Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen Review

Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen
1.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Caffeine, Punica Granatum Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Oryzanol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydroxyapatite, Dimethicone Silylate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Review

Does Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.7 out of 10.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.3 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 2.1 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

☀️☀️ Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

📌 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 works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain 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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Caffeine and Ascorbyl Palmitate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 30, Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
That said, there are some things about Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen worth noting.
 
If you use Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Sunscreen is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
75
6.3
4.1
3
2
1.5
1.3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryzanol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyapatite
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Silylate
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.3
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.2
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.3 10
1.3
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.2 20
2.1
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1
0.3
All humectants 1.3 10
1.3
All humectants
1.3
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 4.2 20
2.1
All occlusives
4.2
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Punica Granatum Extract
0.3
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
0.3
Oryzanol
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %6.3
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %4.1
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Propanediol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed OilDerived from the seeds of the famous Hawaiian kukui nut tree, this oil is a great emollient and occlusive moisturizer that is rich in fatty acids.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrimethylsiloxysilicateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient silicone resin that smoothes and softens the appearance of the skin. It also protects a product from rinsing away too easily with water, sweat, or friction.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) ExtractAn extract derived from rosemary leaves. It contains a fragrant essential oil and is a strong antioxidant with astringent tannins.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Punica Granatum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum ExtractAn extract made from pomegranate fruit. The fleshy and juicy part of the fruit mainly contains antioxidant red pigments and polyphenols. The rinds contain large amounts of tannins, which are astringent and leave the skin feeling tightened and refreshed.
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of the Japanese knotweed, a plant from East Asia that has spread around the world as an invasive plant. It contains various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-pigment (more tests are necessary) phytochemicals.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit ExtractA fragrant and flavoring extract derived from vanilla pods. Vanillin is the main compound responsible for its scent and taste. Other compounds present in the vanilla pod are antioxidant and soothin tannins, polyphenols, and free amino acids.
Oryzanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OryzanolIsolated from rice bran oil, it is an antioxidant mixture of various bioactive compounds, mainly esters of ferulic acid along with different sterols.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Hydroxyapatite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyapatite
Dimethicone Silylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone Silylate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl DimethiconeA powerful emulsifier with the unique trait of being able to work in both oil- and silicone-based formulas. It can also function as a thickener in low concentrations.
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.
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.