Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 Review

Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
2.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Water, Octinoxate, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Stearic Acid, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Review

Does Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.
✅ Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

  

Key Benefits of Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.5 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

💧  A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

☀️☀️☀️ Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

📌 For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
, when used alone, provides lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, making it suitable for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it offers a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With an SPF of 50, Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 delivers very high sun protection, perfect for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude settings, and beach vacations, and suitable for all skin types.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
17.1
11
7.5
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.5 10
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.5 10
4.5
All humectants
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %45
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %17.1
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Water
Est. %11
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Octinoxate
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
OctinoxateA chemical sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It protects against UVB, which causes the skin to burn and tan and can lead to certain types of skin cancers. For broad-spectrum protection claims, octinoxate should be paired with a UVA sunscreen.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Methyl Methacrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used for bulking, film-forming, and controlling viscosity. It can absorb large amounts of water and oil and creates a network for other ingredients to live in.
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-18/18 DimethiconeA silicone-based emulsifier that has the ability to create non-sticky and non-greasy formulas.
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Echinacea Purpurea ExtractAn extract derived from purple echinacea flowers with antioxidant phenolic acids - cichoric and caftaric acid.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractAn emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.