Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 Review

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15
1.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
15
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Octinoxate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Avobenzone, Dimethicone, Octisalate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Steareth-2, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids, Polyacrylamide, Fragrance, Steareth-21, Arachidyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sarcosine, Laureth-7, Potassium Aspartate, Magnesium Aspartate
Review

Does Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.
✅ Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

  

Key Benefits of Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.9 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 1.4 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 Sun Protection for Short Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 15, Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 provides moderate sun protection. It is suitable for individuals with medium to darker skin tones who are less prone to sunburn and those engaging in short outdoor activities such as walking or brief errands, as well as cloudy days when UV exposure is less intense.

It helps protect against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer by damaging the outer layers of the skin. When labeled as broad-spectrum, it also defends against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular 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.

However, if you spend a substantial amount of time outdoors, it is better to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

📌 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: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 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.

Pros & Cons of Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 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 sun protection, suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 15, Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 offers moderate sun protection, making it suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days.
 
That said, there are some things about Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 worth noting.
 
If you use Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 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.
 
📌 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
65
7.5
6
4
3
2.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-2
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylamide
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-21
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Sarcosine
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Aspartate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aspartate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.9
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.8
2.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.9 10
1.9
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.8 20
1.4
2.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.9 10
1.9
All humectants
1.9
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
0.3
All occlusives 2.8 20
1.4
All occlusives
2.8
2.5
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
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Avobenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Dimethicone
Est. %2.5
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.
Octisalate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %1.5
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.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
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.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Steareth-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-2A waxy, naturally derived or synthetic emulsifier that can handle extreme formula conditions such as a low pH. It offers emulsifying properties to a formula by helping oils and water to mix.
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Polyacrylamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyacrylamideA synthetic ingredient that can thicken products instantly while still keeping them light and often gel-like.
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.
Steareth-21
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-21One of several emulsifiers in the 'steareth' group that helps oils and water mix, especially in highly acidic emulsions. It also offers a cleansing effect to the skin.
Arachidyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl GlucosideA mild cleanser and emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix and form emulsions.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-14 IsoparaffinA lightweight petroleum derivative. It is a very thin liquid that functions as an emollient and a solvent for other liquids (such as thicker oils or silicones).
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
Sarcosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SarcosineA sweet-tasting amino acid that moisturizes the skin by attracting water to its surface. It also offers protection to the skin by stabilizing proteins against UV damage and denaturation.
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
Potassium Aspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Aspartate
Magnesium Aspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium AspartateA humectant salt of aspartic acid, a common amino acid found in the body. According to the manufacturer, magnesium aspartate in skincare products supports the supply of magnesium to skin cells.