SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 2 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
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).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Cyclomethicone, Diisopropyl adipate + 11 moreWorks
“Wears transparently with no white residue. Protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Ideal daily moisturizing sunscreen for all skin types.”
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:
cyclomethicone, 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: beeswax, dimethicone.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~25–30%
- 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 methoxycinnamateZinc oxide~12–14%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxideWater~6.2–7.5%
Cyclomethicone~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeDiisopropyl adipate~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Diisopropyl adipateSynthetic beeswax~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Synthetic beeswaxHexylene glycol~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolPeg-40 stearate~2.1–2.6%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateGlycerin~1.3–1.6%
- 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 GlycerinAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinatePolyacrylamide~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideC13-14 isoparaffin~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinBeeswax~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen
More about BeeswaxDimethicone~0.95–1.15%
- 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 DimethiconePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPeg-20~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Copernicia cerifera cera~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Brazilian palm wax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Copernicia cerifera ceraDimethicone copolyol~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Vp/eicosene copolymer~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve the product adherence to the skin, for example, to pro-long the protective effect of sunscreens. Can be irritating to very sensitive skin
More about Vp/eicosene copolymerSorbitan tristearate~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan tristearatePropylene glycol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolStearyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateGlyceryl dilaurate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Glyceryl dilaurateCetearyl alcohol~0.55–0.8%
- 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 alcoholStearoxytrimethylsilane~0.5–0.75%
Steareth-100~0.3–0.6%
Laureth-7~0.25–0.45%
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Butylparaben~0.1–0.25%
Propylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Isobutylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Zinc oxide, Water, Cyclomethicone, Diisopropyl adipate, Synthetic beeswax, Hexylene glycol, Peg-40 stearate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 isoparaffin, Beeswax, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-20, Copernicia cerifera cera, Dimethicone copolyol, Vp/eicosene copolymer, Sorbitan tristearate, Propylene glycol, Stearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl dilaurate, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Steareth-100, Laureth-7, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben
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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.
| SkinCeuticalsUltimate UV Defense SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | ThalgoF + J's SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Cream Protects from Sun's UV Rays Two Ways | KoseDr. Phil Cosmetics X-Barrier Skin Protect UV Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ | UriageBARIÉSUN XP Cream SPF50+ Very high protection | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 40% | 35% | 34% |
| Price | — | — | $41.00 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Copernicia Cerifera Wax | Panthenol | Uvinul A Plus |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Sunscreen LotionObagi MATTE BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "SkinCeuticals - Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30" can offer reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
It contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 18.00$ up to 40.00$ 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 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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