Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+ Review

Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+
4.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+ has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.5 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+ is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.2 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%) and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+ is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbyl Glucoside (est. ≈1.3%), Enterococcus Faecalis (est. ≈1.0%), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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.

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

With an SPF of 50, Harebare Protection UV Serum C 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: Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+ to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Harebare Protection UV Serum C 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 some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Biosaccharide Gum-4. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do 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 Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Harebare Protection UV Serum C SPF 50+ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • 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: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Enterococcus Faecalis
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NG
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.8
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.4 20
1.2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
All humectants
7.8
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.4 20
1.2
All occlusives
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Biosaccharide Gum-4
-
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
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.8
Ascorbyl Glucoside
1.3
Enterococcus Faecalis
1
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
0.3
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
0.3
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
All soothing 2 5 No
All soothing
2
2
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.
Octinoxate
Est. %6
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.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

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.
Squalane
Est. %1.5
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.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl GlucosideA derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
Enterococcus Faecalis
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Enterococcus Faecalis
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.
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum Fruit ExtractA pomegranate fruit extract that contains antioxidant polyphenols and a rare emollient punicic acid. It is aimed at dry, irritated skin.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Ceramide NG
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NGA lipid that is mainly found on scalp skin and that helps with the barrier repair. It is one of the less popular ceramides and is usually used in combination with other ceramides for better barrier repair properties.
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract

Description is coming soon

Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract

An extract from the seeds and pulp of pomelo. It contains vitamin E, flavonoids, tannins, and limonoids, and has antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties. The seeds mostly contain emollient fatty oil.

Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %0.3
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.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineA synthetic "chemical" sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV damage and offers better stability and safety compared to some other traditional organic suncreen ingredients.
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerA multi-functional ingredient that forms a polymeric network, thereby thickening the formula and preventing other ingredients from shifting around.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
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.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
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.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
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.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
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. %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.
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.
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
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.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-4A sugar-derived gel which forms a water-binding film on the skin’s surface. This film allegedly protects the skin from environmental stressors.
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.

t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl Alcohol
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 MyristateA solubilizer that can help incorporate small amounts of oil to an otherwise watery product while providing lightweight skin feel.
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.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.