The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++
Works for
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.
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).
Anti-agingSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycerin + 8 moreWorks
“A sunscreen emulsion containing hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing ingredient, that protects the skin from external damage such as UV rays and dryness while retaining moisture.”
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, cetearyl alcohol.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium 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.
Water~45–55%
Homosalate~6.3–7.7%
- 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 HomosalateOctocrylene~4.4–5.4%
- 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 OctocryleneEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~3.5–4.3%
- 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 methoxycinnamateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~3.1–3.7%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- 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 glycolPolymethylsilsesquioxane~1.6–2%
- 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneEthylhexyl salicylate~2–2.4%
- 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 salicylatePeg-100 stearate~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateGlycerin~1–1.2%
- 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 GlycerinMethylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~1–1.2%
- 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 tetramethylbutylphenolDimethicone~0.55–0.85%
- 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 DimethiconeBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineEthylhexyl triazone~0.6–0.9%
- 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 triazoneGlyceryl stearate~0.4–0.6%
- 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 stearatePhenoxyethanol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCetearyl alcohol~0.4–0.65%
- 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 alcoholAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolDimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerDecyl glucoside~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideParfum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPotassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateDisodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Propylene glycol~0.15–0.25%
- 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 glycolCitric acid~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidBht~0.05–0.1%
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Peg-100 stearate, Glycerin, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Dimethicone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Ethylhexyl triazone, Glyceryl stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl alcohol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Decyl glucoside, Parfum, Xanthan gum, Potassium sorbate, Sodium hyaluronate, Disodium edta, Propylene glycol, Citric acid, Bht, Sodium hydroxide
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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.
| The Body ShopSkin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++YOUR PRODUCT | Bondi SandsHydra UV Protect SPF50+ Face Fluid | La Roche-PosayAnthelios Gentle Lotion Kids Sunscreen SPF 50 | DaylogicKids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 47% | 46% | 46% |
| Price | — | $11.78 | $33.97 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 11 | 7 of 11 | 6 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | — | Niacinamide | — |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Rilastil WATER TOUCH FLUID SPF 50+SkinCeuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50 Oil free sunscreen for face and body
Product summary
We believe that "The Body Shop - Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++" 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).
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.
This sunscreen should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
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 0.65% - 0.95%, avobenzone 3.10% - 3.70%, octinoxate 3.50% - 4.30%, octisalate 2.00% - 2.40%, uvinul t 0.60% - 0.90%, homosalate 6.30% - 7.70%, tinosorb m 1.00% - 1.20% and octocrylene 4.40% - 5.40%.
Irritation risk
This product 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 it 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "The Body Shop" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 20.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 55.50$ 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 10 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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