Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ Review

Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
1.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.8 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.3 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.

Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 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.

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 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 Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible 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 Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 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 very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
10
6
5
3
2.7
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
0.1
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Mannitol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ethylhexylglyceryl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Platanus Occidentalis Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.8
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.8 10
2.8
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.8 10
2.8
All humectants
2.8
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
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
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
-
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
Mannitol
0.3
Sodium Ethylhexylglyceryl Ascorbate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) 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. %10
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Oxybenzone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %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.
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.
Octocrylene
Est. %2.7
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %2
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.
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
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.

Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAn absorbent that takes in oils from the skin to reduce the oily sheen. It can also absorb oils from the skincare product itself, resulting in a softer, less greasy product, normally with better spreadability and less tack.
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
Mannitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MannitolA sweet-tasting, sugar-derived, humectant alcohol that can stabilize a skincare formula and offer some antioxidant and soothing properties.
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.
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.
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.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Sodium Ethylhexylglyceryl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ethylhexylglyceryl Ascorbate
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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
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.

Cyclodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclodextrinA naturally derived ingredient with the ability to absorb other compounds and remove harmful metal ions from water.
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pisum Sativum (Pea) ExtractAn extract derived from peas that contains many proteins with humectant moisturizing properties. Patents have claimed that it is able to stimulate cell renewal and increase melanin production.
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cassia Alata Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of the candle bush that contains powerful antifungal phytochemicals called anthraquinones. It is aimed at problematic and acne-prone skin.
Yeast Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yeast ExtractAlso labeled as faex extract, this is a natural ingredient derived from fresh yeast. It is used in skincare as a humectant. Yeast extract also helps to shield injured or exposed skin and can aid in the skin’s wound healing process.
Dextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DextrinA partially hydrolyzed potato starch, most commonly used as a viscosity controlling and binding agent. When dispersed into water, it can create textures ranging from a thick paste to a soft gel.
Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract
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.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant and fragrant extract from the leaves of the olive tree. It contains a promising anti-aging compound called Oleuropein, and a prospective anti-pigment compound called Cornoside.
Platanus Occidentalis Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Platanus Occidentalis Bark Extract
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.

Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

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.