Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30 Review

Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30
6.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30 has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30 is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.0 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, due to the high content of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (est. ≈2.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%) and Aluminum Hydroxide (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and 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.

Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

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 works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain 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.

Pros & Cons of Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Curel Intensive Moisture Care UV Protection Essence SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
C8-9 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Tuna Extract
Function:
Origin:
Isotridecyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Heptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Trisiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Decanamide
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Maculata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Cedrenol
Function:
Origin:
C4-8 Alkyl Acrylate
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.0
2
2
2
2
2
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.0
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10 10
10.0
2
2
2
2
2
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.0 20
2.0
2.0
2.0
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
2
2
2
2
All humectants 10 10
10
All humectants
10.0
2
2
2
2
2
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
2
All occlusives 4.0 20
2.0
All occlusives
4.0
2.0
2.0
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
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
All soothing 2 5 No
All soothing
2
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Water
Est. %2
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
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.

C8-9 Isoparaffin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
C8-9 Isoparaffin
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Tuna Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Tuna Extract
Isotridecyl Isononanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Isotridecyl Isononanoate
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Glyceryl Heptanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Heptanoate
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiethylhexanoateNeopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate is a blend of neopentyl glycol, an organic chemical compound used in production of lubricants, and hexanoic fatty acid. The ingredient has similar properties to its brother - Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate. It also serves as an emollient or a formula thickness adjuster.
Trisiloxane
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Trisiloxane
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Sodium Caprylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Caprylate
Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Decanamide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Decanamide
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
Stearic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Eucalyptus Maculata Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Maculata Extract
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Sorbitan Distearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Distearate
Cedrenol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cedrenol
C4-8 Alkyl Acrylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
C4-8 Alkyl Acrylate
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Aminomethyl Propanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl Propanediol
Xylitol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Betaine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium EDTAOne of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.
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.
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.