Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 Review

Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42
1.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
42
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection
✅ High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

  

Key Benefits of Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.8 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.3 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.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), Aminoethanesulfinic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), Tocopheryl Acetate (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.

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

With an SPF of 42, Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 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 Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 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 Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 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
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
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
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
With an SPF of 42, Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 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 Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 worth noting.
 
If you use Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 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 Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
10
5
5
3
2.3
1.5
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
Est. %
Trisiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aminoethanesulfinic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenyl Ethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Garcinia Mangostana Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Spirulina Platensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Barium Sulfate (CI 77120)
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.8 10
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.8 10
2.8
All humectants
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
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
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
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
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Aminoethanesulfinic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
0.3
Spirulina Platensis Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) 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

Trisiloxane
Est. %40
Function
Origin
Trisiloxane
Water
Est. %22
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.
Homosalate
Est. %10
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
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.
Octocrylene
Est. %5
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Avobenzone
Est. %2.3
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.
Silica
Est. %1.5
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.
Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

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.
PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
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.
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.
Dextrin Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dextrin Palmitate
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.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
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.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. There are no clinical studies on this ingredient as of yet, and so we don't know if it is as effective as the other ascorbic acid derivatives.
Aminoethanesulfinic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminoethanesulfinic Acid
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.
Panthenyl Ethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panthenyl Ethyl Ether
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
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.

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.

Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root ExtractAn extract from the root of the great burnet plant that is rich in astringent tannins and cleansing saponins. Its anti-wrinkle activity has yet to be confirmed.
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.

Garcinia Mangostana Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Garcinia Mangostana Bark Extract
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf ExtractA leaf extract from the mint family that contains antioxidant flavonoids and terpenes.
Spirulina Platensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Spirulina Platensis ExtractA dark green emollient and antioxidant extract derived from spirulina - a dried mass of tiny blue-green algae. It is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins (namely B1 and B2).
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
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.

Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silica Dimethyl SilylateA synthetic 'filler' powder primarily used as a formula helper. It is added in skincare products to adjust their consistency and thickness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Barium Sulfate (CI 77120)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Barium Sulfate (CI 77120)
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
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.