Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion Review

Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion
6.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycereth-26, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cocos Nucifera Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide
Review

Does Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.2 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 5.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycereth-26 (est. ≈4.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.8 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Stearic Acid (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion contains a moderate level of humectants.

People with normal to dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion
, as a moisturizer, provides an adequate level of occlusivity for normal to dry skin, delivered in a rich yet not overly thick formula.
 
That said, there are some things about Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Ulta After Sun Recovery Lotion with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
📌 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.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
1
1
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera Water
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
13.6
9.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 13.6 20
6.8
9.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
All humectants
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
3
1
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 13.6 20
6.8
All occlusives
13.6
9.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
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
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed OilDerived from the seeds of the cotton plant, this emollient and occlusive fatty oil is mainly comprised of linoleic and palmitic acids. It also contains large amounts of phospholipids - key components of all cell membranes.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
Glycereth-26
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

A glycerin-based ingredient with humectant moisturizing properties. It is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.

Stearic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Fragrance
Est. %1
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Dimethicone
Est. %1
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.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %1
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.
Cocos Nucifera Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera WaterCoconut water from fresh coconuts. It mainly contains water, a bit of coconut oil, sugars, and small amounts of antioxidants.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterAlso known as cocoa seed butter, it is a popular emollient and occlusive moisturizer. Skincare products with cocoa butter as their main ingredient have a sweet, chocolatey scent. Cocoa butter is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
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.

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.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

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