Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 Review

Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50
1.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Avobenzone, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopherol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-8 Laurate, Silica, Pentylene Glycol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Propylene Glycol, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Fragrance
Review

Does Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.2 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 Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.5 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.

☀️☀️☀️ Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer 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: Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer 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 Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer 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: Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer 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, Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer 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 Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 worth noting.
 
If you use Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer 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
65
10.7
6
3.9
3.2
3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.5 10
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.5 10
1.5
All humectants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopherol
0.3
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
0.3
Rosa Gallica Flower 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.
Homosalate
Est. %10.7
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octocrylene
Est. %6
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Oxybenzone
Est. %3.9
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %3.2
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. %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.
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.
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.

Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates CopolymerA highly functional synthetic ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin and reduces static buildup. It gives an emollient feel to the product, including a silky after-feel.
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.

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.
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
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.
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
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.