SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30

SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30
8.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Results you may expect from using SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.4 out of 10.
  • High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

How moisturizing is it?

Intensely moisturizing: SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 has a moisturizing rating of 8.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈45.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.7 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈11.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Artemia Extract, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Artemia Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Sun protection

SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 has an SPF of 30 and provides high sun protection. This level of protection is ideal for activities such as spending time at the beach, outdoor sports, or other activities involving prolonged sun exposure. It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
Glycerin
22
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
11
Dimethicone
5
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
4
Zinc Oxide
3
Butyloctyl Salicylate
2
Phenethyl Benzoate
1.5
Triethylhexanoin
1
Isohexadecane
0.3
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
0.3
Stearyl Dimethicone
0.3
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
0.3
Isododecane
0.3
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
0.3
Talc
0.3
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
0.3
Nylon-12
0.3
Pentylene Glycol
0.3
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
0.3
Aluminum Stearate
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Alumina
0.3
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
0.3
Magnesium Sulfate
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
PEG-8 Laurate
0.3
Disteardimonium Hectorite
0.3
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Propylene Carbonate
0.3
Artemia Extract
0.3
Benzoic Acid
0.3
Dipropylene Glycol
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Triethylhexanoin
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Artemia Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
45.9
45
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
13.4
11.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 45.9 10
10.0
45
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 13.4 20
6.7
11.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
45
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 45.9 10
10
All humectants
45.9
45
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 13.4 20
6.7
All occlusives
13.4
11.0
1.5
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
Artemia 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
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopherol
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Glycerin
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Dimethicone
Est. %11
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %5
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %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.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %3
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.
Phenethyl Benzoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Phenethyl BenzoateDescription is coming soon
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
TriethylhexanoinAn occlusive and emollient ester of glycerin and a fatty acid. It is easily spreadable and does not leave a sticky after-feel.
Isohexadecane
Est. %1
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.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates CopolymerDescription is coming soon
Stearyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl DimethiconeDescription is coming soon
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
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.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateA synthetic emollient emulsifier that helps oil and water phases to mix.
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).
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 CrosspolymerDescription is coming soon
Nylon-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nylon-12A synthetic powdered ingredient that imparts unique sensorial characteristics due to its microsphere structure. It can also control viscosity by bulking up the oil phase of a skincare product.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

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.
Aluminum Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum StearateA water-resistant thickener and common ingredient in makeup to help coat the colors used.
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.
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.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
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.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 LaurateDescription is coming soon
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.
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.
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.

Propylene Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene CarbonateA derivative of propylene glycol that is used most frequently as a solvent. Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent reducing the thickness of the products it is added to.
Artemia Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Artemia ExtractAn extract from brine shrimp that has claimed protective effects. More studies are required to explore its functions and effects on the skin.
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.