Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 Review

Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
20
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Betaine, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40-B, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Beheneth-20, Silica, Myristyl Myristate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Erythritol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Caffeine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Zingiber Aromaticus Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Polyquaternium-51, Pyrola Incarnata Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PPG-17, Stearyl Alcohol, Beheneth-30, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Cellulose Gum, BHT, Sodium Metaphosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tocopherol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Iron Oxides
Review

Does Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.
✅ Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

  

Key Benefits of Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Betaine (est. ≈2.5%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

☀️☀️ Moderate Sun Protection for Short Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 20, Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 provides moderate sun protection. It is suitable for individuals with medium to darker skin tones who are less prone to sunburn and those engaging in short outdoor activities such as walking or brief errands, as well as cloudy days when UV exposure is less intense.

It helps protect against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer by damaging the outer layers of the skin. When labeled as broad-spectrum, it also defends against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular 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.

However, if you spend a substantial amount of time outdoors, it is better to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

📌 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: Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Caffeine and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 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 rule out 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 available 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 Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Provides moderate sun protection, suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing that is well-suited for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With an SPF of 20, Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 offers moderate sun protection, making it suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days.
 
That said, there are some things about Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Shiseido Day Cream SPF 20 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. 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
55
9
7.4
5
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
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:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
SD Alcohol 40-B
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Beheneth-20
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Erythritol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Aromaticus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Function:
Origin:
Polyquaternium-51
Function:
Origin:
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
PPG-17
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Beheneth-30
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.3
2.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
2.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
All humectants
6.3
2.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
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
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Tocopherol
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. %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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Octinoxate
Est. %7.4
Function
Origin
OctinoxateA chemical sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It protects against UVB, which causes the skin to burn and tan and can lead to certain types of skin cancers. For broad-spectrum protection claims, octinoxate should be paired with a UVA sunscreen.
Homosalate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octocrylene
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Betaine
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Avobenzone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Oxybenzone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
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.

Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
SD Alcohol 40-B
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SD Alcohol 40-BA natural ingredient containing a denaturant to discourage drinking.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Isododecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Beheneth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beheneth-20
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.
Myristyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristyl MyristateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient ester that is derived from vegetables. This soft, wax-like ester produces a soft and creamy sensorial profile. Myristyl myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
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.
Erythritol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErythritolA naturally occurring sweetener that hydrates skin by drawing in water.
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.
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.

PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractA powerful antioxidant, soothing, and astringent extract derived from the roots of Baikal/Chinese skullcap. It contains various unique flavonoids that are believed to soothe irritated and inflamed skin and protect from UV-induced oxidative damage.
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Unshiu Peel ExtractThis extract derived from satsuma mandarins mainly contains a fragrant essential oil. It is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – promising anti-pigment and anti-wrinkle compounds.
Zingiber Aromaticus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Aromaticus Extract
Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Conchiolin ProteinA chemically chopped up protein derived from mollusk shells. It is said to be able to treat pigmentation issues, although this claim has not yet been confirmed.
Polyquaternium-51
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyquaternium-51A biocompatible phospholipid copolymer that is designed to mimic the lipid-based cell membrane found in human skin. Its main function is as a humectant moisturizer.
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
PPG-17
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-17
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Beheneth-30
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beheneth-30
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Cellulose Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cellulose GumA polymer that is derived from its namesake, cellulose, which is plant-based. It has many formula-helper benefits, including thickening and product stabilization.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Sodium Metaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetaphosphateA sodium salt that captures heavy metal ions and raises the pH.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
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.

HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone CrosspolymerAn anticaking agent that prevents a product from forming lumps. It also increases slip and produces an elegant finish in skincare formulations.
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark ExtractA fragrant extract obtained from Chinese cinnamon bark with some added antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The essential oil is responsible for its cinnamon scent.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Iron Oxides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron OxidesMineral pigments used to provide color in skincare products. These naturally occurring pigments are available in yellow, red, brown, and black powders.