This is just a review on sunscreens in my current rotation. All sunscreens mentioned are chemical. I have extremely sensitive/reactive, combination, and acne prone skin. My complexion is dark/deep.
P.CALM Water Barrier Sun Cream (SPF 50+ PA++++) – This is my favorite daily sunscreen. The texture is creamy and similar to a cream moisturizer that’s not too light or heavy. It doesn’t cause acne flareups or irritation and is moisturizing without clogging pores. This does leave the face a little shiny, but the shine calms down some on its own or is remedied with makeup powder on days I wear makeup. When I am bare faced, I never feel like it’s so shiny that I shouldn’t be seen by anyone. It’s more of a radiance. I wear this over moisturizer in the colder months and alone in warmer months. There is no white cast or fragrance. I repurchase regularly.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin-Relief Sun Cream (SPF 50+ PA++++) – This sunscreen has become my go-to back up. The texture is similar to a light lotion, but it appears thicker coming out of the tube. I was concerned because it initially looked white on my skin, but after applied, there is no white cast. It doesn’t leave skin matte or shiny. My skin had a natural healthy moisturized finish. I do not detect a scent. I am not sure if I would wear this alone or over moisturizer in the warmer months since it is a lighter texture. I will post any updates here. Please note that T-butyl Alcohol is an ingredient. The alcohol is at the bottom of the list and has not caused any problems for me. The sunscreen does not pill, works well under makeup, over moisturizer, and provides good protection from tanning and burning. I will repurchase.
Scinic Super Mild Sun Essence (SPF 50+ PA++++) – The Scinic sunscreen has a soft lotion texture. The color is light yellow, but there is no cast left on the skin. It left a slight shine that dulls down nicely and is moisturizing. There is no noticeable scent. I used this without moisturizer in the warmer months. I really liked this sunscreen, but after sweating or being exposed to the sun for a longer period of time, it greatly irritated my skin especially after reapplication. I can no longer wear it on my face. However, I use it for my body and tattoo daily with no issues. The sunscreen does not pill, works well under makeup, over moisturizer, and provides good protection from tanning and burning. I repurchase regularly.
Dr. G Red Blemish Soothing Up Sun (SPF 50+ PA+++) – The Dr. G sunscreen has a UVA protection grade of 3 “pluses” instead of four “pluses” like the others mentioned. It feels like a light cream. The sunscreen surprisingly did not leave any shine after applied and also didn’t make my skin look matte. It was just sort of invisible. There was no noticeable scent. Although I couldn’t see the shine of sunscreen on my face, it felt like a layer of silicone was sitting on top of my skin. After 20-30 minutes, it just would not sink it. It just always felt like an oil slick that I needed to wipe off. I don’t know how well this sunscreen does outdoors in the sun and with reapplying. I will no longer use this on my face, but will carry it in my bag for body until I run out. I will not repurchase.
Soon Jung X Director’s Moisture Sun Cream (SPF 50+ PA++++) – I wanted to love this. The Soon Jung sunscreen has a medium thickness cream texture, is moisturizing, can be worn alone or over moisturizer, and leaves a slight glow to the skin. It feels wonderful, but it causes acne flareups for me. So, I can no longer wear it on my face. This sunscreen is also more expensive than the others mentioned unless you get it on sale. I also noticed that the new tubes feel like they are half empty. I know product settles, but I haven’t experienced settling to this degree with any of the other sunscreens. There is no detectable scent or white cast. The sunscreen does not pill, works well under makeup, over moisturizer, and provides good protection from tanning and burning. Because of the acne issues, I will use the remaining tubes on my body and won’t repurchase.
by Gingercakes1922