Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 Review

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20
2.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
20
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Avobenzone, Butylene Glycol, Coconut Alkanes, Glycerin, Silica, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylyl Methicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Damascena Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Beta-Carotene (CI 40800), Tocopherol, Xanthophylls, Michelia Alba Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol
Review

Does Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.
✅ Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

  

Key Benefits of Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 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 0.8 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 3.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

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 20, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 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: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 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 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does 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 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 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
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 20, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 offers moderate sun protection, making it suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days.
 
That said, there are some things about Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 worth noting.
 
If you use Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 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 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light with SPF 20 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
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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alkanes
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-75 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthophylls
Function:
Origin:
Michelia Alba Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
All humectants
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.5
0.3
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 -
Total
0
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
-
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
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
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

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.
Homosalate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octocrylene
Est. %6
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %3
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.
Avobenzone
Est. %2.5
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
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.

Coconut Alkanes
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Coconut AlkanesAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient mixture that is similar to paraffin. It is produced from coconut oil and can allegedly form a soft, non-greasy film on the skin’s surface. It can be used as an alternative to silicones.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Silica
Est. %1
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.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Crambe Abyssinica Seed OilA fatty oil obtained from the Crambe plant. It mainly consists of moisturizing occlusive and emollient fatty acids such as erucic, oleic, linoleic acids.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
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.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
PEG-75 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-75 Stearate
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
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.
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.
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Ceteth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-20A very mild but effective polyethylene-based cleanser and emulsifier.
Steareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-20A white to light brown reaction product of a clear gas and stearyl alcohol. Like the other steareth ingredients, steareth-20 is a waxy emulsifier that can help to form a stable emulsion, even in extreme conditions.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.
Rosa Damascena Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena ExtractDerived from the Damask rose, this extract contains the luxurious fragrant rose essential oil, as well as astringent tannins.
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.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
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.

Xanthophylls
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthophylls
Michelia Alba Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Michelia Alba Leaf Oil
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.
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.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9

A synthetically made peptide that works as a signal peptide, increasing the production of collagen in the skin.

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.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.