Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ Review

Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
3.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈5.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, all skin types, and high-risk conditions

With an SPF of 50, Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

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.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum 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: Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing enhancement for any skincare routine
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Polyethylmethacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Flavor (Aroma)
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.6
5
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
5
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
5
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Octinoxate
Est. %7.5
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %5
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.

Avobenzone
Est. %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.
Octocrylene
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
Polyethylmethacrylate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyethylmethacrylate
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Flavor (Aroma)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Flavor (Aroma)Under trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the flavor and use the unspecific word 'flavor' instead. Flavor is added to products that have the potential to be consumed, such as lipsticks.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 CaprateA natural surfactant that softens the appearance of skin and forms oil and water mixtures.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA 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.
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.