Let’s review the EU version (2022) of a pharmacy brand SPF that’s been rightly hyped (sorry, spoiler!). Learn more in my Eucerin Oil Control SPF50+ review!
The brand
A German pharmacy brand that’s been branching out to the UK and US.
Sunscreen description
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+ is an everyday facial sunscreen for oily and acne-prone skin. The Advanced Spectral Technology combines broadband and photostable UVA and UVB filters for very high UV protection with Licochalcone A to neutralize free radicals caused by UV and HEVIS light. The sunscreen for oily skin also includes Glycyrrhetinic Acid which supports skin’s own DNA repair mechanism.
Eucerin UK
Sebum-regulating Oil Control technology with L-Carnitine and absorbing micro-particles gives skin an immediate dry touch finish and a long-lasting anti-shine effect of up to eight hours.
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+ is unperfumed and has an ultra-light, non-greasy texture. Clinical and dermatological studies prove good skin tolerability on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Eucerin Oil Control SPF50+ review: What it is
Let’s quickly clear up that I don’t review the US version (also called oil control, but only with FDA-approved filters, and apparently garbage – at least that’s what Instagram tells me), nor the old Euro version that still included Homosalate. The 2022 version has been rolled out this Spring, and that’s the one I’m reviewing. (Also, I don’t know neither the old nor the US one.) There is also a EU version that’s tinted.
Eucerin Oil Control Dry-Touch is geared towards oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin, promising a light texture and matte finish.
Ingredients
Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Alcohol Denat, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Silica, Tapioca Starch, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Carnitine, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
The sunscreen also includes some special antioxidants, mostly derived from the liquorice plant. Usually, parts of the plant are used for their brightening and soothing properties in skincare. Here, they’re used for their antioxidant properties. Glycyrrhetinic Acid is also cited (see above) for DNA-repairing properties, but the studies on this are on the thinner side (Beautypedia). Licochalcone A is also derived from the liquorice plant and is used here for its anti-inflammatory properties. (This is where the anti-acne claim comes from.)
No fragrance, but quite a lot of alcohol. There’s not a lot of soothing ingredients to offset this (apart from the liquorice extracts), so I’m astonished that this is advertised for sensitive skin. Silica and tapioca starch will both absorb oils.
Filters
| Sunscreen Filter | Type | Spectrum | Remarks |
| Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane / Avobenzone | chemical / organic | full UVA protection | not photostable |
| Ethylhexyl Triazone / Uvinul T 150 | chemical / organic | photostable UVB filter, (280-320nm) with a peak protection of 314nm | oil soluble, odorless & colorless powder, available elsewhere except the US & Canada |
| Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine / Tinosorb S | chemical / organic | broad spectrum (UVA & UVB, 280-400 nm, peak at 310-345 nm) | very photostable, available everywhere but the US |
| Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate / Uvinul A Plus | chemical / organic | high UVA protection (320-400 nm) with peak protection at 354nm | high photostability, can be used up to 10%, available elsewhere but the US & Canada |
| Ensulizole / Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid | chemical / organic | strong UVB protection (280-320nm) range with its peak protection at 306 nm | Not oil but water soluble, ideal to create light, oily skin compatible formula. Fairly photostable and can be used to protect other less stable UV filters (eg. avobenzone). Approved worldwide and can be used up to 4% in the US and up to 8% in the EU. |
(The formula also uses a sunscreen booster very high on the ingredient list: Dibutyl Adipate is an emollient that can help to solubilize UV filters.)
This one has a four-star Boots rating, making the PPD a number between 48 and 56. Eucerin says: “The levels of UVA protection are higher than the EU recommendation.” The company isn’t really forthcoming in disclosing the real numbers, so we can just say they’re above 20. (48 seems really high for this filter combination, but this is just a complete guess on my side.)
Sustainability
The brand plans to phase out microplastics in 2023, doesn’t test on animals and has a whole sustainability program, pledging to reduce virgin plastic, paper, and supporting circularity. More here.
Application
This sunscreen is thicker in consistency than I thought: it’s basically a (faintly yellow) creamy lotion, similar to the Scinic or Beauty of Joseon SPFs I tested earlier this year. To me, it smells like hand sanitizer. (Not surprising, due to the alcohol amount.)
What I love: one pump is around 1g, which makes it easy to gauge the correct amount you need to reap the full protection.
(The Eucerin website is surprisingly good when it comes to helpful tips, including how much sunscreen you should use.)
I usually use a simple toner+serum combination underneath, with a dash of the discontinued Paula’s Choice’s CBD Milk over that. I love the Milk for alcohol-heavy sunscreens as it’s super soothing, and my skin is sensitive to alcohol.
Finish
The full amount of ¼ tsp is very easy to apply on my face. The formula sinks in quickly, and after about 20 minutes, feels properly skin-like. For me, it’s not a dead matte, but rather a satin finish that doesn’t pill or makes my eyes water. There’s also no white cast whatsoever, and on top of that, the sunscreen doesn’t cling to eyebrows, the hairline or pools in fine lines.
Eucerin claims on their site that they tested the sunscreen in humid weather, and I’m happy to say that I wore this SPF during days with 35 degrees Celsius, and it stayed somewhat matte (I mean I do get oily during 35C, no matter what).
Makeup Application
I wait 20 minutes before makeup application no matter what (sunscreen needs some time to settle on skin and form its protective layer), and every kind of foundation goes over Eucerin like a dream. There’s no cakeyness, no problems with the sunscreen layer moving around, or pilling. Again, it’s the dream.
Comparison
I haven’t tested a sunscreen in the last two years that met nearly all my requirements that well like Eucerin’s. I think it could be comparable to Astrid’s favourite Anessa (which makes my skin itch), but it’s cheaper, easily available in Europe, and has better filters. This year’s crop of SPFs with new filters and a high PPD all underperform in my opinion (Garnier, Anthelios), because their finish is shinier and stickier. If you’re looking for a sunscreen with a glow, because your skin is dry, you should look for those instead of this one.
Checklist
Eucerin Oil Control SPF50+ review: Rating
Dare I say that this one is my new Holy Grail? The only thing that makes me hesitant to do that is that I usually switch between different sunscreens depending on my mood, needs and what I’m testing for the blog. That means that I don’t know what would happen if I would use this continuously in regards to that amount of alcohol and my sensitive skin. What I can say is that my skin is definitely drier than usual when I remove this SPF in the evening and needs a richer serum or moisturiser. This wouldn’t be a great option for winter for me.
Otherwise, it performs awesomely and has great filters, and what more can you wish for?!
Availability & Price
50ml (yay, a FIFTY Mil bottle!) is £16.00 in the UK (Boots), in Germany it’s somewhere between 12-18€, depending on a deal and the pharmacy you choose. (In the US, look to Care To Beauty for your Euro SPF needs!)
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
Something I’ve realized over the years is that you can never guess UVAPF by filters or percentages alone. Certain sunscreens have shockingly high protection even with seemingly lackluster formula.
For example, here’s an older formulation of Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration that was sold in the UK a few years ago (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hawaiian-Tropic-SPF50-Hydration-Lotion/dp/B0071IWVZQ/). It had only old school chemical filters but was rated 4-Star UVA protection.
The formula was identical to the US version sold at that time (Hawaiian Tropic has reformulated everything internationally to remove oxybenzone) and IIRC, the UV filter percentages were actually quite low compared to most other broad spectrum SPF50 American chemical sunscreens (filter percentages must be printed in the US since sunscreen is regulated as a drug).
I’m American so I’ve gotten in the habit of cross-checking international sites for big sunscreen brands since they often sell the same products in the UK/EU with a required UVA label. And it’s taught definitely taught me not to automatically assume that old-school filters have lesser protection!
I just bought this and love it! With looking it compared to the Garnier spf 50+ fluid. The boots uva star rating is good whereas this is spf 50+ and has superior? Do you the uva protection is good? 🙂
First, happy you like it too, Megan! Second, not really sure what you’re asking, but I think both UVA ratings for the Garnier Fluid and the Eucerin are excellent. I’ve worn the Eucerin non-stop last summer and its protection was top notch. HTH!
Thanks so much for replying! Sorry I was just asking if you thought the Garnier fluid spf 50+ had better uva protection but both I love! The Garnier serum spf 50+ I love but was told the uva is a bit lower than these too! Your blog is amazing! Just discovered it and enjoyed last night reading lots! I’ll be following on Instagram too hehe!
Ahhhh, got it! I mean, you really can’t go wrong with the Eucerin or Garnier Fluid. Both have UVA protection in the 40s. I still like the Garnier Serum, though, even if its UVA protection is only in the high 20s. I always adhere to the saying that sunscreen is best that you love to wear.
(And thanks a lot for your kind words!)