NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 Review

NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30
2.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 3.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

☀️☀️ Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

❗️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 works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain 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: NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 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 NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 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 moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 30, NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
That said, there are some things about NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 worth noting.
 
If you use NYDG Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
17.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.3
4.0
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.3 20
3.6
4.0
3.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.2
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
4
3
0.3
All occlusives 7.3 20
3.6
All occlusives
7.3
4.0
3.0
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
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
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. %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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %17.5
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.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Dimethicone
Est. %3
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.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateA synthetic emollient emulsifier that helps oil and water phases to mix.
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.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented 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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
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.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
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.

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.
Hexyl Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl LaurateAn emollient ester with very high spreadability.
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.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

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.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.