Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen Review

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen
2.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
42
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Isododecane, SD Alcohol 40-B, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xylitol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Thiotaurine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Ononis Spinosa Root Extract, Ectoin, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Alumina, BHT, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica
Review

Does Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

  

Key Benefits of Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen 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 1.2 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 3.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

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.

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ectoin (est. ≈0.3%),
 an amino acid-derived ingredient with moderate but proven anti-wrinkle efficacy.  A single clinical study involving 104 participants (Heinrich et al.) confirmed that a cream containing 2% ectoin reduced the average wrinkle width by 7% after 4 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without ectoin (vehicle).
 
📌 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 additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

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

With an SPF of 42, Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen 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: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 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.

Pros & Cons of Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 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 slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
Provides high sun protection, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and suitable for most skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
With an SPF of 42, Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen 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 Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen worth noting.
 
If you use Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 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.
 
📌 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
12.5
6
4.9
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
SD Alcohol 40-B
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Thiotaurine
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ectoin
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.3
6.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.3 20
3.2
6.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
0.3
All occlusives 6.3 20
3.2
All occlusives
6.3
6.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 2 0.3 0.4
Total
0.4
Ectoin
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
2
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Thiotaurine
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %12.5
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
Octinoxate
Est. %4.9
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.
Octocrylene
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Isododecane
Est. %2.5
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.
SD Alcohol 40-B
Est. %2
Function
Origin
SD Alcohol 40-BA natural ingredient containing a denaturant to discourage drinking.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
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.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-10 DimethiconeA polyethylene-based emulsifying ingredient. It has a water-loving portion and an oil-loving portion that help to keep the water and oil phases connected to form an emulsion.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
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.
Thiotaurine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Thiotaurine
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.
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Albiflora Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of the garden peony. It mainly contains humectant moisturizing oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, and has been claimed to improve skin tone.
Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
Ectoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ectoin

An amino acid-derived ingredient with average, yet proven by one study, anti-wrinkle efficacy.

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.
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogen Dimethicone
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
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.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.