

This means that when oxybenzone is exposed to sunlight (which is the main purpose of using it!), it can cause an itchy rash or other skin reaction in certain people. “It also very commonly causes a photoallergic or irritant reaction,” adds Dr. That’s because some studies suggest oxybenzone may alter hormone levels in both animals and humans. “One of the things we worry about is that it could disrupt the endocrine system-it might be a kind of hormone disruptor,” says Susan Chon, M.D., professor of dermatology at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. However, research shows that oxybenzone can end up in the bloodstream once it’s absorbed by the skin, and scientists are still trying to figure out if that has any consequences for overall health. Oxybenzone is a chemical that absorbs the sun’s UV rays when applied to the skin, so they can’t penetrate the skin underneath to do damage. What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen? What does “water resistant” really mean? What level of SPF should you use? Why is everyone talking about oxybenzone? All these factors can impact your skin, but the question of oxybenzone goes much deeper than that. At $12 for a 3 oz, people with lighter complexions would love this SPF, but it’s not a product for richer skin tones.There’s always some confusion in the sunscreen aisle. The brand nailed the weightless part, but Ultra Sheer is not sheer enough for my skin the white cast I had was incredibly noticeable. Typically at the forefront of accessible and effective skin care, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 is a chemical sunscreen that is formulated to provide broad spectrum protection, absorbing into the skin quickly for an invisible, weightless feel. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 For 3 fl.oz and $13, this gem of a sunscreen has quickly become one of my favorites. Vegan and cruelty-free, this chemical SPF has a thin texture, it can be rubbed in with very little effort, and it doesn’t leave a tint on the skin.

Thankfully, the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion is one of the best budget-friendly sunscreens I've used.

Khera Alexander Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotionĭrugstore sunscreens can be hit or miss you may not get everything you’re looking for from one product, but its affordability can tip the scale. At $32.50 for 1.7 oz, I think it’s priced well, but EltaMD has other products that flatter my complexion and deeper skin tones much better.Ī look at the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen underneath makeup. The formula feels amazing on the skin and it dries with a matte finish, but it’s not entirely transparent - though my skin had a super subtle white cast, it was a white cast nonetheless. Having used EltaMD sunscreens before, I was hoping that the UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 would be another must-have mineral SPF from the brand, but this one needs a little tweaking. This sunscreen is priced at $32 for 1.7 oz, which, for the right person, is a reasonable price. I think this SPF is great, but it’s too rich for me - the sunscreen left a slight film on my skin and I felt like I looked a bit too shiny. When I applied the product, it blended in easily, didn’t leave a white cast, and it also felt lightweight. COOLA Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30Ī chemical sunscreen that’s also formulated with 70% organic ingredients, COOLA’s Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, reef safe, and provides broad spectrum protection. Ahead, I break down each sunscreen, share my experience, and let you know if they’re brown skin friendly. Right now, the market is buzzing with sunscreens from a number of brands, but which ones meet my skin care requirements, and which ones would be great for Black and brown skin? I decided to try 10 of the most popular sunscreens - both higher-end and budget friendly - that are available to shop right now and put them to the ultimate test. Personally, I never thought that was a tall order, but it’s good to see more brands innovating and challenging what we typically know sunscreen to be. To love and wear an SPF every day, I have a few non-negotiables: I need a shine-free finish, a comfortable feel, a product that’s good for sensitive skin, zero breakouts, and most importantly, no white tint. However, I still have my own personal checklist of quality sunscreens. Now, I never skip a day plus, with the number of brands to choose from currently, like Blue Lizard Sunscreen, Supergoop! EltaMD, and more, I feel more confident when searching. I’d use a product and either experience a breakout, sport a visible white cast, or look a little too greasy and take a break until I found something else. Although I’m a beauty writer, I started consistently wearing SPF a little late in the game.
