SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50

SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈40.0%) and Triethylhexanoin (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 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 Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 has an SPF of 50 and provides very high sun protection. This level of protection is ideal for activities involving intense or prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports. It is particularly recommended for individuals with fair skin, those at high risk of skin cancer, or in environments with intense sun exposure. Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
11
6
5
3
2
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
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Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
42.6
40.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 42.6 20
10.0
40.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
40
2
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 42.6 20
10.0
All occlusives
42.6
40.0
2.0
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
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Dimethicone
Est. %40
Function
Origin
The 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. %22
Function
Origin
An 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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
A 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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %6
Function
Origin
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. %5
Function
Origin
A 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.
Undecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
An occlusive and emollient ester of glycerin and a fatty acid. It is easily spreadable and does not leave a sticky after-feel.
Isohexadecane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A 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.
Nylon-12
Est. %1
Function
Origin
A 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.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fast-spreading and very lightweight emollient. It is used to reduce the tack and oiliness of oil-based formulas and gives the skin a dry, silky after-feel. It is also a great solvent.
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A self-emulsifying surfactant, which means that it can help facilitate the formation of water-in-silicone emulsions. This results in lightweight formulas with a soft finish. It can also act as a film-former and thickener.
Aluminum Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A water-resistant thickener and common ingredient in makeup to help coat the colors used.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
A 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.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
An 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
Description is coming soon
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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
A 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
An 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
A 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.
PEG-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon