Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 Review

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50
2.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Alcohol Denat., Diisopropyl Sebacate, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Propylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Glycerin, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Ceteth-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthoxypropanediol, Dextrin Palmitate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, PEG-8 Laurate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Myristic Acid, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Seedcake Extract, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Sorbitol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid
Review

Does Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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 Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 3.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

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 Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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 Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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 Adenosine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Adenosine may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does 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 Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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 Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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 Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 worth noting.
 
If you use Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel 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.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
65
7.5
5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Drometrizole Trisiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-10
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Menthoxypropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Myristic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Seedcake Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.8
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.8 10
3.8
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.8 10
3.8
All humectants
3.8
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Adenosine
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopherol
0.3
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
0.3
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
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

Water
Est. %65
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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %7.5
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.

Diisopropyl Sebacate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Propylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %1.5
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.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %1
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.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Methacrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used for bulking, film-forming, and controlling viscosity. It can absorb large amounts of water and oil and creates a network for other ingredients to live in.
Drometrizole Trisiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Drometrizole Trisiloxane
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.

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.
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Ceteth-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-10
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.
Menthoxypropanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthoxypropanediol
Dextrin Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dextrin Palmitate
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.
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.
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
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.

Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Myristic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristic AcidA common fatty acid found in various vegetable oils, most notably palm and coconut oil. It is a strongly occlusive moisturizing, emollient, and emulsifying ingredient.
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gentiana Lutea Root ExtractA fragrant extract from the roots of the great yellow gentian. It contains some of the most bitter compounds (amarogentin and gentiopicrin) and has a spicy, earthy scent with a hint of citrus.
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.

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Seedcake Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Seedcake Extract
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Gallica Flower ExtractAn extract derived from gallic rose. It contains some amount of soothing rose essential oil and also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and tannins.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Moringa Oleifera Seed ExtractAn extract derived from the seeds of a bush native to Northern India. It contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and astringent organic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
Disodium Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium PhosphateAn inorganic ingredient primarily used in skincare products as a pH adjuster.
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.