ULTA Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 30
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 4 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.
Evens skin toneGluconolactoneWorks well
“Lychee Extract, a rich source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps brightens 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).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, GluconolactoneWorks 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 · Coco-caprylate/caprate, Glycerin + 3 moreWorks
“Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 30”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy10 strong irritants: Parfum, Carica papaya fruit extract + 8 more — patch-test recommendedHigh 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.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate8.5%
- 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 HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- 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 salicylateWater~40–60%
Butyloctyl salicylate~5.4–8.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateCoco-caprylate/caprate~4.2–6.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateParfum~3.1–4.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumHdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~2.3–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products
More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymerGlycerin~1.7–2.5%
- 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 GlycerinPolyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateSilica~1.2–1.8%
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateVaccinium vitis-idaea fruit extract~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–1.1%
- 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 crosspolymerCarica papaya fruit extract~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Litchi chinensis fruit extract~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propanediol~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.55%
- 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 acetateCitric acid~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidXanthan gum~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumGluconolactone~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
More about GluconolactoneSodium benzoate~0.1–0.4%
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphateAcetyl cysteine~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium carbonate~0.1–0.35%
Sodium chloride~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium sulfite~0.1–0.2%
Citrus unshiu peel extract~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Calcium gluconate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product
More about Calcium gluconateHippophae rhamnoides fruit extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
More about Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extractLitchi chinensis seed extract~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mangifera indica leaf extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.35%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHexyl cinnamal~0.05–0.25%
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Butylphenyl methylpropionalLimonene~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.05–0.2%
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeHydroxycitronellal~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating
More about HydroxycitronellalCitronellol~0.01–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Water, Butyloctyl salicylate, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Parfum, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Silica, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Vaccinium vitis-idaea fruit extract, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Carica papaya fruit extract, Litchi chinensis fruit extract, Propanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopheryl acetate, Citric acid, Xanthan gum, Gluconolactone, Sodium benzoate, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Acetyl cysteine, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Sodium sulfite, Citrus unshiu peel extract, Calcium gluconate, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, Litchi chinensis seed extract, Mangifera indica leaf extract, Sodium hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Hexyl cinnamal, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol
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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.
| ULTADaily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | NaturiumDew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 | Face Reality SkincareDaily SPF 30 Plus | CliniqueNEW UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 45% | 45% | 44% |
| Price | — | $13.00 | $30.00 | $40.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | 7-Dehydrocholesterol |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Eucerin Age Defense, Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion For Face, SPF 50Supergoop! Triple Prep
Product summary
We believe that "ULTA - Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), butyloctyl salicylate 5.40% - 8.20%, octisalate 5.00% (declared) and homosalate 8.50% (declared).
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 20.00$ 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 26 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 4
- 5
- 6Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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