Bello Photostable sunscreen SPF 40+ PA+++

Happy Skin Day’s sunscreen test…

Q1) Are harmful chemicals present in the product?

A concoction of parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- and isobutyl-) are used in this sunscreen. Parabens are cheap and effective preservatives that are endocrine system disruptors (estrogen mimickers). See also Chemicals to Avoid – Parabens. I would add that while India permits the use of isobutylparaben, it is banned in cosmetics (including sunscreens) in the EU.

If you don’t care about parabens keep reading…

Q2) Is the product an SPF 30?

Yes.

Q3) Does the product contain UVA and UVB filters?

Its vital that sunscreens contain “UV filters” that protect our skin by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UVA and UVB rays, as both rays have been definitively linked to photoaging and skin cancer.

The harmful effects of over-exposure to UVA and UVB are:

This product has great filters…

This product formulation uses superior UVA filters that are photostable and offer protection against UVA 1 rays – most of UVR is UVA1. I really like this formulation. Previously I have mentioned that I do not look at the PA rating of a product that is made in India. The PA rating indicates the level of protection against UVA rays. In this product its PA+++, which indicates the product is very effective against UVA.

Given the superior nature of the UVA filters, the product does provide PA+++ protection if not more. (See also What is PA++++ for more information).

Other observations

The product blends in without leaving a white cast, which is what you would expect. It does have a slight thick texture and its nothing moderately vigorous blending does not get rid of.

The recommended storage temperature of the product is 30 C, so be sure this product in a cool place, which excludes your handbag over the summer.

Closing remarks

I have now looked at close to 200 sunscreen labels and there are very few sunscreens that have such an excellent formulation of filters. At the time of writing, the recommended retail price is Rs 525 for 75g (or US$ 8 for 75g) and this is an absolute bargain.

However, it is not the policy of this blog to recommend sunscreens with parabens, especially when so many brands manage to do without this ingredient. If you find your completely fine with the paraben risk, then I would add this to your sunscreen list.