Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Review

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
2.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Isododecane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Undecane, Styrene, VP/VA Copolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Nylon-12, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Silica, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl Ether, Talc, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Aluminum Stearate, PEG-8 Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Benzoic Acid, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, PEG-9
Review

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

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.2 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 UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

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

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 1.2 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 3.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈4.0%).

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 UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide 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 UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide 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 UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide 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 the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 50, Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ worth noting.
 
If you use Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 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. 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
55
15
6
4
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Styrene
Function:
Origin:
VP/VA Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Triethylhexanoin
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.2
4.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.2 20
3.1
4.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.2 20
3.1
All occlusives
6.2
4.0
1.3
0.3
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
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. %55
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %15
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.
Isododecane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Dimethicone
Est. %4
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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Undecane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Undecane
Styrene
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Styrene
VP/VA Copolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
VP/VA CopolymerVp/Va copolymer is a synthetically produced cosmetic ingredient that can come either in a powder or an alcohol solution form. It is added into skincare products to help other ingredients bind or disperse in one another. Vp/Va Copolymer can also perform a film forming function.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Nylon-12
Est. %1
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.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Phenethyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl Benzoate
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.
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.
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethylhexanoinAn occlusive and emollient ester of glycerin and a fatty acid. It is easily spreadable and does not leave a sticky after-feel.
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.
Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecane
Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %0.3
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.
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TalcA mineral powder used as a base material for powders, make-up, and pastes that absorbs sweat and oils very well. It is also often used in baby powders. Talc should never be applied to skin with a damaged lipid barrier (e.g. wounds and burns).
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerA self-emulsifying surfactant, which means that it can help facilitate the formation of water-in-silicone emulsions. This results in lightweight formulas with a soft finish. It can also act as a film-former and thickener.
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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
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.
Aluminum Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum StearateA water-resistant thickener and common ingredient in makeup to help coat the colors used.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
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.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
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.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

Propylene Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene CarbonateA derivative of propylene glycol that is used most frequently as a solvent. Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent reducing the thickness of the products it is added to.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Stearoyl GlutamateAn emulsifier that can provide a light feel, especially when used in color cosmetics to coat pigments. It is not expected to be irritating when used at recommended levels.
PEG-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9