Vichy Ideal Soleil UV Protect Anti-Dullness BB Cream
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 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.
Anti-agingTocopherolStrong evidence
“With an SPF50, the VICHY UV Protect Anti-Dullness BB Cream is designed to protect and hydrate the complexion, while promoting a more even skin tone and enhanced radiance.”
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.
Evens skin toneNo ingredient credited for this claimStrong evidence
“Fortified with shea seedcake and baicalin extracts, the antioxidant-rich formula helps to combat pollution-induced pigmentation and minimise the look of dark spots.”
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract + 1 moreModerate evidence
This product contains antioxidants (scutellaria baicalensis extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Isocetyl stearate, Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate + 11 moreGood 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, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~5–6.1%
- 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 methoxycinnamateCi 77891~5–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium dioxide~4–4.9%
- 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 dioxideGlycerin~2.9–3.6%
- 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 GlycerinDimethicone~2.5–3%
- 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 DimethiconeDrometrizole trisiloxane~2.4–2.9%
- 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 trisiloxaneTerephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostable
More about Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidTitanium dioxide~1.7–2.1%
- 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 dioxideIsocetyl stearate~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Isocetyl stearateAlcohol denat.~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Propylene glycol~0.75–1.1%
- 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 glycolTriethanolamine~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineStearic acid~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPotassium cetyl phosphate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateTocopherol~0.65–1%
- 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 TocopherolAcrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures
More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymerAluminum hydroxide~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideBht~0.55–0.8%
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.7–1.05%
- 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 triazineButylene glycol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 glycolButyrospermum parkii seedcake extract~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylyl glycol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCarbomer~0.5–0.75%
- 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 CarbomerCetyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholCi 42090~0.5–0.75%
Ci 77163~0.5–0.75%
Iron oxides~0.45–0.65%
- 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 oxidesDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateDisodium edta~0.45–0.7%
Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from it
More about Ethylhexyl hydroxystearateGlyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%
- 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 stearateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerIsohexadecane~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneMyristic acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidPalmitic acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidPeg-100 stearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearatePhenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPolysorbate 60~0.3–0.55%
Polysorbate 80~0.3–0.5%
Scutellaria baicalensis extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis extractScutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractSodium chloride~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium cocoyl sarcosinate~0.25–0.5%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateSorbitan oleate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateXanthan gum~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumParfum~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Titanium dioxide, Isocetyl stearate, Alcohol denat., Propylene glycol, Triethanolamine, Stearic acid, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Tocopherol, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Aluminum hydroxide, Bht, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Butylene glycol, Butyrospermum parkii seedcake extract, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Cetyl alcohol, Ci 42090, Ci 77163, Iron oxides, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Disodium edta, Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, Glyceryl stearate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Isohexadecane, Myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Peg-100 stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Sodium chloride, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Sorbitan isostearate, Sorbitan oleate, Xanthan gum, Parfum
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Product summary
The ingredient list suggests that "Vichy - Ideal Soleil UV Protect Anti-Dullness BB Cream" can provide reliable sun protection. 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).
This moisturizer 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 "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus, mexoryl xl, octinoxate and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid. 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 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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