CAY SKINsunscreenProtect step

CAY SKIN Isle Glow Face Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 45 with Sea Moss and Niacinamide

This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection with a hydrating, pearlescent finish. It's formulated with sea moss and niacinamide to support skin health and a visible glow. It blends well on various skin tones, making it a good option for daily wear.

Sephora price

$36.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.2 / 5

About 748 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

SPFHydratingWithout SiliconesNiacinamideFSA/HSA EligibleVeganSea Moss: A nutrient-rich seaweed that strengthens the skin's moisture barrier.Hydrating Nectar: CAY SKIN’s exclusive, plant-based nectar that replenishes moisture levels.Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A skin-loving vitamin that nourishes, visibly tones, and smooths skin.DrynessDullnessand Uneven Texture

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.2 / 5 overall fit

A solid daily SPF that hydrates and adds a subtle glow, suitable for most skin types looking for sun protection and moisture.

CAY SKIN Isle Glow Face Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 45 with Sea Moss and Niacinamide

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A pearlescent, lightweight, and antioxidant-packed daily face sunscreen that gives skin an island glow and blends seamlessly on all skin tones.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyDrynessDullnessand Uneven Texture

For daily use with or without makeup

Apply to face 15 minutes before sun exposure.

Reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This is a well-rounded daily SPF that prioritizes hydration and a pleasant finish. The inclusion of niacinamide and antioxidants adds skincare benefits beyond sun protection. It's a good choice for those seeking a sunscreen that doubles as a light moisturizer and leaves a subtle radiance.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Daily sun protection
  • Dry or dehydrated skin
  • People seeking a subtle glow
  • Those who want added skincare benefits in their SPF

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You prefer a completely matte finish
  • You are looking for a heavy-duty moisturizer
  • You have very sensitive skin and react to fragrance

Routine fit

Your Daily SPF Step

Apply this sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, after moisturizer and before makeup. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're outdoors.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Broad-spectrum SPF 45
  • Hydrating formula
  • Adds a subtle glow
  • Contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide and sea moss
  • Blends well on multiple skin tones

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Contains fragrance
  • Pearlescent finish may not suit everyone
  • Requires reapplication for consistent protection

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning

This is a morning-only product. Apply it as your final skincare step before makeup.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.2/ 5 overall

A solid daily SPF that hydrates and adds a subtle glow, suitable for most skin types looking for sun protection and moisture.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Sunscreen

Avobenzone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and UVA rays.

Usually helps with

UV protection

Watch for

Can degrade over time with UV exposure; often paired with stabilizers.

Sunscreen

Octisalate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.

Usually helps with

UV protection

Watch for

Can be used to enhance the efficacy of other UV filters.

Sunscreen

Octocrylene

Badness

2.0 / 10

A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and some UVA rays. It also helps stabilize other sunscreen ingredients.

Usually helps with

UV protection, stabilizing other filters

Watch for

Potential environmental concerns; can be irritating for some.

Solvent

Water

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base for many skincare formulations.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Emollient

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A derivative of salicylic acid that acts as an emollient and helps to solubilize UV filters.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning, UV filter solubilization

Watch for

None

Opacifier

Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate

Badness

2.0 / 10

Used to create opacity and a pearlescent effect.

Usually helps with

Texture and appearance

Watch for

Can contribute to a visible sheen.

Emollient

Diisopropyl Sebacate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Emollient

Diisopropyl Adipate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Emollient

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps disperse UV filters.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning, UV filter dispersion

Watch for

None

Emollient

Lauryl Lactate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient that helps improve skin texture.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Colorant

Mica

Badness

2.0 / 10

A mineral that provides shimmer and a pearlescent effect.

Usually helps with

Appearance

Watch for

Can be reflective; ethically sourced mica is preferred.

Humectant

Propanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant that also acts as a solvent and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients.

Usually helps with

Hydration, solvent

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Glyceryl Stearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water components.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it helps hydrate and protect the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration, antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides antioxidant benefits and helps improve skin texture.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection, skin texture

Watch for

None

Emollient

Chondrus Crispus Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Also known as Irish Moss, it's a seaweed extract that hydrates and can form a protective film on the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration, skin barrier support

Watch for

None

Humectant

Panthenol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture, soothing the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration, soothing

Watch for

None

Active

Niacinamide

Badness

2.0 / 10

A versatile ingredient that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.

Usually helps with

Oil control, pore appearance, skin tone

Watch for

Can cause flushing or irritation in high concentrations or for sensitive skin.

Antioxidant

Ferulic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and can stabilize other antioxidants like Vitamin C.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Emollient

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

Rich in linoleic acid, it helps support the skin barrier and provides moisturizing benefits.

Usually helps with

Skin barrier support, moisturizing

Watch for

None

Emollient

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter

Badness

2.0 / 10

A rich emollient that helps moisturize and soften the skin.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.

Emulsifier

Cetyl Phosphate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps create stable formulations.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Absorbent

Silica

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps absorb excess oil and can provide a mattifying effect or texture enhancement.

Usually helps with

Oil absorption, texture

Watch for

Can be drying if used in very high concentrations.

Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

None

Humectant

1,2-Hexanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that also acts as a solvent and preservative booster.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

None

Thickener

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Badness

1.0 / 10

A polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Preservative

Chlorphenesin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Can be an irritant for some individuals.

pH Adjuster

Aminomethyl Propanol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Disodium EDTA

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium Lactate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A salt of lactic acid that acts as a humectant and helps maintain skin hydration.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium PCA

Badness

0.0 / 10

A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps attract and retain moisture.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Fragrance

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Provides a sweet, warm scent.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Fragrance

Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Adds a woody, rich aroma.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Fragrance

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Provides a floral, rose scent.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Fragrance

Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil

Badness

4.0 / 10

A resinoid with a sweet, balsamic aroma.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Known allergen and potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Fragrance

Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Adds a woody, herbaceous scent.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Fragrance

Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil

Badness

2.0 / 10

Provides a rich, coffee-like aroma.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

None

Fragrance

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

Badness

4.0 / 10

A citrus oil with a bright, floral aroma.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be phototoxic (increase sun sensitivity) and a potential irritant.

Fragrance

Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Adds a complex floral and slightly bitter aroma.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Fragrance

Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

A woody, balsamic scent.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with acidic ingredients.

Preservative

Potassium Sorbate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

1.0 / 10

A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that is an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing, skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Limonium Gerberi Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant extract known for its antioxidant properties.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Fragrance

Limonene

Badness

3.0 / 10

A component of citrus peel oils, it provides a fresh, citrus scent.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant and allergen; phototoxic.

Fragrance

Linalool

Badness

3.0 / 10

A naturally occurring compound found in many flowers and spices, it has a floral scent.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant and allergen.

Fragrance

Benzyl Benzoate

Badness

3.0 / 10

A compound used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Can be a potential irritant and allergen.

Sunscreen

Titanium Dioxide

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum protection by creating a physical barrier on the skin.

Usually helps with

UV protection

Watch for

Can leave a white cast if not formulated properly or if particle size is large.

Colorant

Iron Oxides

Badness

1.0 / 10

Mineral pigments used to add color to the product, helping it blend better on the skin.

Usually helps with

Coloring

Watch for

None

Formula support

Avobenzone Sunscreen

Badness

2.0 / 10

Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.

Usually helps with

Formula completeness and routine context

Watch for

Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine

Formula support

Octisalate Sunscreen

Badness

2.0 / 10

Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.

Usually helps with

Formula completeness and routine context

Watch for

Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine

Formula support

Octocrylene Sunscreen

Badness

2.0 / 10

Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.

Usually helps with

Formula completeness and routine context

Watch for

Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this sunscreen good for dry skin?

Yes, this sunscreen is formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, sea moss, and fruit extracts, making it suitable for dry and dehydrated skin.

Does this sunscreen leave a white cast?

The product is described as blending seamlessly on all skin tones, and its pearlescent quality helps to counteract any potential white cast from the mineral sunscreen ingredient, Titanium Dioxide.

Can I wear makeup over this sunscreen?

Yes, it's designed for daily use with or without makeup. Its lightweight texture and hydrating finish make it a good base for makeup.