[Review] Everyday Sun Block by Derma:B

This is my review of the Everyday Sun Block (50+ PA++++) by Derma:B compared against my favorite sunscreen: the Super Water Gel (50 PA+++) by Nivea.

Disclaimer! This review will focus solely on the tactile experience of using the Derma:B sunscreen against my ideal sunscreen. I am not a professional, so I will not address formulation or discuss chemistry. What follows is my unprofessional and subjective opinion as a consumer. Take what you need and leave what you don't.

About Me —

My skin is prone to cystic acne. I have ice-pick scarring with mild cheek redness. My skin type is combination and mildly sensitive. My complexion is fair (cool olive; green-gray undertone), and I typically tan before I burn. I wear matte liquid foundation + powder + other cosmetics on a daily basis. My skincare routine does not include chemical exfoliants (no retinol, no acids, no peels). At night, I apply a hydrating toner followed by rosehip oil mixed into a thick moisturizer. In the morning, I use the same hydrating toner followed only by SPF.

Derma:B —

• Texture: initially chalky (pasty? paint-like?). The product behaves better when warmed and emulsified. The initial spread lacks creaminess and even coverage. Notice the rigid peak before spreading. It holds its shape indefinitely. It's heavy.
• Appearance: white, thick.
• Fragrance: smells botanical and medicinal in the bottle but the lingering scent on the skin is very reminiscent of American/western sunscreen. It is a nostalgic smell for me as an American, but it is not something I enjoy smelling all the time. Psychologically speaking, the combination of the scent + appearance makes the thought of application almost unappealing (?) It genuinely makes me feel like I'm about to apply a mineral sunscreen.
• Application: not bad. The whiteness dissipates on its own after a few minutes but can be sped up by working the product into the skin. It applies smoothly and evenly, again, after warming and emulsifying.
• Post-Application: kind of yucky, to be honest. To me, it feels like the product sits on the skin as opposed to absorbing into the skin. Perhaps this is a desirable effect for a dewy finish. For me, it is quite an uncomfortable sensation. My face feels almost untouchable and a bit greasy which is the same feeling I get from a dewy foundation or Halloween grease paint. I noticed that my eyelids remained tacky and looked oily throughout the day. While the product does, indeed, dry down after some time, it really does feel like an occlusive moisturizer.

Conclusion —

If you like a dewy look or if your skin is prone to dryness or if you like a moisturizing sunscreen then perhaps you may like this product. For me, this Derma:B product is the direct antithesis to the Nivea sunscreen in the sense that my preference for the Nivea sunscreen is because it is the exact opposite of the Derma:B sunscreen in every way.

While I do not think that Derma:B makes a bad sunscreen, it just doesn't work well for me on a sensory level. Nivea and Derma:B are both priced around $20 USD on Amazon and both contain similar amounts of product (Nivea contains slightly less at 140mL), so the choice really depends on individual preference.

If your skin is like mine or if your textural preferences are like mine or if you have tried & enjoyed Nivea's Super Water Gel then perhaps Derma:B is not the right fit for you.

I am curious to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to discuss below.

Thank you for your time.