There’s so much going on right now. I hope you are all well and safe. I’m posting again to distract myself a bit. Last year, I was searching for reef-safe face sunscreen for our Siargao trip. I came across Derma E’s website and saw their Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen. Luckily, it’s available at Healthy Options here in the Philippines along with their other products.
Description from Derma E’s website:
With clear, nanoparticle-free Zinc Oxide, this formula provides safe, chemical-free broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection without irritating skin or clogging pores. Fortified with antioxidants Vitamin C and Green Tea — nutrients that have been shown to offer an additional layer of UV protection, help skin recover after sun exposure and fight and reduce the signs of aging for vibrant, younger-looking skin. Ideal for daily use alone or under makeup, this formula glides on evenly, absorbs quickly and leaves a sheer, lightweight, non-greasy finish. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, sensitivity tested, fragrance-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, GMO-free and 100% vegan.
Ingredients aside from Zinc Oxide 20%:
Pros:
– Fairly priced at Php 825 for 56 grams
– Available locally at Healthy Options
– Easy to apply
– Doesn’t add up to my skin’s oiliness
– Has a slight sheen, not matte
– Oil-free
– Feels light on the skin
– No artificial fragrance and no essential oils
– Did not trigger my contact dermatitis
– Did not cause breakouts during our 5-day beach trip
– Protected my skin and spots from burning and from further darkening
Cons:
– It’s brand new but the seal was already removed from tube.
– Clogs my pores after a few days when I use it here in the city
– It pills if applied too much
The consistency is a bit lotion-y that glides on easily. Make sure to shake the bottle first. It has a slight sheen to it. I blot my skin with tissue after and it still has the glowing healthy look. It still has the sunscreen texture but it’s lightweight. It doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin. It didn’t clog my pores nor cause breakouts when I used it for 5 days at the beach. I did not sweat as much even if we also had a whole day of land tour. I was wearing a cap most of the time and the lower part of my face was still exposed to the sun. My face did not get a tan and my hyperpigmentations even on the chin area did not get darker. That’s how I can tell that this product worked.
I really wanted to use this daily when I get back to reality but I can’t. The city’s humidity, pollution, activities like commuting and the sweat add up to clog my pores. I still keep my face bare, no moisturizers or sunscreen. I wear a cap when I’m going out.
This is free of artificial fragrance and essential oils. Benzyl Alcohol is third to the last in the ingredients list. Meaning it has least concentration. Most natural products have it as replacement for parabens and fragrance. I did not have allergic reaction to this product. I’m just putting it out there in case anyone has an allergy to this specific alcohol type.
This sunscreen pills like when you use a pencil eraser as you can see on the photos above. You really have to estimate how much sunscreen you need to avoid the pilling from happening. That usually happens with non-nano zinc oxide. It’s best to apply it gradually to avoid pilling. The seal wasn’t attached to the tube and the sales associate said it usually happens with this product. It would be better for Derma E to put it in the box facing upwards instead of facing down. Zinc oxide is a bit sticky so that might have loosen the seal. Double cleansing is the best way to remove it completely. Use a cleansing oil/water first then proceed to facial wash.
Other than that, it’s a good sunscreen. I also tried using this under makeup and it doesn’t interfere with my matte base. This sunscreen is zinc oxide based which works well for my sensitive skin and it’s reef-safe. I would’ve used this daily if the weather here is not humid and if I don’t commute. My oily skin can’t take any kind of sunscreen and heat at the same time. This would’ve been the best face sun protection for me.
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