Review: NIVEA Sun UV Face – Soothing Sensitive – Sun Cream SPF50+

Where to purchase: Boots: LINK / Tesco: LINK / Superdrug: LINK

Price: £8

Volume: 50ml

Made in: Germany

What is it?: A creamy, chemical SPF50+, fragrance-free Sunblock aimed at Sensitive Skins.

What does it do / How is this special?: This SPF aims to moisturise the skin while reducing the chance of irritation and allergy flare-ups.

Supposedly Good for: All Skin types, and in particular – Sensitive Skins.

What I think: I do think Oily Skins would prefer this over Dry Skins as the finish isn’t as Moisturising as something like the Isntree Hyaluronic Gel SPF, and is more like the Nivea Anti Shine SPF.

Vegan?: No.

Cruelty Free?: Nivea sell in China where animal testing may be required.

How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.

Packaging: Plastic squeeze-y tube with a flip top cap. Very easy to use and dispense.

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Directions: Apply the sun cream to your face and neck. Rub in thoroughly and let the cream dry. Reapply to ensure adequate coverage and no missed areas before going outside. Even when protected avoid over-exposure to the sun as it is a serious health threat. Ideal for daily use.

How I use it: I use this in the AM before working out (as this does not sting the eyes).

SPF Filters (This is a Chemical/Organic SPF): Ethylhexyl Triazone / Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane / Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid / Ethylhexyl Salicylate / Homosalate / Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Full Ingredients: Aqua, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat., Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Silica, Tapioca Starch, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Trisodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Alcohol: Just as I mentioned in my recent TI’AM Video discussing Alcohol in SPFs; Denatured acts as a good solvent and is a penetration enhancer. So basically, it keeps the formula lightweight/thin and fast-absorbing. If you are worried about it drying out the skin, then I recommend applying a moisturising/hydrating cream or serum underneath before applying this SPF.

NOTE: The Nivea Anti-Shine SPF does NOT contain Alcohol and has a very similar texture, so that can be used instead. It is quite weird to me that this product did have to contain alcohol when the Nivea Anti-Shine does have an almost identical texture.

Texture: A creamy SPF that dries down not entirely matte, but not too dewy looking either! It definitely does moisturise the skin and spreads easily (doesn’t stick). I wouldn’t call it the most hydrating or moisturising formula but I think it’s adequate for those with regular to slightly more oilier skins.

Is the finish Greasy?: No. A Moisturising (but not too oily looking) finish.

Is the Finish Tacky?: No.

Does this ball up?: No.

As you can see this spreads out and does look lightweight and creamy at the same time! It is opaque but don’t worry, the more it gets spread out, the more that white blends in / disappears!

Hopefully you can see that for a Western, creamy SPF – this is quite lightweight! Of course it wont be as light as a Fluid SPF, but it’s pretty decent!

White Cast?: As you can see from the Swatch’s final result, there is no white cast!

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: No. (BUT I do think if you had active/open + sore acne, this could sting a little).

Does this sting the eyes?: No.

Does this turn milky when you sweat?: No.

Summer or Winter?: This is a cream (albeit, a lightweight cream) with a slightly matte finish, so I do think that Normal / Oily + Combo Skins would prefer this throughout the year and Dry skins may prefer this during the Winter months!

Layerable?: Yes, this doesn’t seem to ball or pill up even under makeup.

Video Swatch:

Fragrance?: This is Fragrance + EO Free (Smells like a typical SPF!).

Good Under Makeup?: Yes.

How long have I been using this?: 2 Months.

Will I use until Completion?: Yes!

How Long will that take?: Another 2 months of almost daily use (I use the Vichy SPF and Ultra Violette SPFs too).

The Effect?: RELATIVELY Moisturiser, Sun-protected skin with no white cast.

What I like:

• Lightweight
• Layerable
• Fragrance + EO Free
• Suits my Oily-Combo Skin
• Slightly Matte Finish
• Affordable
• Doesn’t ball up
• Doesn’t turn milky when I sweat
• Doesn’t sting my eyes

What I don’t like:

• Inclusion of alcohol may be irksome for some, but for me; I will use SPF containing alcohol as it keeps the formula lightweight and fast-absorbing, but of course if Nivea reformulated without including alcohol and it had the same texture, then that would still be preferable.

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4/5 – A very nice SPF cream that I would recommend! I am unsure whether dry skins would find this very moisturising and hydrating however, and I do think Sensitive Oily / Combination or Normal Skins would prefer this! It’s an affordable SPF that doesn’t sting the eyes, is layerable, unscented and doesn’t have a white cast! And I’m also happy that this doesn’t feel like it dries out my skin or feels uncomfortable to wear.

Would I repurchase?: Yes as it’s a non-expensive SPF50+ that is Fragrance + EO free and provides no white cast.

Dupe?: The closest in terms of both texture, price and matte finish is the Nivea Anti-Shine Face Cream SPF50+. However if an unscented SPF is wanted, then the Garnier Ambre Solaire Sun Fluid SPF50+ is an alternative (similar price as well).

My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.

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