SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47

SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
4.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
47
SPF icon
SPF
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Among others, SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 also contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient 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. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Sun protection

SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 has an SPF of 47 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
60
12
7.5
5
4
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
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Ratings

All humectants
8.7
5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
All humectants
8.7
5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
n/a
- 1 -
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.6
Niacinamide
5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
1
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
1
All soothing 6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6
5
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %60
Function
Origin
A lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %12
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.
Octinoxate
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
A 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.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
Function
Origin

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Oleth-3 Phosphate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
A synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
An emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin

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

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
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.
Polygonum Aviculare Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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

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.

Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
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.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.