Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ Review

Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
45
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

Key Benefits of Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈9.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈1.0%), Hydroxyacetophenone (est. ≈0.3%), Madecassoside (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure

With an SPF of 45, Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ provides high sun protection, making it ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, sports, or spending time at the beach.

This level of SPF blocks up to 98% of UVB rays, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn. When formulated as broad-spectrum, it also protects against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term damage.

This level of SPF is recommended for most skin types, including those with moderate sun sensitivity. For individuals with fair or very sensitive skin, or under intense sun exposure, a higher SPF of 50+ is advised.

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.

It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

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

Pros & Cons of Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cica Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ PA++++ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Provides high sun protection, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or beach outings, and suitable for most skin types.

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Adipate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Function:
Origin:
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
Function:
Origin:
Silybum Marianum Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthium Strumarium Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Copper Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-29
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-32
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.5
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.5 10
10.0
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.5 10
10
All humectants
11.5
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1 1.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.5
Niacinamide
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Copper Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4
Niacinamide
1
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Madecassoside
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
0.3
Carnosine
0.3
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Copper Tripeptide-1
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Oligopeptide-29
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.1 5 No
All soothing
3.1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Octinoxate
Est. %6
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.
Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Octisalate
Est. %1.5
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.
Dibutyl Adipate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Adipate
Niacinamide
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineA synthetic "chemical" sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV damage and offers better stability and safety compared to some other traditional organic suncreen ingredients.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Madecassoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MadecassosideAn isolated Gotu Kola compound. It helps to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and assists in wound healing.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

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.
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Echium Plantagineum Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive oil from the Purple Viper’s Bugloss plant. It contains oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic acids, as well as very rare polyunsaturated called stearidonic acid. It is suitable for all skin types.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil UnsaponifiablesA strongly emollient and occlusive moisturizing fraction of sunflower oil that consists of waxes, sterols, phospholipids, and vitamin E.
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the balloon plant. It has plenty of anti-inflammatory flavonoids, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides ExtractAn extract from sea buckthorn fruits. It contains various antioxidant and astringent compounds and significantly improved skin elasticity in a small clinical study.
Silybum Marianum Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silybum Marianum Seed Extract
Xanthium Strumarium Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthium Strumarium Fruit Extract
Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
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.
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctium Lappa Root ExtractA soothing and antiseborrheic extract derived from the roots of the greater burdock.
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.

Copper Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper Tripeptide-1

A skin-identical, copper-binding peptide that promotes the synthesis of all structural elements in the skin.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Oligopeptide-29
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-29
Oligopeptide-32
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-32