NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen Review

NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen
0.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.6 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 NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.2 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, NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen 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: NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen 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 NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ubiquinone and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do 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 NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of NakoLwethu SPF 50 Sunscreen 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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Function:
Origin:
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polyurethane-34
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Melanin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
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
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
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. %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. %9
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Undecane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Undecane
Tridecane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Tridecane
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %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.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Octisalate
Est. %1.5
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.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %1.3
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.
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
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.
Polyurethane-34
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyurethane-34
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.

Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
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.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
Disodium Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium PhosphateAn inorganic ingredient primarily used in skincare products as a pH adjuster.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod 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.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
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.
Melanin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melanin