Sunscreen recommendations with no whitecast for sensitive/reactive skin

[Buub]

Hi everyone!

I've been into the Supergoop! sunscreens (currently enjoying the 'Glow' one) but I've found that it's also giving me teary eyes at times. I didn't use to have that, so maybe it's a sensitivity developed over time, but I don't know what's my reaction due to. I've tried applying the sunscreen away from my eyes (really carefully halfway under the eyes but not above, nor on eyelids, and only around on the temples) but I still get that reaction anyway, maybe that's just when it's too hot and the sunscreen melts a little on my skin perhaps.

I have light skin but I tend to get white cast pretty easily because it'll make me look deadly pale, so I'm looking for a sunscreen without any white cast whatsoever and if it's tinted, that it's still relatively see-through so I don't have to worry about exact skin tone shades.

I've been looking into so many different ones, ideally ≥40 FPS (++++) UVA UVB, blue light/antioxidants, moisturizer or anything else is a bonus. There's a few new Isntree ones I'm curious about, the Cay Skin one (but it looks a bit excessively glowy), the Canmake clear version, well... Given that we're in Canada, I know there are a ton of products that are hard to get or that you have to go through a number of US stores or parcel forwarding companies to receive weeks later. I'm looking for something I can easily buy locally or online.

What's your experience with sunscreens, do you also get irritated near the eyes? What's your favorite sunscreen of the moment?

Recommendations are welcome! 

[AnimalBrain]

I really like the Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen. It is very glowy, didn't break me out or irritate my eyes/skin. I will warn that it is VERY dewy, so be warned. Might be better in the cooler months. Has a slight scent (not sunscreen scent), but not overwhelmingly so.

[JoSometimes]

Hi @Buub. Sorry to hear about your sunscreen troubles. I have sensitive skin, so I also understand the trouble of finding good products that work without being irritating. 

From Sephora, I’d recommend Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50. This one did not cause me any issues at all and it never left a whitecast. Sadly, it can’t find a PA rating on their website. 

From the K-Beauty world, I’d recommend COSRX Soothing Aloe Sun Cream. White cast is very minimal and pretty much disappears if you spend a little time working it into your skin. The aloe is also a plus in case you do get a sunburn (haven’t tried its soothing effects yet. Hopefully I won’t ever have to…🤞) It’s rated PA+++

A high end drugstore option (saw that you mentioned Canada, so Shoppers!) that never gave me issues is La Roche Posay Anthelios. It’s on the pricey end but it was friendly enough on my skin and no white cast. No PA rating either. European companies like to stick to the old SPF system. 

From what I know, mineral-based sunscreens are far less irritating but also much harder to formulate in a way that doesn’t leave white cast. At least the ones that we can get in Canada.

If you’re still on the hunt for options, check out National SPF Day 2023 ☀️

[Buub]

Hi @JoSometimes, thank you so much for your reply!

I added the PA rating in case we'd mention Asian sunscreens (I do like Japanese and Korean beauty), but you're right that most European/American brands don't go by that standard.

I've heard of sunscreens that have mixed chemicals/mineral or mineral sunscreens that excelled at not leaving a white cast. I'm not sure if they really do exist, though if they are tinted I guess it could work for some skin tones depending on the shades available. As you said, they're sadly not available in Canada so for now I'm considering staying with chemical until we have more options.

I'm also a bit weary of buying anything online (that can't be returned) with a tint because those usually are quite off so it tends to be a waste of money. I wish it was possible to get more samples or even order them for a small price just to get an idea if anything works color-wise. I love that Sephora has been doing that lately with the skin tints and foundations!

I'll take a look at that thread also! Thanks for all the recommendations, I'm thinking of trying all 3 of them very soon!

[JoSometimes]

My pleasure @Buub! I hope you find something. It’s so hard to find skincare that works for sensitive skin.