Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

Product Information

One thing to keep in mind: This SPF is formulated without synthetic fragrances but it definitely has a scent. “This sunscreen has a strong, lemony scent. It's not terribly overwhelming, but it is fairly strong,” our tester admits. “It would be nice if the manufacturer forewarned shoppers on the tube that it’s scented.” The finish is dewy. Due to the oil content this Biossance sunscreen does leave a shiny, dewy finish. White Cast

You've heard it time and time again: Daily application of sunscreen is non-negotiable and that goes for all skin tones. The problem is too many sunscreens don't exactly work for darker skin tones. Yes, we all know it too well: you apply sunscreen only to look in the mirror to find that odd, white-ish gray film all over because the formula wasn't made to blend into melanin-rich skin. And the truth is, this shouldn't be the case. An unfortunate effect of this problem is that people with brown skin tend to just skip sunscreen altogether, but according to experts that's a big no-no. You may want to find another sunscreen if you’ll be engaging in water activities though, because it’s not water-resistant. “I would recommend this to someone looking for [high-quality] daily facial sunscreen, but I wouldn't recommend this as your go-to sun protection on long summer days at the beach,” our tester concludes. The good news is that Biossance obtains their squalane from 100% plant-based, renewable sugarcane, which is then bio-fermented to create a beautiful end result — highly stable, totally sustainable and eco-friendly squalane. According to a publication in the journal Advances in Food and Nutrition Research , anticancer, antioxidant, detoxifying, skin hydrating, and emollient activities of both squalene and squalane have been reported both in animal models and in vitro environments. And a similar Biossance Sunscreen review says, “I used this product twice; both times I had facial swelling and horrible itching and redness.” Our VerdictIf you're feeling like right now is the perfect time to really look into what ingredients you're putting on your body, you're in good company with the FDA. The Food and Drug Administration is proposing major chances to sunscreen regulations, sharing that the only SPF active ingredients that are officially recognized as safe and effective are those found in mineral sun protection: zinc oxide and titanium oxide.

Key Ingredients:Avobenzone, Homosalate,Octisalate, Octocrylene, Carrot Juice, Sun Flower Oil, Cacao In addition to being super comfortable, we found that this SPF, while not marketed as water-resistant, does maintain its coverage in the presence of water. “This sunscreen seems to repel the water, making it roll off of my skin,” our tester adds, noting that spritzing her SPF-covered skin didn’t cause the product to run or drip. If that statement rings true for you, it's time to consider a physical sunscreen with non-chemical shields. They reduce the risk of irritation to practically zero, due to "organic, inert, and hypoallergenic" formulas, Dr. Mudgil explains. Incidentally, sunscreens that don't contain chemical protectants are generally healthier for coral reefs. (In fact, Hawaii banned the sale of products with chemical filters oxybenzone and octinoxate altogether.) However, take the term "reef-safe" with a grain of salt, as it's not regulated. And another 5-star Biossance Sunscreen review says, “Wonderful — not greasy yet moisturizing!! This left no white cast either on my skin.” Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Biossance Sunscreen is right for you.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 35

Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ might not look like the highest quality SPF on the market, but inside the tube you’ll find a lighter-weight reef-safe sunscreen that feels considerably better than most of its competitors. “The consistency is really smooth — it spreads easily compared to other reef-safe sunscreens I've tried and absorbs almost immediately without a white cast [anywhere in sight],” our tester says. However, the amount made and retained in the skin decreases over time. It peaks in our teens and then starts to decline in our 20’s, leaving skin rough, dry, and vulnerable.