Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen Review

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen
1.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Zinc Oxide, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Dimethicone, SD Alcohol 40-B, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dextrin Palmitate, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ononis Spinosa Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Carboxydecyl Trisiloxane, Trisodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Talc, Tocopherol, BHT, Sodium Metabisulfite, PEG-6, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
Review

Does Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.9 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 Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.1 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 1.7 out of 10.

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.

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

With an SPF of 50, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract 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 Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen 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 very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 50, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen 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 Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen worth noting.
 
If you use Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen 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.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen 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
45
19.4
7
5
3.8
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
SD Alcohol 40-B
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Carboxydecyl Trisiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
PEG-6
Function:
Origin:
Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.4
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.1 10
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.4 20
1.7
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.1 10
2.1
All humectants
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.4 20
1.7
All occlusives
3.4
2.5
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
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
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %45
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. %19.4
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.
Octocrylene
Est. %7
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Octisalate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %3.8
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %2.5
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.
SD Alcohol 40-B
Est. %2
Function
Origin
SD Alcohol 40-BA natural ingredient containing a denaturant to discourage drinking.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Methyl Methacrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used for bulking, film-forming, and controlling viscosity. It can absorb large amounts of water and oil and creates a network for other ingredients to live in.
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl DimethiconeA powerful emulsifier with the unique trait of being able to work in both oil- and silicone-based formulas. It can also function as a thickener in low concentrations.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer
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.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrimethylsiloxysilicateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient silicone resin that smoothes and softens the appearance of the skin. It also protects a product from rinsing away too easily with water, sweat, or friction.
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
Dextrin Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dextrin Palmitate
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saxifraga Sarmentosa ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the strawberry saxifrage plant. It contains antioxidant flavonoids.
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.
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.

Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sophora Angustifolia Root ExtractDerived from the root of the shrubby sophora, this soothing extract contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids. It also has the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
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.
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogen Dimethicone
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.
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Carboxydecyl Trisiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carboxydecyl Trisiloxane
Trisodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium EDTAA chelating agent designed to encapsulate potentially harmful heavy metal ions that enter the formula through the water source. Once encapsulated, these heavy metal ions become inert.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TalcA mineral powder used as a base material for powders, make-up, and pastes that absorbs sweat and oils very well. It is also often used in baby powders. Talc should never be applied to skin with a damaged lipid barrier (e.g. wounds and burns).
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.

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 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.
PEG-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-6A synthetic alcohol that moisturizes skin and dissolves many other ingredients.
Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Syzygium Jambos Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial extract obtained from Rose apple leaves that is currently being researched and is claimed to be a promising anti-acne ingredient.
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.