Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Review

Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
0.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.3 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.3 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 0.3 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.

Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, all skin types, and high-risk conditions

With an SPF of 50, Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 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: Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 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 Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 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 very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
10.7
6
3.9
3
2.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
p-Anisic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Dodecene
Function:
Origin:
Poloxamer 407
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.3
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
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
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
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopherol
0.3
p-Anisic Acid
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. %60
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. %10.7
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %6
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.
Oxybenzone
Est. %3.9
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Avobenzone
Est. %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.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %2.5
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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %2
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.

Silica
Est. %1.5
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.
Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl EtherA fast-spreading and very lightweight emollient. It is used to reduce the tack and oiliness of oil-based formulas and gives the skin a dry, silky after-feel. It is also a great solvent.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Nylon-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nylon-12A synthetic powdered ingredient that imparts unique sensorial characteristics due to its microsphere structure. It can also control viscosity by bulking up the oil phase of a skincare product.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
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.
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
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.

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.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
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.

Isostearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl Alcohol
p-Anisic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
p-Anisic AcidA simple phenolic acid with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that is used as a preservative. It has a faint, sweet aroma and can be found in anise, fennel, and cocoa seeds.
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.
Dodecene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dodecene
Poloxamer 407
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Poloxamer 407