Where to purchase: Boots: LINK
Price: £5.50
Volume: 50ml
Made in: The UK.
What is it?: A Hydrating and Sensitive Skin-aimed Sunblock Cream, providing high UVA and UVB sun protection.
NOTE: This has a 5 UVA Star Rating (The highest level) aka (similar to PA++++).
What does it do?: Moisturise, Hydrate and provide sun protection (and extra brightening with Niacinamide).
Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types (Even Sensitive Skins).
What I think: I would agree this could work with Sensitive (not sensitised due to the inclusion of organic/chemical filters) skins, but I definitely think Dry skins would prefer this over Oily Skins.
Vegan?: Yes.
Cruelty Free?: Yes.
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.
Packaging: Plastic Tube (made from 50% recycled plastic) with a cap (Easy to travel with) and easy to use.
Directions: Apply 15 minutes before going into the sun and re-apply every 1-2 hours and after swimming towelling. Apply 1 teaspoon full of product for the face and neck and rub in well. More information HERE.
NOTE: The brand states that One tube contains 10 Applications (I wish more companies included this information!).
How I use it: I applied this in the AM before working out. It wasn’t a good idea as this product makes me look very shiny and reflective so I already looked hot and sweaty before working out and looked worse after.
SPF Filters: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) UVA, Octocrylene UVB + UVAII, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano] (Tinosorb M) UVA + UVB, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S) UVA + UVB, Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate) UVB, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (Uvasorb HEB) UVA + UVB.
NOTE: This contains the Sunscreen Filter: Tinosorb M (chemical + physical filter) which leaves a white cast on the skin (an issue for my skin tone and darker skin tones).
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Brightening, Hydrating and Moisturising) + Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Antioxidant and Brightening) + Grape Seed Oil (Antioxidant and Moisturising) + Ginseng Root Extract (Antioxidant) + Shea Butter (Moisturising).
Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water), C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Butylene glycol, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [nano], Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Niacinamide, Diethylhexyl butamido triazone, Cetearyl alcohol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer, Tribehenin, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Decyl glucoside, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Methylparaben, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter, Xanthan gum, Tocopheryl acetate, Ethylparaben, Vitis vinifera (Grape) seed oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric acid, Propylene glycol, Panax ginseng root extract, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium hydroxide.
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: This has a lightweight, moisturising texture. It very much feels very similar to the Bondi Sands Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF50. It spreads far and is easy to rub into the skin but it doesn’t mattify or fully settle down, it constantly feels shiny and dewy on the skin. See the images and swatch video below to see this texture.
Sticky?: No.
Greasy?: Yes! This has no oil-control and makes me look GREASY.
Balls up?: This didn’t ball up for me.
- As you can see initially this looks like a creamy moisturising cream. This does not run down the hand.
- While spreading, this still looks like a moisturising cream. It’s easy to spread along the skin however.
- The more I spread the product out, the more you can see the potential white cast emerging.
No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)
- Once the product has settled some more, you can see the reflective/dewy finish and semi-white cast that remains on the skin (I have warm-golden toned skin).
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: Yes, due to the Niacinamide and chemical filters included.
Summer or Winter?: Dry Skins = all year round. Oily Skins = Dry weather.
Layerable?: Yes (this didn’t ball up for me as it doesn’t have a mattifying, powdery finish).
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this has a creamy, moisturising texture. It does have a dewy/shiny finish.
Fragrance?: Fragrance + EO Free. This doesn’t smell bad, it simply smells like a typical soapy SPF.
Good Under Makeup?: For Dry Skin = Yes. (May feel too oily for oily skins + foundation).
How long have I been using this?: I couldn’t keep using this after using for a week.
Will I use until Completion?: No (I might not even use this on the hands).
The Effect?: Definitely moisturised skin, but also greasy-feeling skin and a white-cast and shiny finish.
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Cruelty-Free
- Moisturising
- Didn’t ball up with me
- Didn’t irritate my skin
- Lightweight
- Affordable price
What I don’t like:
- Greasy finish
- I look too dewy
- White cast (on my warm golden tone skin)
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 2.5/5 – This Sunblock did not suit my skin tone (did not like the white cast) and did not suit my skin type and this hot weather (very dewy/shiny finish). I cannot continue using this product as I find it too uncomfortable on my skin. It’s great that it’s cruelty-free and is fragrance and essential-oil free and I didn’t get any crazy balling up with this either; so that’s why I don’t think this is a failed product, but it would better suit dry skins and those in very dry weather.
Note: If I had to choose a Boots Sunblock; I much prefer the Boots Age Defence SPF (Review HERE).
Would I repurchase?: No.
Dupe?: I’d put this on the same texture and finish range as the Avène Very High Protection Anti-Ageing SPF 50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin (Review HERE) – See the Reel Swatch Below.
- The Bondi Sands SPF50 Face Sunscreen Lotion is very similar in texture (highly moisturising, without the white cast) – Fragrance Free HERE.
- If you have Dry Skin + want a K-beauty Dupe: Then the Beauty of Joseon Rice Sunblock SPF50+ is very similar in texture (no white cast or fragrance) Review: HERE
- Something more comfortable for Combination Skin-types is the Etude – Soon Jung x Director’s Sun Cream SPF50+ (No white cast or fragrance) Review HERE.
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
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My Skincare Regime 