Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Review

Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
2.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
50
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

C13-15 Alkane, Zinc Oxide, Water, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Ectoin, Hydroxyectoin, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Malic Acid, Stearyl Triethoxysilane, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Review

Does Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

  

Key Benefits of Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops:
 

🔵 Basic Moisturizer for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.6 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 2.3 out of 10.

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, provides moderate hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

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

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ectoin (est. ≈0.3%),
 an amino acid-derived ingredient with moderate but proven anti-wrinkle efficacy.  A single clinical study involving 104 participants (Heinrich et al.) confirmed that a cream containing 2% ectoin reduced the average wrinkle width by 7% after 4 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without ectoin (vehicle).
 
📌 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 additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

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

With an SPF of 50, Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Basic moisturizing that can work for combination and oily skin
✅ Lightweight texture
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ 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: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
, as a moisturizer, provides basic, lightweight hydration, making it suitable for combination and oily skin.
 
Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
With an SPF of 50, Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops delivers very high sun protection, perfect for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude settings, and beach vacations, and suitable for all skin types.
 
📌 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
40
24.5
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
Est. %
C13-15 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Ectoin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyectoin
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Triethyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Malic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Triethoxysilane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.6
4.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.6 10
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.6 20
2.3
4.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.6 10
2.6
All humectants
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 4.6 20
2.3
All occlusives
4.6
4.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 2 0.3 0.4
Total
0.4
Ectoin
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
2
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

C13-15 Alkane
Est. %40
Function
Origin
C13-15 Alkane
Zinc Oxide
Est. %24.5
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Water
Est. %11
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.
Ethyl Macadamiate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Ethyl Macadamiate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Propanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Ectoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ectoin

An amino acid-derived ingredient with average, yet proven by one study, anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Hydroxyectoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyectoin
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.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Triethyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethyl Citrate
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.

Malic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malic AcidA simple organic alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly found in unripe fruits. It is more gentle of an exfoliant when compared to the famous and potent glycolic and lactic acids.
Stearyl Triethoxysilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl Triethoxysilane
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

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.
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.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.