Beauty Comparison
Nivea Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15

Photo and link: Amazon

Nivea

Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15

sunscreen · 50 ml · Sun care

Nivea Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15 is free of essential oils, sulfates and MI / MCI, going by its full 38-ingredient list, with glycerin, panthenol and shea butter. List checked November 5, 2026.

The catch: it contains fragrance (Parfum), labelled fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool) and drying alcohol (Alcohol Denat).

  • Contains fragrance
  • No essential oils
  • Contains labelled fragrance allergens
  • Contains drying alcohol
  • Sulfate-free
  • Contains silicones
  • Contains parabens
  • No MI/MCI

Listed on Amazon in: United Kingdom · Germany · France · Italy · Spain · Netherlands · Poland · Sweden

Key ingredients in Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15

  • Glycerin

    A classic humectant that keeps skin hydrated.

  • Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5)

    Soothes and helps skin and hair hold moisture.

  • Shea butter

    A rich emollient for dry skin and hair.

  • Petrolatum

    The most effective occlusive for locking in moisture.

  • Dimethicone

    A skin protectant that forms a breathable barrier.

  • Vitamin E

    An antioxidant that protects the formula and the skin.

Full ingredient list, decoded

38 ingredients, in label order (highest amount first; below about 1% the order is free).

  1. 1AquaAqua is the INCI name for water, the main base of many creams, lotions and cleansers…
  2. 2GlycerinGlycerin is a clear, thick, odorless liquid that pulls water into the skin and helps…
  3. 3Cetearyl AlcoholA waxy fatty alcohol blend that thickens formulas and helps oil and water mix into…
  4. 4MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a small, colorless liquid that attracts water, helps keep formulas…
  5. 5Glyceryl Glucoside
  6. 6OctocryleneOctocrylene is a synthetic, oil-soluble organic UV filter that absorbs UVB and some UVA…Chemical UV filters
  7. 7CyclomethiconeSilicones
  8. 8Glyceryl StearateGlyceryl stearate is a waxy blend of glycerin and stearic acid, a fatty acid from plant…
  9. 9Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, also called avobenzone, is a chemical sunscreen filter…Chemical UV filters
  10. 10Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate
  11. 11Tapioca StarchA fine white powder made from the starch of cassava root. It mainly absorbs oil and…
  12. 12Butyrospermum Parkii ButterA rich fat pressed from the kernels of the African shea tree, used to soften and smooth…
  13. 13Tocopheryl AcetateTocopheryl Acetate is a stable form of vitamin E. Its main job is to act as an…
  14. 14Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
  15. 15PanthenolPanthenol is a form of vitamin B5 that the skin and hair convert to pantothenic acid.…
  16. 16C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA light, fast-absorbing ester made from benzoic acid and C12-15 fatty alcohols. It…
  17. 17Cera MicrocristallinaCera Microcristallina is a fine-grained wax refined from petroleum. It thickens…Mineral oil & petrolatum
  18. 18Alcohol DenatAlcohol, usually ethanol, is a light liquid that dissolves oils and fragrance and dries…Drying alcohol
  19. 19Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA mild emulsifier made from cetyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol, and phosphate. It helps oil…
  20. 20Propylene GlycolPropylene Glycol is a colorless, slightly syrupy liquid that attracts water and is…
  21. 21Paraffinum LiquidumMineral oil is a clear, odorless oil refined from petroleum. It is used mainly to lock…Mineral oil & petrolatum
  22. 22DimethiconeDimethicone is a silicone, a light, water-resistant oil that forms a smooth, breathable…Silicones
  23. 23Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
  24. 24Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens and stabilizes formulas, giving lotions, gels and…
  25. 25Chondrus Crispus Extract
  26. 26EthylhexylglycerinEthylhexylglycerin is a lab-made, skin-friendly ingredient that boosts the power of…
  27. 27PhenoxyethanolA synthetic preservative that helps stop bacteria, yeast and mold from growing in…
  28. 28MethylparabenMethylparaben is a preservative that helps keep water-based products free from mold and…Parabens
  29. 29Trisodium EDTATrisodium EDTA is a sodium salt of EDTA, a chelating agent that binds metal ions in…
  30. 30LimoneneLimonene is a natural scent molecule found in citrus peel oils. It gives products a…Labelled fragrance allergens
  31. 31LinaloolLinalool is a fragrance compound found naturally in flowers and herbs, and in skincare…Labelled fragrance allergens
  32. 32Benzyl AlcoholBenzyl Alcohol is a clear, mild liquid that works as a preservative. It helps stop…Labelled fragrance allergens
  33. 33CitronellolCitronellol is a fragrance ingredient found naturally in plants like rose and…Labelled fragrance allergens
  34. 34GeraniolGeraniol is a fragrance molecule found naturally in plants like roses and geraniums. It…Labelled fragrance allergens
  35. 35Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA synthetic fragrance ingredient with a soft floral, violet-like scent. Its main job is…Labelled fragrance allergens
  36. 36BHTBHT is a synthetic antioxidant that slows down oxidation, the process that makes oils…
  37. 37Butylphenyl MethylpropionalA synthetic fragrance ingredient that gives products a fresh, floral scent, close to…Labelled fragrance allergens
  38. 38ParfumAroma is a label term for a scent blend added to a product to give it a pleasant smell.Fragrance

Source: Open Beauty Facts (ODbL), world.openbeautyfacts.org/product/4005808572199, retrieved November 5, 2026.

Every flag we check

CheckResultIngredients found
FragranceContainsParfum (#38)
Essential oilsNone listed—
Labelled fragrance allergensContainsLimonene (#30), Linalool (#31), Benzyl Alcohol (#32), Citronellol (#33), Geraniol (#34), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone (#35), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (#37)
Drying alcoholContainsAlcohol Denat (#18)
SulfatesNone listed—
SiliconesContainsCyclomethicone (#7), Dimethicone (#22)
ParabensContainsMethylparaben (#28)
MI / MCINone listed—
Formaldehyde releasersNone listed—
Mineral oil & petrolatumContainsCera Microcristallina (#17), Paraffinum Liquidum (#21)
LanolinNone listed—
Chemical UV filtersContainsOctocrylene (#6), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (#9)

Frequently asked questions

Is Nivea Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15 fragrance-free?

No. Nivea Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15 contains Parfum (ingredient 38 of 38).

Does Nivea Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15 contain silicones, sulfates or parabens?

Silicones: yes (Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone). Sulfates: none listed. Parabens: yes (Methylparaben).

What is Nivea Refreshing Day Cream SPF 15 good for?

By its ingredient list it fits mi allergy, acne-prone skin, pregnancy and oily skin: it passes every free-from rule we set for those needs. Key ingredients: Glycerin, Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), Shea butter and Petrolatum.

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