Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Review

Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Polyamide-8 (est. ≈45.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈1.5%), Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈1.0%), Tocopherol (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

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

With an SPF of 50, Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick 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: Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

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 Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry 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 Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick 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 Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate may reduce wrinkles, its 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, 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 Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Olay Glow + Protect Sunscreen Stick 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 dry to very dry skin
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • 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: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Polyamide-8
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Polyamide-3
Function:
Origin:
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
45.9
45.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 45.9 20
10.0
45.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 45.9 20
10.0
All occlusives
45.9
45.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.5 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.4
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
1.5
Tocopheryl Acetate
1
Tocopherol
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Polyamide-8
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Polyamide-8
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %11
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.
Isopropyl Isostearate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Isopropyl IsostearateA synthetic ester that offers superior spreadability.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %4
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.
Polyamide-3
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polyamide-3
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1
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.

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.

Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
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.
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran