Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.6 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Isopentyldiol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%).

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 with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

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.

Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

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 works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain 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.

Pros & Cons of Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
19.5
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Isopentyldiol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NG
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AS
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.8
4
2.5
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.3
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.8 10
6.8
4
2.5
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.3 20
1.6
3.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2.5
0.3
All humectants 6.8 10
6.8
All humectants
6.8
4
2.5
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
All occlusives 3.3 20
1.6
All occlusives
3.3
3.0
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
Carnosine
0.3
Phytosterols
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. %55
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %19.5
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA 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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA 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.
Isopentyldiol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Isopentyldiol

An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.

Squalane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA 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.
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.
Sucrose Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sucrose StearateSucrose stearate is a sugar-based emulsifier, typically used in lotions or creams that are oil in water emulsions. One of the main benefits to these kinds of emulsifiers is their sustainability, but they are also milder on the skin.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Ceramide NG
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NGA lipid that is mainly found on scalp skin and that helps with the barrier repair. It is one of the less popular ceramides and is usually used in combination with other ceramides for better barrier repair properties.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide AS
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.