Introduction
Today, I am reviewing Bioderma’s mineral sunscreen offering, which is unfragranced and for folks that have “Skin allergic to chemical filters”
Damage caused by UVA radiation
A brief reminder of how important UVA filters are in a sunscreen, because most damage is done by UVA radiation.
Happy Skin Days’ sunscreen test
Harmful chemicals (such as BHT, Oxybenzone, Formaldehyde releasing preservatives) are absent. The sunscreen is an SPF 50 (>SPF 30) and has 2 broadspectrum mineral filters (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide). On paper this is a decent sunscreen…
Look and feel of sunscreen
- Does not sting eyes, so easily applies to eye area
- Formulation is hydrating and moisturizing (so no need for additional moisturizer)
- Finish is a slight, but noticeable whitecast that is matte.
- Proves to be difficult to reapply because of whitecast: definitely cannot reapply over make-up.
- No smell at all, and no chalky smell (which is common in mineral sunscreens)
Issues with application
The sunscreen is intentionally a runny liquid because that means fewer ingredients. But because its sooo runny its hard to know how much to apply. This is 0.52g of the mineral sunscreen and 0.62g of the Bioderma’s creme fluid…yes a big difference in the quantity you have to apply to get the SAME PROTECTION. Because remember that sunscreen protection is only working for you if you apply the correct weight to surface area… The technical jargon is 2mg/cm2 will give you the advertised SPF…
Obligatory photos
Would I buy this again?
I am firmly in the chemical sunscreen, so this is not my choice of sunscreen anyway.
Judging this as a mineral sunscreen, there are better products in the market that don’t leave a whitecast.
For example, in the US + Europe, supergoop sunscreen. In India, La Shield SPF 50 is one of the best budge sunscreens I have used. Period.
BUT if you are allergic to most ingredients….
The only advantage (and this is a massive advantage) this sunscreen has is that it lacks preservatives – most people who react to sunscreen are not just reacting to filters, they are reacting to the preservative system.
If you have sensitive skin and are intolerant to most ingredients, then simplicity of this list, may be the thing for you.
Where can I buy this?
UK + Europe: click here
Currently unavailable in India and US
***Sunscreen geek alert***
The filters present are Zinc Oxide (1st listed ingredient) and Titanium Dioxide (6th listed ingredient). Both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are broadspectrum filters that provide protection against UVA and UVB radiation. However, Zinc Oxide is a better UVA filter and Titanium Dioxide is a superior UVB filter.
A side-note on the sunscreen ingredient list…
This is one of the simplest list of ingredients that I have seen for a mineral sunscreen and this is what it essentially comprises of:
- Emollients
- Sunscreen filters and a
- Pigment dispersing mechanism.
- It lacks ingredients that act as preservatives. I think its relying on the tiny nozzle size of the bottle and minimal water to preserve the product…
Complete ingredient list
Zinc Oxide (Nano), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Shea butter oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Isostearyl Isostearate, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Glycerin, Isostearate, Tocopherol, Stearalkonium Hectorige, Aqua, Propylene Carbonate, Glycine Soja (Soyabean) Oil (BI 694)