Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 Review

Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30
0.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.6 out of 10.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.9 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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, Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body 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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 30, Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
That said, there are some things about Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 worth noting.
 
If you use Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion For Face & Body SPF 30 as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
❗️ 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
8
6
4.5
2.9
2.4
2.2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Menthyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.6
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
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
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
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
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.
Homosalate
Est. %8
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Octocrylene
Est. %4.5
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Oxybenzone
Est. %2.9
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %2.4
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. %2.2
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Dimethicone CopolymerA synthetic polymer that produces protective films across the skin and prevents caking in powdered products.
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.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
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.

Menthyl Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthyl LactateA derivative of menthol that has the same fresh, cooling effect on the skin, but that is less sensitizing and doesn’t have the strong mint scent of menthol.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.