cream SPF50+ | RilatsilAK REPAIR SPF 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 86% | 86% |
| Price | $60.19 | $17.94−$42.25 | $26.74−$33.45 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 13 | 9 of 13 | 7 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Np | Salicylic Acid | Bisabolol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 100 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We assess that "SkinCeuticals - Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. 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).
As a plus, this sunscreen uses some of the new generation UV filters (Tinosorb M). These filters are more stable and more gentle on the skin.
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 is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.50% - 1.90%, avobenzone 2.00% - 2.40%, mexoryl xl 3.50% - 4.30%, uvinul t 4.60% - 5.70%, tinosorb m 0.70% - 1.10% and octocrylene 0.70% - 1.05%.
Irritation risk
This product contains some common irritants, including those without 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.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
- As for the white cast, it did not leave a noticeable white residue for the reviewer.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it stings eyes.
Price
The product retails from 43.99£ up to 53.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5Effect of tranexamic acid on melasma: a clinical trial with histological evaluationonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6Tranexamic acid accelerates skin barrier recovery and upregulates occludin in damaged skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.