DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ Review

DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
20
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

Key Benefits of DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil (est. ≈45.0%), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (est. ≈22.0%) and Lanolin (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 DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Moderate Sun Protection for Short Outdoor Activities

 

DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ has an SPF of 20 and 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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ 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 DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 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 DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of DHC UV Moisture Lip Cream SPF 20 PA+ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Provides moderate sun protection, suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Lanolin
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
PEG-3 Glyceryl Trioleate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Paraffin
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Function:
Origin:
Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower
Function:
Origin:
Lanolin Wax
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
91.1
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 91.1 20
10.0
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
22
11
6
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 91.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
91.1
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
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
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
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
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.9
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
6
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
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

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxA thick wax obtained from the stems of the Candelilla, or wax plant that is native to Mexico and the southern USA. Its stems are covered in wax to protect the plant from water loss. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient.
Lanolin
Est. %11
Function
Origin
LanolinA yellow, waxy substance obtained from sheep wool. It is one of the best emollients and emulsifiers due to its unique composition, able to relieve dry skin and repair the lipid barrier.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Jojoba OilA potent occlusive moisturizing jojoba oil derivative.
Oxybenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
PEG-3 Glyceryl Trioleate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-3 Glyceryl Trioleate
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Beeswax
Est. %1
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.
Cetyl Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl Lactate
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor OilA processed, butter-like castor oil. It is solely comprised of occlusive moisturizing and emollient saturated fatty acids and is best suited for dry skin. It can also act as a thickener and emulsifier.
Paraffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ParaffinParaffin is a petroleum-based, very oily, emollient and extremely occlusive mixture of purified hydrocarbons, also known as mineral oil. Depending on the molecule's size, it can either be a liquid, a solid, or anything in between. To learn more about liquid paraffin and its effects on our skin, read here.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Glyceryl Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl DistearateGlyceryl distearate is an ester of glycerol and two molecules of stearic acid. This ingredient is used in skincare formulations as an emollient and thickener.
Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocotrienols
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Isostearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl Alcohol
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.

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl GlycyrrhetinateA plant compound obtained from licorice root. It is a powerful soothing ingredient that acts similar to steroid hormones and helps to treat inflamed and irritated skin.
Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower
Lanolin Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lanolin Wax
Avobenzone
Est. %0.3
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.
Isostearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearic AcidA saturated fatty acid used to mix oil and water and to remove dirt from the skin's surface. Isostearic acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
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.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.