A dermatologist reviews 8 Australian sunscreens
IMAGE VIA @MOTHERSPF/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
An expert opinion.
I’ve been through the ringer when it comes to skincare. As someone with partly oily, partly dry and partly acne-prone skin, I usually consider myself well-versed in the importance of a good skincare regimen.
I’ve found a trusty facemask for when my skin has broken out, a hydrating serum that gets me through the dry winter and a good face wash that I can actually afford to replace once it’s run out. But thinking about it, the one product that I haven’t given much attention to is arguably the most important one of them all: a good facial sunscreen.
We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more.
Scrolling through the endless virtual aisles of facial sunscreens can be intimidating. How can you be sure it won’t make you break out? At what step should it sit in your skincare routine? And how do you know what best suits your skin type?
To help answer my questions, and to provide an honest review of some of the top products on the market, I turned to Dr Shammi Theesan, a leading dermatologist and founder of ODE Dermatology.
Immediately, Dr Shammi advises that in both summer and winter, facial sunscreen should be reapplied every three to four hours. (I straight away make a mental note to set a recurring reminder on my phone).
As part of your morning routine, facial sunscreen should be the last product you use before applying makeup. But that doesn’t mean you can’t apply it at other stages too. “Layering sunscreen is a good method, so you might put two layers to get a higher SPF,” Dr Shammi advises.
It seems simple enough, but we still have the lingering question of which product is best? After putting eight Australian facial sunscreens to Dr Shammi for review, here’s what she had to say about each.
Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF30 Skinscreen 75ml
View this post on Instagram
With 4.6 stars on Adore Beauty and a cruelty-free formula, the Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF30 Skinscreen seems like a trusty skincare staple. As Dr Shammi notes, this sunscreen is broad spectrum, meaning it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
But it’s not her favourite on the market. “I don’t love it because it is full of chemical UV blockers,” she says. “[I’m] not a fan of chemical UV blockers. Because for people with sensitive skin, you’re more [likely to] have a higher tendency to react to it.”
Get it here.
Mother Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
View this post on Instagram
Made using only nine ingredients, all of which are sustainably sourced and certified organic, the Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 is another one with high online ratings. It also comes with a moderate price tag, as well as a reef and eco-friendly guarantee.
Though it has a lower sun protection factor, Dr Shammi advises you can combat this by layering the product.
Get it here.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula
View this post on Instagram
What personally stands out to me with Mecca Cosmetica’s To Save Face SPF50+ facial sunscreen is the affordable price tag and rave reviews. Described as a “non-greasy and lightweight facial sunscreen”, it’s also vegan, offers SPF50+ protection and comes with a matte finish.
However, Dr Shammi is careful to point out that while its lightweight formula may mean it’s okay for acne-prone skin, “[there are] lots of chemical blockers in its UV filters.”
Get it here.
We are Feel Good Good Morning SPF 50
View this post on Instagram
The Good Morning SPF 50 sunscreen by We are Feel Good is Australian-owned and -made, and Dr Shammi says that because it uses jojoba and squalene, it will feel nice on skin. However, she also notes that it has a high amount of the active ingredient homosalate and contains octyl salicylate, both of which are chemical UV blockers.
“I don’t like all these chemical blockers,” Dr Shammi says. “I think they do irritate the skin a bit more.”
Get it here.
Liberty Belle Superstar® SPF 50+ Face & Body Sunscreen
View this post on Instagram
Though it comes with a price tag of $65, the Liberty Belle Superstar SPF 50+ Face and Body Sunscreen is one of Dr Shammi’s standouts. “It’s a pure zinc sunscreen [and it] doesn’t have any of those chemical UV filters,” she explains. “It’s also got four hours of water resistance [and] it doesn’t have too many things that are going to be washed off into our oceans and affect us.”
“For our acne patients, it’s a good one,” she adds.
Get it here.
The Kind Sunscreen
View this post on Instagram
The Kind Sunscreen has me ready to commit based on its aesthetic design alone, and it’s another one that Dr Shammi likes. “The Kind Sunscreen [is a] good one; I like the fact that it is all zinc-based,” she notes.
It also has protective ingredients like candelilla wax and vitamin D, as well as coconut oil and castor oil.
Get it here.
Rationale #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+
View this post on Instagram
When I ask what products Dr Shammi personally recommends to her clients, she points me towards #3 The Tinted Serum by Rationale. “It provides superior protection against not only UVA and UVB, but [against] all environmental factors that are taxing on our skin and age us.”
Get it here.
The Beautiful Superfluids Collection by Rationale
View this post on Instagram
Another favourite of Dr Shammi’s is The Beautiful Superfluids Collection by Rationale. This range is SPF50+, and also offers coverage in the way of a ‘foundation’ so if you’re going out, you can feel fresh while knowing that you’re protecting your skin.
Get it here.
Our editorial decisions are made with our readers (you!) in mind and we hope you enjoy the products that we wholeheartedly recommend. Fashion Journal may sometimes receive a commission or similar from third party links placed.
For more on the benefits of facial sunscreens, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
