This sunscreen is one of the cheapest sunscreens on the market. For November, DECIEM (the Ordinary’s parent company) run a 23% promotion, so the current price is US$ 9 from US$ 12. Click on this link to purchase.
What damages are we trying to protect against when we use sunscreens?
Sunscreens contain UV filters. I like the EU definition which is, ‘UV-filters’ means substances which are exclusively or mainly intended to protect the skin against certain UV radiation by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV radiation
Happy Skin Days’ sunscreen test
I apply this very basic test to all sunscreens that I test on this blog.
1) Are harmful chemicals present?
The harmful chemicals that I look for are specifically BHT, Oxybenzone, Formaldehyde releasing preservatives and parabens. This sunscreen has none of these.
2) This product is at least a SPF 30.
3) What are the UVA and UVB filters present in this product?
The filters present are Titanium Dioxide (5.44%) and Zinc Oxide (14.03%). Looking at the texture and look and feel of the sunscreen, it appears that the Zinc Oxide is definitely non-micronised/ non-nano sized. That is, its normal sized Zinc Oxide.
I think the same is true for the Titanium Dioxide in the formulation – if this is incorrect, give me a shout – but I am assuming its non-micronised and non-nano sized.
Both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide have a long track record of safe use when topically applied. Both are photostable (do not breakdown in UV radiation) and are not absorbed into the skin. Even if de minimis penetration of (e.g.) Zinc Oxide occurs, there are no adverse health effects, given the high levels of endogenous Zinc already present in the body. While both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are broadspectrum filters, Titanium Dioxide is the better UVB filter and Zinc Oxide is the better UVA filter
Aesthetics of the sunscreen
Smell: not chalky but an oily/neutral smell. Its not fragrance free because given the amount of Zinc Oxide in the product it should smell a bit like chalk (and it doesn’t).
Skin feel is almost dry and matte – which is fine for the first hour or so. Reapplication only adds to the dry skin feel. I wouldn’t use if you have dry skin.
Would I buy this sunscreen again?
My only issue with this sunscreen is that it sticks to your skin as if it were a waterproof foundation. I struggled to remove this sunscreen and I had to double cleanse and I still wasn’t sure if I had removed all the sunscreen.
Therefore, if you have sensitive or dry skin (both of which you should not be washing excessively anyway), perhaps its best to skip this product.
Available for sale on the Ordinary website which are running their annual 23% promotion for November.
See also