Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream

Dr. Denese SkinScience

Where to buy Possibly in stock

About this product

The Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream is a moisturizer. Our analysis of its 54 ingredients (51 low-risk) rates it Excellent (99/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to dry skin.

Vegan-friendly Reef-safe

Summarised from our ingredient analysis — not brand marketing copy.

At a glance

Type
Moisturizers
Ingredients
54
Low-risk
51
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Origin
United States
SPF
30 · blocks 96.7% UVB
Data updated
Jun 2026

The evidence

Quick Product Notes

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free EU Allergen-Free Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Notable Effects & Ingredients

No Notable Effects & Ingredients

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Good   Bad — tap a skin type to see which ingredients · estimated from ingredient functions
Dry Skin 15/7
Good for dry skin
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate Butylene Glycol Sodium PCA Sodium Hyaluronate Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Coconut Alkanes Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Histidine Glyceryl Laurate Dimethicone Cyclopentasiloxane Sodium Lactate PCA
Caution for dry skin
Dimethicone Crosspolymer Montmorillonite Xanthan Gum Polyhydroxystearic Acid Glyceryl Laurate Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone Silica
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin No data
Sensitive Skin 4/15
Good for sensitive skin
Melanin Ascorbyl Palmitate Dimethicone Tocopheryl Acetate
Caution for sensitive skin
Glycine Valine Serine Sodium Chloride Ascorbyl Palmitate Aspartic Acid Alanine Arginine Isoleucine Butylene Glycol Threonine Phenylalanine Proline Histidine Phenoxyethanol

Ingredients list

54 total
Lower hazard (1) Higher hazard (4)
All54 Skin Conditioning50 Hair Conditioning16 Fragrance13 Antistatic Agent11 Humectant9 Viscosity Controlling9 Masking8 Emollient7
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1
Water
(Solvent)
3
A
Dimethicone
(Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting, Emollient, Skin Conditioning)
Silicone
Silicone
1
B
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient)
3
A
Cyclopentasiloxane
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Solvent)
Silicone
Silicone
1
Coconut Alkanes
(Emollient, Solvent)
3
A
PEG-10 Dimethicone
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Montmorillonite
(Abrasive, Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Viscosityincreasing Agent Aqueous, Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Butylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscositydecreasing Agent, Humectant, Masking, Viscosity Controlling)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
(Opacifying)
1
A
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
(Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
(Emulsion Stabilising, Hair Fixing, Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant, Viscosity Increasingagent Nonaqueous, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient)
1
B
Sodium PCA
(Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Skin Conditioning)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
A
Sodium Hyaluronate
(Skin Conditioning, Humectant)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
(Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
3
B
Sodium Lactate
(Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Humectant, Keratolytic)
1
A
Arginine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Masking)
1
A
Aspartic Acid
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Masking)
3
B
PCA
(Humectant, Moisturising)
1
A
Phospholipids
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Melanin
(Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting)
1
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
(Binding Agent, Binding)
1
A
Glycine
(Buffering Agent, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning Agent Miscellaneous, Antistatic Agent, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Alanine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Masking)
1
A
Serine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Masking)
1
A
Pentylene Glycol
(Skin Conditioning, Solvent)
1
A
Valine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Masking)
1
A
Proline
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Threonine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Waving Or Straightening)
1
A
Isoleucine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent)
1
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
(Antidandruff Agent, Antimicrobial)
Retinyl Palmitate
(Skin Conditioning, Skin Conditioning Miscellaneous)
1
A
Ascorbyl Palmitate
(Antioxidant, Masking)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
3
Tocopheryl Acetate
(Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
A
Pantothenic Acid
(Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Histidine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Humectant)
1
A
Phenylalanine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
1
Polysilicone-11
(Film Forming)
1
Sodium Chloride
(Bulking Agent, Masking, Oral Care Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
B
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
(Emollient, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Disteardimonium Hectorite
(Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling)
3
A
Glyceryl Laurate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
3
A
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
(Emulsifying)
1
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
(Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant, Emulsifying)
3
A
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
(Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant)
1
A
Xanthan Gum
(Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
(Flavoring Agent, Skin Conditioning, Humectant)
1
2
A
Silica
(Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Disodium EDTA
(Chelating Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
4
A
Phenoxyethanol
(Fragrance, Preservative)
Paraben
Paraben
1
A
Ethylhexylglycerin
(Deodorant, Skin Conditioning)
1
CI 77492
(Colorant, Cosmetic Colorant)
1
2
CI 77491
(Colorant, Cosmetic Colorant)
2
CI 77499
(Colorant, Cosmetic Colorant)

My Ingredient Notes

No personal ingredient notes yet. Save ingredients to your profile to get good/bad alerts here.

Browse similar moisturizer
No close formula match yet — browse other products like this

Key ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrates by attracting and holding water.
Antioxidants
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Retinoid
Visibly reduces the signs of aging.
Vitamin C
Brightens, evens tone, and supports collagen.
Vitamin E
Protects skin and soothes irritation.
Exfoliators
Removes dead skin cells to smoothe texture.
Show all 6 key ingredients

Benefits

HydratingBoosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Scar HealingImproves the look of marks and scars.
Barrier RepairStrengthen and restore your skin's natural barrier.
Anti-AgingSoftens lines and helps skin look youthful.
BrighteningRestores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Reduces IrritationEases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Good For Oily SkinBalances oil and helps reduce shine.
Redness ReducingSoothes visible redness and calms irritation.

Concerns

Contains paraben
Contains silicone
Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
May not suit sensitive skin

Ingredients explained

Water
Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Solvent
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Skin conditioningEmollient
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient, Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 EmollientSolvent
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Hair conditioning, Skin conditioning
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR A Hair conditioningSkin conditioning
Montmorillonite
Abrasive, Absorbent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A AbrasiveAbsorbentBulking agentEmulsion stabilisingOpacifyingViscosityincreasing agent - aqueousStabilisingViscosity controlling
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Opacifying
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Opacifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Viscosity controlling
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Viscosity controlling
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion stabilising, Hair fixing
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Emulsion stabilisingHair fixingSuspending agent - nonsurfactantViscosity increasingagent - nonaqueousViscosity controlling
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningEmollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Hair conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Hair conditioningHumectantSkin conditioning
Sodium Lactate
Buffering agent, Exfoliant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR B Buffering agentExfoliantHumectantKeratolytic
Arginine
Fragrance, Hair conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceHair conditioningSkin conditioningAntistatic agentMasking
Aspartic Acid
Fragrance, Hair conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceHair conditioningSkin conditioningAntistatic agentMasking
PCA
Humectant, Moisturising
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR B HumectantMoisturising
Phospholipids
Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioning
+ 30 more — see the full ingredients list above
Dimethicone
Antifoaming agent, Skin protecting
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR A Antifoaming agentSkin protectingEmollientSkin conditioning Silicone
Cyclopentasiloxane
Hair conditioning, Skin conditioning
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR A Hair conditioningSkin conditioningEmollientSolvent Silicone
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSkin conditioningSolventViscositydecreasing agentHumectantMaskingViscosity controlling Good for Dry Skin
Sodium PCA
Hair conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Hair conditioningHumectantAntistatic agentSkin conditioning Good for Dry Skin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningHumectant Good for Dry Skin
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant, Masking
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A AntioxidantMasking Fungal-acne trigger
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant, Skin conditioning
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 3 AntioxidantSkin conditioning Bad for Oily Skin
Glyceryl Laurate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR A Skin conditioningEmollientEmulsifyingSurfactant Fungal-acne trigger
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR A FragrancePreservative Paraben

How to use

How to use

  • 1 Where it fits: Apply near the end of your routine, after thinner serums.
  • 2 Evening: Use at night — start 2–3× a week and build up as your skin tolerates it.
  • 3 Wear SPF the next day: Acids and retinoids increase sun sensitivity — daily sunscreen is a must while using this.

General guidance from this product's category and active ingredients — always follow the directions on the package.

Trust & honesty

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Contains ingredients some choose to avoid or double-check while pregnant or nursing.

Often avoided
Retinoids (Vitamin A) (Retinyl Palmitate)

Topical retinoids (retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters) are widely advised against in pregnancy as a precaution. The strongest evidence is for ORAL retinoids; topical absorption is low, but most clinicians err on the side of caution.

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy guidance varies and depends on concentration and your individual situation — always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist. How we flag this.

Effective levels — general guide

The concentrations these actives are typically effective at in research — not a measurement of this product.

Retinoids (Vitamin A) 0.01–1%

Most studied between 0.1% and 1%. Higher is not automatically better — irritation climbs with dose, so a well-formulated lower strength is often the sweet spot.

Retinyl Palmitate

Vitamin C (ascorbic) 5–20%

L-ascorbic acid is usually used at 5–20% (around 10–15% is common). Above ~20% adds little and tends to irritate more; it also needs a low pH to work.

Ascorbyl Palmitate

INCI lists don't disclose amounts, and we don't claim to know this product's levels — these are the ranges these ingredients are usually effective at, so you can tell a real formula from "fairy-dusting" a marketed active. How we estimate this.

From the community

0
Reviews
0
Saved by users
0
In collections

Ratings & reviews

Write a Review
0.0
from 0 ratings

Used this product? Rate it in 10 seconds

Alternatives