Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Review

Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40
4.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
40
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Bioflavonoids, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Review

Does Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.
✅ High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

  

Key Benefits of Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 3.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%).

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.

☀️☀️☀️ High Sun Protection for Extended Outdoor Activities and Exposure

With an SPF of 40, Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 provides high sun protection, making it ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, sports, or spending time at the beach.

This level of SPF blocks up to 98% of UVB rays, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn. When formulated as broad-spectrum, it also protects against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term damage.

This level of SPF is recommended for most skin types, including those with moderate sun sensitivity. For individuals with fair or very sensitive skin, or under intense sun exposure, a higher SPF of 50+ is advised.

📌 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.

It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain 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: Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 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 Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains a relatively 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.

Pros & Cons of Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 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 high sun protection, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and suitable for most skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40
, 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 40, Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 delivers high sun protection, well-suited for extended outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and compatible with most skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Obagi Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
📌 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
60
12.8
6
4.5
3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Bioflavonoids
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.9
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.9
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.9 20
4.0
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
All humectants
3.9
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.9 20
4.0
All occlusives
7.9
6.0
1.3
0.3
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
Bioflavonoids
0.3
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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. %12.8
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %4.5
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.
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.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
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.
Propanediol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
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.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Lauryl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl GlucosideA natural nonionic surfactant, which means it acts as an effective cleansing ingredient. It can act alone as a cleanser or be paired with anionic surfactants to make them milder on the skin.
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.
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.
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.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
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.
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.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Bioflavonoids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BioflavonoidsA mixture of plant-based compounds commonly referred to as flavonoids. Each flavonoid has slightly different properties, but overall they are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
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.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) ExtractAn extract obtained from broccoli that contains antimicrobial sulfur compounds and various antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.