Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Does Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Lightweight moisturizer perfect for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 8.1 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Propylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.6 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ 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. 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.

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 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
9
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
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:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Drometrizole Trisiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Myristic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Mannitol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Function:
Origin:
RNA
Function:
Origin:
Pyridoxine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Histidine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phenylalanine
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tyrosine
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.2
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.2 20
3.6
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
All humectants
8.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.2 20
3.6
All occlusives
7.2
6.0
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
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Tocopherol
0.3
Mannitol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
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.
Octinoxate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
OctinoxateA chemical sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It protects against UVB, which causes the skin to burn and tan and can lead to certain types of skin cancers. For broad-spectrum protection claims, octinoxate should be paired with a UVA sunscreen.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Drometrizole Trisiloxane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Drometrizole Trisiloxane
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %1.5
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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %1.3
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.

Triethanolamine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
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.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
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.
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
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.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %0.3
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. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
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.
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.
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 Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.

Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerA synthetic ingredient that forms a gel when mixed with water. It can thus thicken and stabilize a product.
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.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
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.
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.

Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Mannitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MannitolA sweet-tasting, sugar-derived, humectant alcohol that can stabilize a skincare formula and offer some antioxidant and soothing properties.
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
RNA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
RNA
Pyridoxine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyridoxine HClA B-vitamin that helps regulate sebum production.
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
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.
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.

BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Histidine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Histidine HCl
Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract
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.

Yeast Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yeast ExtractAlso labeled as faex extract, this is a natural ingredient derived from fresh yeast. It is used in skincare as a humectant. Yeast extract also helps to shield injured or exposed skin and can aid in the skin’s wound healing process.
Phenylalanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylalanineAn essential amino acid used in the treatment of vitiligo and other pigmentation issues. It is considered less effective than other anti-pigment ingredients and is often used in combination with them.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) 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.
Tyrosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tyrosine
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.