Carbon Theory SPF 50+ Day-Brite

Carbon Theory SPF 50+ Day-Brite
1.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Does Carbon Theory SPF 50+ Day-Brite work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Carbon Theory SPF 50+ Day-Brite:

  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.4 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Carbon Theory SPF 50+ Day-Brite is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely humectant, but with a low Humectancy of 2.9 out of 10. It has zero Occlusivity as we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list.

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.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

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, Carbon Theory SPF 50+ Day-Brite 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Adipate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.9 10
2.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
1.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.9 10
2.9
All humectants
2.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
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
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
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.
Dibutyl Adipate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Adipate
Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl EtherA fast-spreading and very lightweight emollient. It is used to reduce the tack and oiliness of oil-based formulas and gives the skin a dry, silky after-feel. It is also a great solvent.
Octisalate
Est. %4
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.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
Undecane
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Undecane
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecane
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.
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
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.
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
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.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Disodium Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium PhosphateAn inorganic ingredient primarily used in skincare products as a pH adjuster.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.