Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 Review

Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50
2.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.5 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 Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 4.4 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Jojoba Esters (est. ≈4.0%) and Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

 

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, Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream 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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream 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 Gluconolactone, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Gluconolactone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Gluconolactone 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 Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
✅ 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: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
With an SPF of 50, Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream 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 Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
19.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Pentaolivate
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Heptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oleyl Erucate
Function:
Origin:
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Diheptyl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Squalene
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Oleuropeinyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.8
4.0
2.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.8 20
4.4
4.0
2.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 8.8 20
4.4
All occlusives
8.8
4.0
2.0
1.3
0.3
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
Gluconolactone
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
0.3
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Squalene
0.3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Oleuropeinyl Glucoside
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.6 5 No
All soothing
4.6
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %50
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %19.5
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %6
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.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
Dextrin Palmitate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dextrin Palmitate
Ethyl Macadamiate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Ethyl Macadamiate
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Polyglyceryl-3 Pentaolivate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Pentaolivate
Stearyl Heptanoate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl Heptanoate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sorbitan SesquioleateA natural liquid ingredient that is yellow to amber in color and completely transparent. It supports oil and water mixtures and disperses minerals into oils.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) OilButyrospermum parkii oil is a liquid fraction from the more commonly used shea butter. It consists mainly of oleic acid and is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient. Read more on shea butter here: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter.
Oleyl Erucate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleyl Erucate
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Thermus Thermophillus FermentA biotech ingredient that contains proteins, amino acids, and various biological factors. It is claimed to be a soothing and antioxidant compound.
Diheptyl Succinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diheptyl SuccinateA naturally-derived ingredient made from castor oil and wheat . Usually it is part of an ingredient blend as an alternative to silicones. It helps improve the spread of a product and reduce tackiness while remaining light on the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
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.
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid CopolymerA naturally-derived film-former that increases water resistance of a product. It is also referred to as an alternative to dimethicone.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower OilAlso known as Damask rose oil, it is one of the most precious and expensive essential oils in the world obtained from the petals of the Damask rose. It is used in skincare as a luxurious fragrance.
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Flower Extract
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

An essential oil expressed from the peels of the bergamot orange. The scent of bergamot oil is woodier than those of other citrus essential oils. This essential oil is still not recommended if you are sensitive to citrus fruits.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from the flowers of sweet orange. It contains linalool, 2-phenylethanol, and limonene - which are responsible for its scent.

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilA fragrant essential oil with a distinct, rose-like scent derived from rose geranium. It is widely used in aromatherapy and massage therapy to ease tension. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from bitter orange fruit peels that almost exclusively consists of limonene. It has a sweet, fresh, citrus scent.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from the rind or peel of a lemon. It is mainly comprised of limonene (up to 70%) and has a fresh, citrusy scent. Lemon peel oil may cause a sun-induced skin rash in people with a sensitivity towards citrus fruits.

Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Oil
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Isostearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearic AcidA saturated fatty acid used to mix oil and water and to remove dirt from the skin's surface. Isostearic acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
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.
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.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Squalene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualeneOne of the main ingredients in the skin’s sebum. It helps to rebuild the natural oily film on the skin’s surface and to prevent transdermal water loss. Squalene is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractAn emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl MacadamiateA richly emollient and occlusive moisturizing product of binding fatty acids from macadamia oil (mostly oleic and palmitoleic acid) with soybean oil phytosterols. It is also used as a formula helper.
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Oleuropeinyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleuropeinyl Glucoside