Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying Review

Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying
2.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 3.8 out of 10, primarily due to Glycerin (est. ≈1.3%), Niacinamide (est. ≈1.0%) and Methylpropanediol (est. ≈0.3%).

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

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

With an SPF of 50, Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying 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: Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 Mattifying to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • 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: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is your only moisturizer in your routine

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
4
4
3
2
1.3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Colloidal Silver
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Ensulizole
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
PVP
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Grapefruit Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenylpropanol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Bergamia Peel Oil Expressed
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.8
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.8 10
3.8
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.8 10
3.8
All humectants
3.8
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1 1.5
Total
1.5
Niacinamide
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.2 3 No
All antioxidants
2.2
Niacinamide
1
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
All soothing 1.3 5 No
All soothing
1.3
1
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA 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.
Colloidal Silver
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Colloidal Silver
Avobenzone
Est. %4
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. %4
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Ensulizole
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ensulizole
Octinoxate
Est. %3
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.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineA synthetic "chemical" sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV damage and offers better stability and safety compared to some other traditional organic suncreen ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Niacinamide
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

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.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Methylpropanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Glucose SesquistearateAn ultra gentle emulsifier that can be used in many products to blend oils and water together while providing a light film on the skin.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA 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.
C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate
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.

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.
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.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
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.

PVP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PVPAn excellent film-former used in hairsprays, peel-off masks, and even some self-tanning products. These films are strong and hold onto the skin.
Hydrogenated Grapefruit Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Grapefruit Seed Oil
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Phenylpropanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylpropanolPhenylpropanol is a naturally occurring component of many essential oils. It is a colourless, oily liquid with a sweet, floral, balsamic scent. It is used in skincare as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients and as a fragrance component.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
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.
Citrus Bergamia Peel Oil Expressed
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Bergamia Peel Oil Expressed
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.

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.

Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.