The last few days have been gloriously sunny in Melbourne and I cannot wait for it to warm up even more! Today’s post is about sunscreen, something that has always been important in a skincare routine, but also seems to be having a moment, with many companies coming out with their own tinted version.

Unfortunately for me, sunscreen continues to be my absolute worst enemy. I often can’t stand the feeling of it. I haven’t found a mineral based one that doesn’t leave a white cast. It also breaks me out more often than not.

As someone who has oily skin, I find almost every sunscreen to be too rich and thick for my liking. I also tan so easily, I find I have to stay protected even when the clouds are out.

I always try to choose products with the best ingredients, however sunscreen is probably the one skincare item where I’m willing to allow a few safe synthetic ingredients into my routine. I currently don’t use one, I wear long sleeve tops and a hat anytime I’m outside.

Sunscreen is tricky in terms of formulation. There are different levels of protection, which comes from the amount of active ingredients, normally zinc or titanium dioxide, included in the formula. There are also different regulations for sunscreen, including how to classify their rating. There have been some well documented instances just recently where brands have had to recall products due to incorrect SPF labelling! It’s all a bit much for me to go into, but here are my personal requirements.

Sunscreen Wish List

• Minimal white cast (As is the nature of Zinc and Titanium dioxide, some white cast will always present, especially in higher SPF)
• Non-nano zinc oxide (blocks ultraviolet-a and b rays) and or titanium dioxide (only blocks ultraviolet-B and short-wave ultraviolet-A rays)
• To err on the side of caution, I avoid sunscreens with ingredients that potentially damage our waterways, including the ocean and reefs. (Research continues in this area and some parties are adamant there is insufficient proof that the ingredients of concern damage coral, while other countries have banned the use of said ingredients completely).
• No scent (essential oil/fragrance. I’m unsure about bisabolol)
• No silicones (most notably dimethicone)
• No parabens/preservatives such as phenoxyethanol (my skin reacts to it)
• Does not cause break outs
• I’d prefer a matte, or a satin finish
• Ideally SPF 20-30 (this can be hard to determine as a consumer, because there are flaws in the way this number can be allocated. I’m not contesting the claims made by the company, but by logic the higher concentration of the active ingredient, the higher the true SPF rating)

I would like to believe that the best method for complete coverage would be to layer different products, each with the maximum amount of SPF possible. That way, I’d hopefully ensure the best chance of full coverage. I also think that having a way to reapply some type of sunscreen, without disrupting makeup would be ideal.

Face Sunscreen / Primer

It’s often recommended that you use a separate sunscreen to your foundation and the main reason for this is because many consumers don’t apply enough of one product to gain the full amount of protection. For me personally, I have never been able to apply the full amount because it either doesn’t rub in, or isn’t wearable under makeup. This is why it makes sense to me to layer a few different products.

Salt & Stone Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 / $29.95 – $18.00 USD for 0.53oz – 15g

Non-nano Zinc Oxide 22.5%

*Contains coconut oil and beeswax

Zatik Solar Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 / $24.00 USD for 1.7fl oz – 50ml

Non-nano Zinc Oxide 10%

*Contains caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 (Non-Tinted) /$24.00 USD for 1 fl oz – 30 ml

Zinc Oxide 20.5%

*Contains Butyloctyl Salicylate

Devita Solar Protect SPF 30 / $31.95 USD  for 1.5 fl oz – 50ml

Zinc Oxide 22.75%

*Contains Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

100% Pure Green Tea SPF 30 / $39.95 AUD – $32.00 USD for 2.8oz – 83ml

Zinc Oxide – no mention of percentage, but it is second on the ingredient deck

Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and coconut oil.

Mother SPF Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 / $42.00 AUD – $32.00 USD for 4.2oz – 120ml

Non Nano Zinc Oxide. No mention of percentage but it is first on the ingredient deck

*Contains Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride and coconut oil.

Ao 6000X Elemental Screen SPF30 / $45.00 NZD – $41.55 AUD (Approx) for 2oz – 57ml

Micronised Zinc Oxide 18.9%

*Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Manuka Honey. Also contains Polysorbate.

Erin’s Face Peptide SPF30 / $52.31 AUD (Approx) – $40.00 USD for 2oz – 60ml

Titanium Dioxide 5%, Zinc Oxide 5%

Laboratoires de Biarritz Suncare Organic – Alga Maris Sun Lotion SPF 50 / 22.90 EURO for 100ml

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide – no mention of percentage but they are 2nd and 5th respectively

*Contains coconut oil and coconut alkanes.

Eco Cosmetics Sun Lotion Neutral SPF 50 / 21.99 EURO 100ml

Titanium Dioxide – no percentage mentioned but it is 1st in the ingredient deck

*Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Also contains bisabolol. Zinc oxide free formula.

Eco Cosmetics Facial Sun Gel SPF 30 / 24.99 EURO 30ml

Titanium Dioxide – no mention of percentage, is 3rd in ingredient deck.

Zinc oxide free formula.

Loïs Lee Screen Sun Screen SPF 20 / 65.00 EUROS for 1.7oz – 50ml

Non-nano Zinc Oxide 10% (patented plant based coating)

*Contains Polyhydroxystearic Acid (rated low hazard by the Cosmetics Database, very little information. Known to cause bioaccumulation, use limited in Canada).

AKT Therapy Elemental Day Balm SPF 30 / $69.95 AUD – $48.00 USD 1oz – 30ml

Non-nano, uncoated Zinc Oxide USP 25%

*Contains beeswax

Lepaar Elemental Day Silk / $75.00 AUD – $57.99 USD for 1oz – 30ml

12% Non-Nano Zinc oxide

*Contains beeswax. This is one I have tried and I found it far too rich for my skin. It also leaves a very noticeable white cast unless you use the barest amount. No official SPF rating.

Hynt Beauty Sun Prep SPF25-30 / $78.95 AUD – $55.00 USD for 1.7oz – 50ml

Titanium Dioxide 9%

*Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Also contains bisabolol.

Note – In their description they claim SPF25 but on the label of the pictured product it says SPF30. Another thing to note, is that titanium dioxide blocks ultraviolet-B and short-wave ultraviolet-A rays, but is less effective at blocking long ultraviolet-A rays.

Nuori Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 / $88.00 NZD – $59.00 USD for 1.7oz – 50ml

Zinc Oxide. Quantity is not specified but it is second in the ingredient deck

* Contains Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Caprylate / Caprate. Origin of the Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides citrate not specified. Hydroxyacetophenone is a synthetic antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient.

Kari Gran Essential SPF 28 / $98.00 AUD (Approx) – 75.00 USD for 1.7oz – 50ml

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 17%, Titanium Dioxide included but no percentage

*Contains beeswax. Not vegan.

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 / $139.00 AUD – $80 USD for 1.7oz – 50ml

Zinc Oxide. They don’t specify percentage but they are tested and approved as SPF 30 and Broad Spectrum by an FDA Registered Laboratory in accordance with FDA regulation

*Contains synthetic Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer and polyester-8 (not much information regarding this ingredient, but their own website claims it absorbs UV). Also contains Butyloctyl Salicylate.

Odacité Sun Guardian Day Crème SPF 30 / $129.95 AUD – $65.00 USD for 1.69oz -50ml

Zinc Oxide 22% and Titanium Dioxide 2.3%

*Contains caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Kypris Pot of Shade: Heliotropic SPF 30 / $229.87 AUD – $175.00 USD 2.3oz – 68ml

Non Nano Zinc Oxide 20%

*Contains Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, coconut alkanes, coco-caprylate/caprate. Also contains bisabolol.

Cosmetic Sunscreen

Tinted sunscreens often use pigment to help avoid the white cast left by Zinc and Titanium Dioxide. They’re also great for people who want coverage, similar to a tinted moisturiser. The only issue is that the amount required for full protection remains the same, and more often than not the correct amount is not applied. Consider that while most of these contain SPF, it is still recommended that you apply a separate one first, or apply the recommended amount.

People4Ocean Sun Care Zinc Stick SPF 50 / $16.95 AUD for 25g

Zinc Oxide 200 mg/g & Titanium Dioxide 80 mg/g

*Contains Coconut oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 (Tinted) / $24.00 USD for 1 fl oz – 30 ml

Zinc Oxide 20%

*Contains Butyloctyl Salicylate and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein / PVP Crosspolymer

Winki Zinc Tinted Base SPF 30 / $25.00 AUD for 25g

EcoCert zinc oxide – no mention of percentages but it is 1st in the ingredient deck

*Contains fractionated coconut oil and beeswax. These are available in both stick and tin form.

Wotnot Naturals Natural Face Sunscreen SPF 40 / $29.99 AUD for 60g – 2.1oz

Zinc oxide 250mg/g

I have been trying this and while yes, it’s a much nicer finish than most sunscreens, the two shade range is hugely disappointing. It’s far too light for me, so clearly does not work for a huge proportion of the population.

Simplicité Sun and Surf Tinted Paste SPF 30 / $29.95 AUD for 55g

Zinc Oxide – no mention of percentage, but it is 2nd on the ingredient deck

AKT Therapy D-Luxe Daily Bronzer SPF 30 / $39.95 AUD – $29.00 USD for 30g – 10z

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 25%

*Contains beeswax

Avocado Zinc Natural Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50 / $40.00 AUD for 50ml – 1.7 fl oz

Zinc Oxide 227.5 mg/g (22.75%) & Titanium Dioxide 20mg/g

*Contains coco-caprylate, coconut oil, hydrogenated castor oil

W3ll People Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer SPF 30 / $30.00 USD for 1.2oz – 35.5ml

Zinc Oxide 20%

*Contains Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and 1% or less of coconut oil. Also contains bisabolol.

I’m Fabulous Cosmetics Organic Bio Liquid Foundation SPF 30 / $59.00 USD for 30ml

Zinc Oxide – no mention of the percentage but it is 3rd on the ingredient deck

Laboratoires de Biarritz Suncare Organic – Alga Maris Tinted Face Sun Cream SPF 50 / €22.90 for 50ml

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide – no mention of percentages but they are 2nd and 4th respectively.

*Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, coconut alkanes, coco-caprylate/caprate

Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 / $68.00 AUD – $48.00 USD for 1oz – 30ml

Zinc Oxide 12%, may contain Titanium Dioxide but no percentage

*Contains Butyloctyl Salicylate.

Suntegrity Impeccable Skin SPF 30 / $86.00 AUD – $55.00 USD for 20z – 56.7g

Zinc Oxide 15%, Titanium Dioxide included but as pigment

*Contains an animal-derived or synthetic compound called Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate and Propylene Carbonate, derived from propylene glycol. Also contains bisabolol.

This has one of the nicest finishes I’ve ever found in a sunscreen, as long as you don’t try to apply too much. While they do have a little more choice when it comes to their shade range, I still find it to be lacking in diversity, but also undertone.

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Tinted SPF 30 / $156.00 AUD – $90.00 USD for 1.7oz – 50ml

Zinc Oxide. They don’t specify percentage but they are tested and approved as SPF 30 and Broad Spectrum by an FDA Registered Laboratory in accordance with FDA regulation

*Contains synthetic Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer and polyester-8 (not much information regarding this ingredient, but their own website claims it absorbs UV). Also contains Butyloctyl Salicylate.

Mineral Makeup 

A personal favourite of mine back in the day, but it’s very hard to determine true SPF rating because they don’t often specify ratios of Zinc or Titanium Dioxide. Also consider how much is actually applied, which also affects the efficacy of the product. Look for products with Zinc and Titanium Dioxide listed first. A possible option if you need to mattify a dewy finish sunscreen and add extra coverage.

Inika Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 25 / $59.00 AUD – $45.00 USD for 8g

Mica, Zinc Oxide, May Contain (+/-) Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007)

Eco Minerals Flawless Matte Mineral Foundation SPF 25 / $47.00 AUD – $35.77 USD for 8g

Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Kaolin +/- Iron Oxides, Ultramarine Blue, Tin Oxide

Eco Minerals Perfection Dewy Mineral Foundation SPF 25 / $47.00 AUD – $35.77 USD for 8g

Mica, Zinc Oxide +/- Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ultramarines

Finishing/Setting Products

Seriously Fab Zinc it Over SPF 25 / $54.97 AUD (Approx) – $42.00 USD for 3oz – 90ml

Zinc Oxide 5%

Suntegrity Pressed Mineral Powder Compact SPF 50 / $62.83 AUD (Approx) – $48.00 USD 0.51oz – 14.5g

Zinc Oxide 25%

*You can buy this as refill only for $44.50 AUD/34.00 USD.

This mattifies skin so well, but can start to show up if you try to layer it 3 or so times. I don’t know how it would go under flash photography.

Ilia Beauty Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20 / $44.50 AUD (Approx) $34.00 USD for 0.24oz – 7g

Zinc Oxide 14 (I think this means 14% but you’d have to confirm with the company)

Earthwise Beauty Farizad’s Sun Reflector / $52.50 AUD – $40.00 USD for 0.37oz – 10.5g

Non-nano uncoated zinc oxide 94%

*Quite a few caveats for me: This formula is scented, but the company does claim if you leave the lid off the jar for a few days, it should dissipate. The SPF rating can not be determined because it relies on how much the consumer applies. This powder is designed to be mixed with a face oil or oil-based serum. It is recommended to mix between 1/32 to 1/16 teaspoon with several drops of face oil. I don’t see why you couldn’t use this as a finishing powder, or if you’d achieve much SPF rating this way. I have asked someone who owns this product and they say that it leaves a white cast unless buffed on in very small amounts.

Larkly Suncare Mineral Powder Face Sunscreen SPF 30 / $32.00 USD for 0.21 oz – 6g

Titanium Dioxide 21% + Zinc Oxide 15%

Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride & Sebacic Acid Copolymer (derived either from coconut, castor oil or synthetically)

After a long slog, I think I have finally been able to narrow down a list of sunscreens that might be an option for me. If you’ve noticed that there are a few of the more well known brands left out, it’s because they include some ingredients I actively avoid.

As many of these are actually quite hard for me to purchase, I’ll have to slowly work through this wishlist to find what works for me! Hopefully though, if your sunscreen requirements are similar to mine, this will give you a more streamlined list of what your choices could be. Otherwise let me know if there are any good sunscreens you’ve found!