One of my New Year's resolutions is to wear sunscreen daily. This should remain a year-round, non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. You have an equal chance of developing skin cancer in summer and winter. However, many struggle to find the right sunscreen - many formulas leave a white cast, feel greasy or dry, are acne-prone, or have an unpleasant smell. To break through the hype, I'll be comparing and rating some popular and underrated formulas.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen
This popular sunscreen utilizes Cell-Ox Shield® Technology. This combines photostable UVA/UVB filters to deliver broad protection against the various UV rays. An antioxidant known as Senna Alata is a tropical leaf extract known to defend the skin cells of the upper skin layer against damaging free radicals caused by the sun.
A synthetic form of Vitamin E, Tocopheryl acetate, also has antioxidant properties to defend against the sun.
Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) is a derivative of salicylic acid. This ingredient exfoliates and renews the skin barrier.
For people with sensitive skin - listen up! Zinc oxide, also known as a physical or inorganic sunscreen filter, is recommended for sensitive skin types. It forms a barrier on the skin's surface to help protect against UV rays. The same goes for Titanium Dioxide.
Silica is a type of powder that aids in the overall smooth application of the sunscreen. It also absorbs unwanted oils from the skin.
Based on the combination of minerals and chemicals found in the key ingredients, I would consider this sunscreen safe, especially for individuals with highly sensitive skin. Insight from renowned dermatologist, Dr. Rina Allawh, suggests that the only active ingredients in sunscreen should be Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. This makes it safe for your skin and the environment. No wonder it is popular and expensive!
Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen
This trendy sunscreen contains bamboo extract, which provides antioxidants to reduce free radicals caused by the sun.
Skin - conditioning polymers are added to create a canvas for makeup and a soft application finish without drying.
This sunscreen also contains the active ingredients of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to help with sensitive skin. It follows Dr. Allawh's advice and contains only these active ingredients.
I would recommend this sunscreen for people who wear makeup daily, as it doubles as both a primer and a protective layer thanks to its key ingredients. Keep in mind that this version has a matte finish, and Supergoop! offers several sunscreen options designed for different skin types. All of their formulas are vegan and cruelty-free.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum
Niacinamide in the form of Vitamin B3 helps to visibly improve skin tone and discoloration.
Sodium Hyaluronate, in the form of Hyaluronic Acid, is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture (just like honey!). It adds to the skin's suppleness.
Tocopheryl Acetate in the form of Vitamin E is an antioxidant that, once again, reduces free radicals caused by the sun. This can also aid in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, all related to aging.
This sunscreen contains zinc oxide as one of its active ingredients. However, unlike the others, it does not contain Titanium Dioxide. Instead, it uses Octinoxate, which is a common organic chemical used to absorb UVB rays. Disclaimer: Octinoxate is proven to be harmful to coral reefs and, therefore, is banned in Hawaii.
As someone with acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin, this sunscreen is a personal favorite of mine. I use the tinted version, which blends seamlessly and avoids any white cast. The lightweight formula doesn’t clog pores and layers well under makeup. Definitely an easy 10/10 in my book!
Sun Bum Water Resistant Sunscreen
Sun Bum, another one of my go-to sunscreens, is big on enriching our skin with Vitamin E. Again, Vitamin E is known to protect against free radicals, which can cause premature skin aging.
The active ingredients found in Sun Bum include Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. That is definitely more than what Dr. Allwah recommends. However, Sun Bum emphasizes its cruelty-free and environmentally friendly formulation. Unlike Elta MD, it does not use a strong ingredient such as Octinoxate. This can be a downside for my sensitive skin friends.
I really like Sun Bum for its lightweight, non-greasy feel on the skin. That said, due to some of its ingredients, I wouldn’t recommend it for facial use, especially for those who are prone to clogged pores or acne breakouts.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
Instead of using the generic zinc oxide found in almost all sunscreen products, Tatcha uses Next-Gen zinc oxide. This focuses on advanced particle engineering, such as ultrafine particles, to create sunscreens that are more photostable and less irritating. Note that Zinc Oxide is the only active ingredient, emphasizing the "mineral" aspect.
Niacinamide is used to even the skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Hyaluronic acid is used to hydrate the skin and restore the essential oils (remember, humectant!).
A unique ingredient utilized is silk extract, which helps smooth the skin. Again, instead of using skin-conditioning chemicals to improve texture, Tatcha goes with the natural side instead.
After researching this, I’m honestly really excited to try this sunscreen. That said, it may not be the best choice for someone who prefers a simple skincare routine. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more natural, mineral-based option, this sunscreen is definitely worth checking out. Definitely one of the underrated ones!
OleHenriksen Banana Bright Mineral SPF
Just as Sun Bum boasts about its Vitamin E abundance, OleHenriksen emphasizes its utilization of ascorbic acid in the form of Vitamin C. This ingredient is known to brighten and correct the skin tone and protect against free radicals caused by the sun.
To highlight its motto for the use of botanical ingredients, banana powder-inspired pigments are used to illuminate the complexion of our skin. This is possible because of light-reflecting particles found in bananas.
Niacinamide is used to even the skin tone, basically a helper for ascorbic acid.
Aloe leaf juice acts as a natural hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture.
This sunscreen contains a high percentage of zinc oxide (16.3%). Again, this active ingredient creates a physical barrier that reflects various UV rays. It also removes dark spots caused by the sun.
Mineral sunscreens usually take longer to dissolve in our skin than chemical sunscreens do. Because of the high amount of zinc oxide found in this sunscreen, it may leave a white cast for a long period of time. However, the natural approach to this sunscreen makes it a perfect multitasker. It protects our skin from the sun while helping the physical appearance and restoring the skin barrier. Oh! It also offers a natural-citrus scent in contrast to the generic sunscreen smells everyone is used to.
Vocabulary
Photostable: In dermatology, a photostable ingredient does not weaken when exposed to sunlight.
Difference between UVA & UVB rays: UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to aging and skin cancer. UVB rays affect the skin’s surface and are the primary cause of sunburn.
Free Radicals: Unstable molecules created by UV exposure and pollution that damage skin cells by stealing electrons from healthy molecules.
Derivative: A compound formed by chemically modifying another substance while keeping its core structure the same.
Skin - conditioning polymers: Large molecules added to skincare products to help the product form a smooth, protective film on the skin.
Humectant: Attracts and holds water in the skin - maintains hydration
Wrapping Up:
As we wrap up this blog, don't forget to comment on your go-to sunscreen. I would love to know your thoughts! Please feel free to email me through my website if you have any questions. You can also share some health topics you are curious about to provide me with some blog ideas. Subscribe to my blog to be updated on more posts + blogs to come! Thank you!
xoxo,
Haley 💗
Amazing Haley. This is very helpful information.
What an insightful blog!
Thank you for sharing this information.