Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick Review

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
45
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Microcrystalline Wax, Jojoba Esters, Phenyl Trimethicone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polyester-8, Beeswax, Polyethylene, Tocopheryl Acetate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Tocopherol
Review

Does Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
✅ Soothing: Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

  

Key Benefits of Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Microcrystalline Wax (est. ≈50.0%), Jojoba Esters (est. ≈22.0%) and Phenyl Trimethicone (est. ≈11.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Jojoba Esters (est. ≈22.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

☀️☀️☀️ High Sun Protection for Extended Outdoor Activities and Exposure

With an SPF of 45, Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing Jojoba Esters
Provides high sun protection, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and suitable for most skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
With a high concentration of soothing ingredients, Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick has the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
With an SPF of 45, Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick delivers high sun protection, well-suited for extended outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and compatible with most skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.
 
📌 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
50
22
11
5
5
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Polyester-8
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Polyethylene
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
87.1
50.0
22.0
11.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 87.1 20
10.0
50.0
22.0
11.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
50
22
11
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 87.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
87.1
50.0
22.0
11.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
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
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
22
All soothing 22 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
22
22
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Homosalate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful 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.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter
Cetyl Ricinoleate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl Ricinoleate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %1
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.
Polyester-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyester-8
Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Polyethylene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyethyleneCommonly used in dense plastic packaging, its primary function in skincare is as a film-forming agent, which protects the product from being easily rinsed away by water or sweat. It also controls viscosity by increasing the thickness of oily products.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
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.