Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50 Review

Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50 has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 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 Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈9.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

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.

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.

Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, all skin types, and high-risk conditions

With an SPF of 50, Clinelle UV Defense 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: Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50 to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50 as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Clinelle UV Defense SPF 50 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 very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
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:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycogen
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.9
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.9 10
10.0
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.9 10
10
All humectants
15.9
9
6
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
Aloe Barbadensis 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. %70
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.

Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Octinoxate
Est. %4
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.
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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %2.5
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.
Oxybenzone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Glycogen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycogenGlycogen is a substance that is used in the body to store and release sugar as a form of energy storage. In skincare, however, it is utilized as a humectant moisturizing ingredient due to the thousands of glucose units in its molecule. These glucose chains attract and bind water, leaving the skin moisturized.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower WaterA fragrant water infused with lavender essential oil. It has astringent and wound healing properties, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower WaterAn essential water obtained from German chamomile. It contains fragrant chamazulene and anti-inflammatory bisabolol, and offers some astringent benefits.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water