Reviews of Mineral Sunscreens Part 2

Context for reviews: I posted a haul of mineral-based sunscreens a few months ago and wanted to share my thoughts so far! Pt 1 is in comments since I’m having technical issues (Isntree, Torriden, Dr.G)

Goals (summarized from previous post):
* Find at least one alternative to Dr. G (my HG, see Pt. 1) since sometimes it’s harder to find in stock

* Find a water-resistant sunscreen, possibly mineral, that doesn’t irritate my skin; this review post also does not any water resistant products. My local outdoor pool just reopened after a hiatus so I expect to test those soon!

Skin type: Combination, acne-prone, sensitive, rosacea type 1. Mid 30s. Pale skin.

Climate: “Mediterranean” according to google, extra hot and very dry spring/summers, mild winters. Lately it has been daily highs of 85-103* F, for example.

Relevant routine notes: 
* Daytime moisturizer under sunscreen and sometimes a serum, such as Aestura Hydro Soothing Cream and Cos De Baha Tranexamic Acid + Niacinamide Serum.
* Double cleanse using a cleansing balm and a water-based cleanser.
* I don’t often wear makeup beyond concealer.
Skin concerns: barrier care, acne, redness, PIE

KEY: WRNP = Would Not Repurchase. MRP = Might Repurchase. WRP = Would/Will Repurchase. HG = Holy Grail/Multiple Repurchases/I Rely On This!

Note: All of these sunscreens contain butyloctyl salicylate, which seems to be generally considered an unregulated chemical sunscreen ingredient; some ingredient sites consider it an “emollient” and others a “sunscreen booster.” I don’t seem to react negatively to this ingredient but I do consider it worth mentioning, given the various factors that many folks seek out mineral sunscreen options.

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Dr. G – Green Mild Up Skin Sun Lotion (Note: not the sun cream version that is more common) spf 50 PA++++
Ingredient List (from Olive Young’s website): Water, Zinc Oxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Bacopa Monnieri Extract, Disiloxane, C13-15 Alkane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trihydroxystearin, Silica, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Tocopherol

Use time: 1 week, some one-off days following

Overall Impressions: It actually looks similar to the Sun Cream version that is more well-known (to my knowledge, in this sub at least) when it comes out of the bottle. It is very easily spread, has a nice slip to it, and feels more immediately moisturizing compared to the cream version. The white cast blends in quite a bit faster than the sun cream, which is a plus. Very Dewy finish that slowly becomes more natural over time. Reapplies well. However, it’s a bit “streaky” and hard to get an even application. I tried adding more layers and still seemed to not get the best coverage. I will use it on my neck and chest. Maybe more geared towards dry skin types or if those who love a dewy finish. (Also, I don’t really rate on price, but this was $29 USD normally, I got it on sale for $20 at Olive Young, so the price was originally too high for my typical budget.)
Rating: WNRP

Benton – Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream spf 50 PA++++
Ingredient List (from Benton’s US website): Aqua (Water), Zinc Oxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caprylyl Methicone, Niacinamide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Calamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Madecassoside, Inositol, Panthenol, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol

Use time: 2 weeks consistently, with additional one-off days after

Overall Impressions: The rosemary aroma is strong out of the tube. However, it disappears fast. It is a lovely semi-loose cream texture, it applies smoothly, easily. Feels very moisturizing. I can wear this comfortably without a moisturizer (at least in summer), and in fact it sometimes felt heavier when I did wear a moisturizer underneath! I noticed sometimes white cast build up gathered in my eyelid creases, which I haven’t noticed with other sunscreens, but otherwise found the white cast to be minimal and easily rubbed in. I would love it if they made a truly unscented version.
Rating: WRP