Review: UV Natural Sunscreen SPF30+
I know some of you are waiting for me to review the UV Natural Sunscreen SPF30+ so here goes, after having tested it for a month.
Ideal formulation for complete sun protection
The first thing I will say is that the formulation of this sunscreen give me peace of mind because of the the high zinc oxide content at 24.8%. From all the resources I’ve come across including the following rating compiled by Environmental Protection Agency, zinc oxide is the best ingredient to provide both UVA and UVB protection.
In addition, most of the other ingredients in this sunscreen are natural and it is does not contain parabens, silicones or fragrance.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 24.8%
Inactive: Vitis vinifera (grape seed) oil, Caprylic/capric triglycerides, Silicia, Zinc Stearate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Camellia oleifera leaf extract (green tea), Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Extract, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides.
Micronized zinc oxide used
However, zinc oxide at a concentration of 24.8% presents two problems. One is that the zinc oxide used is micronized. Well, I supposed it can’t be helped because at such a high concentration, I would have to do a Geisha makeup if it’s non-micronized! This is because the difference between non-micronized zinc oxide and micronized zinc oxide is that the former leaves a white residue on the skin while the latter creates the same barrier in a form that appears far more transparent and less whitening when rubbed in. As a result, even the UV Natural Sunscreen SPF30+ is beige because of the Iron Oxide, it goes on without any tint or whitecast on my face.
Safety concerns over micronized zinc oxide
There are controversies on micronized zinc oxide and I don’t want to discuss them here. If you’re interested, just do a search on the topic and you can find out more. But on the whole, my understanding is that it isn’t hazardous and you may also like to know that many companies out there are actually using the micronized version of zinc oxide to make their sunscreens transparent when applied. The difference is some state it upfront to the consumers, some don’t.
Formulation is drying
The second problem with the high zinc oxide content is that this active ingredient is actually a drying agent. On first contact, the UV Natural Sunscreen looks like a lotion that feels really thick and rich when applied to the skin. However, the strangest thing is that it’s easily absorbed and after awhile, the skin actually feels matt and even dry! Because I’m used to applying sunscreen straight after using only a serum, I was quite surprised how quickly my skin dried up and the area around my nose even felt rather tight in the middle of the day. So after a week and a half of using the sunscreen, I decided to apply a thin layer of grapeseed oil before slapping on this sunscreen. It worked perfectly! My t-zone while still oily, wasn’t excessively so.
May not be suitable for all skin types
However, you need to be careful with your choice of moisturizing lotion or oil underneath this sunscreen. Don’t attempt to use anything too heavy. I tried using jojoba oil underneath this sunscreen and my face was oozing with greasiness by midday. The same applies to using my BB cream on top of this sunscreen. In addition, while this sunscreen is said to be suitable for all skin types, it might not work as well for those with dry skin or those with extremely oily skin.
Works well as a makeup primer
What I like very much about the UV Natural Sunscreen SPF30+ is that it is perfect as a makeup primer and works very well with my powdered foundation. But to ensure a flawless application, I need to wait about 10 minutes before applying the powder or my foundation would appear streaky.
Proper cleansing required
This sunscreen is said to be water resistant. I haven’t tested it under water but based on the texture, I believe it is so. But the problem with that is that it is not easy to wash off with just water. I made the mistake of using just my rhassoul clay to wash my face for the initial period and after awhile, I realized I had some small bumps growing on my cheeks. Luckily I found out the mistake early enough to prevent any major breakouts! So now, I make sure I double cleanse thoroughly or use the oil cleansing method when using this sunscreen.
Fairly affordable and cost effective
The 150g sunscreen costs US$24.83 including shipping from Organic Beauty in Australia. If you’re residing in US, you can get this sunscreen starting from US$14.50 for the smaller size version at Valley Naturals. It is fairly affordable but the only problem is that because of the natural ingredients, the sunscreen is good for up to a year after opening; a rather short timeframe and so I use it pretty generously on my neck and arms as well.
Overview of my thoughts on the sunscreen
I am torn in my feelings about this sunscreen. On the whole, I like the formulation for sunscreen protection but I also realized that the formulation poses problems as I’ve mentioned. It would have been ideal if its texture is as light as that of Keys Solar Rx sunscreen I was using, but I must say that it is lighter than Badger SPF30 Sunblock and Lavera Neutral SPF40 Sunscreen. I wish I can say it’s the perfect sunscreen for me but although it isn’t, it delivers excellent sunscreen protection and I’ll continue to use it until I am able to find a better mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide as the active ingredient.
So yeah, my quest for THE perfect sunscreen continues…
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Does using mosturisers with SPF work the same? The SPF might not be as high but as least its not as greasy as sunscreen. I use a spf 15 time repair light cream under my mosturiser.
Reese: It depends on the active ingredients. As long as it has a sunscreen protection ingredient like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or the chemical ones like mexoryl and others, and the content is high enough, that should be fine. SPF15 is quite low though. Good for indoors…most dermatologists advice going for SPF30. You might want to check out my earlier entry on tips for sunscreen protection and application.
hmmmmmmmm i have also used sunscreen before that actually feels dry on my skin. but lately, i have switched my skincare all to airelis and for the first time i feel that sunscreen feels like moisturizer on face. it is like..water based sunscreen, non sticky or eeky at all. even the quite-expensive sothys sunscreen can’t hold a candle to it. i <3 airelis products now. and yeah, u should check out their essential oil ?
Prettybeautiful: I had a look at the website and their products are naturally derived. I likey! I need to check up ingredients on the sunscreen though…couldn’t find on the website. And I wonder if I can get this range here in Singapore because it’s from M’sia.
Using the right kind of sunscreen that works for your face works wonders! I can’t believe I never use sunscreen before ? thanks for this post ?
Nikki: You don’t use sunscreen? So I assume you’ve been using those moisturizers with SPF or depending on the protection from BB creams?
Hey I have two questions:
1. Does this sunscreen provide any coverage? I suppose its possible to apply mineral foundation over it?
2. Do you think its potentially pore clogging? I probably will use a very very light moisturiser below it.
Angie: I don’t understand your question about coverage but yes, you can use a mineral foundation over it. I’ve done that and it’s fine.
As for the ingredients, actually they’re not pore clogging but, the zinc oxide at such a high concentration may pose a problem for certain skin types. Hence, you can only use a light lotion type of moisturizer underneath and cleanse off thoroughly. In addition, I won’t recommend this sunscreen if you have very oily skin or dry skin.
Hey Sesame, I so agree with you. Its drying and it requires proper cleansing. I made the same mistake and just cleansed my face with honey and I could see a rash on my chin the same day. I am not using it now my hubby finds it useful because he has oily skin.
Leon: It works well for his oily skin? When I use it alone without the grapeseed oil, it’s very drying even for my oily t-zone…
i would love to give this a try but too bad its not available in sg plus i’m not sure how the whole shipping thing works from australia to sg D:
Heather: The shipping cost isn’t too bad and I got it quickly in a week…
Ever tried taking a wash cloth, and rinsing your face with water while *cleaning* at the same time, then do a follow up with rhassoul clay?
The sunscreen I use is from L’Oreal. So when I’m not using the OCM, I rinse my face under water to remove the silicone [usually I’ll rinsing until it feels squeeky clean], then I’ll use oatmeal/clay. So far… no new breakouts. Yay!
Ms Blacklace: Personally, I don’t like to use the washcloth too often…I only use it during OCM…the rhassoul clay I keep to using in the morning only. I was overly enthusiastic about using it twice a day last time…it was okay with my old sunscreen.
Yes dear, even I was surprised, I guess its because men’s skin is so much different from ours, rough and less sensitive.
Leon: Ah…I see…
yeah airelis says their products are all natural, but how true is that i have no idea at all. one thing though, all of their products have only about one year’s life span. i think they have branches in singapore. i think..
Prettybeautiful: I didn’t see on their website…maybe they’ll bring it down here later…
Sesame, thank you for the wonderful review regarding the UV natural sunscreen. I’m indeed looking for a new sunscreen since the one i’m using is almost finish. And i was also thinking that this product might be better than Avene… It was the sunscreen that doesn’t sting my skin every time i put it on… I have been neutrogena for ages…and one day, i just couldn’t used it anymore…it just stings and my face turned red all of a sudden. So, i stopped using all kinds of sunscreen until my friend asked me to use Avene…I will asked my sis-in-law to buy me the UV, since she now lives in Australia…
Thanks again for the review…
slp: You’re welcome! I hope you’ll like it if you use it. I actually like it but I keep worrying that I haven’t cleansed my face well enough… The good thing about this sunscreen is I can apply more than the usual and it doesn’t feel greasy. But if I’m indoors for most part of the day, I try not to apply so much in case the zinc oxide is a problem to cleanse away…
hi! thanks for the review, i’ll definitely give it a try soon! i just stumbled onto your blog for the first time! just wanna recommend a sunscreen (physical) that works great for me after reading a few pages of your entries on sun protection.
http://www.devita.net/products/ProductView.mgi2?mgiToken=1AF9C5FDHCIB9DAC3I&ID=DMSPF
the ingredients look quite similar to UV Natural sunscreen. i’ve been using it for about 4 months and totally love it!! no white cast and does not break me out. you can find it on a few websites at a lower price. do give it a try someday! ?
MM: Oh thanks for letting me know! It does look promising! The price is reasonable too, just that I don’t know how much it’ll cost to ship here. I’ll find that out. Thanks again! ?
I am using a moisturizer with SPF 30 and also a sunblock with SPF 50 at the moment. Do you think I am being obsessively insane?
After I had pigmentations on my left upper cheeks that I became like this. Please help.
Nora: I’m obsessed too due to my pigmentation problems…can I can emphatize! But yes, having two SPF products maybe too much. Plus the SPF of your sunscreen is high…any problems so far? The only concern is that overtime, the products may clog your pores. Perhaps just try using your sunscreen only if it’s moisturizing enough?
Thanks for the help. What if I lower the SPF for my moisturizer and maybe I lower the SPF for sunscreen? I don’t want to clog my pores too.
I’m using a Japanese brand sunscreen with 50PA+++ & so far is ok especially when I go travelling to Australia and went mountain-biking.
But maybe need to make some changes……..
Nora: If you’ve no problems with them so far, then maybe just lower the moisturizer SPF or pick one without SPF. As long as you cleanse well, I think should be okay. Or use a lower SPF one when you’re not out in the sun so much…
Thanks for the advice. I’ll be lowering the SPF for my moisturizer.
Hi,
I was wondering if you’ve ever tried Kabana Green Screen spf 20. I think it is underestimated by EWG just because it has low spf. However, this sunscreen has 24% ZnO and the ingredients are organic and seem to be very moisturizing.
Vicky: Nope. I’ve heard and read about them but never thought of using them, yet. I’m waiting for a new sunscreen to arrive and I’m hopeful that it’s going to answer my wish! I will review it when I’m ready, probably in 2 months’ time.
I can’t wait to see your new review.
Vicky: I can’t wait to see and use my new sunscreen. It’s from Marie Veronique – also listed under EWG but it’s not the sun serum. It’s the Creme de Soleil. Unfortunately they don’t ship to Singapore so I’m getting someone to ship to me and waiting for it to arrive.
I love your blog. I’m looking for a good sunblock as well and your information is so helpful. I like european sunblock but it is hard to find them in the U.S.
Vicky: Many European sunblocks are more photostable. I get the impression that their standards are more stringent. But most of these are chemical sunscreens which I stay away from. If you use European sunblocks, go for those with Mexoryl XL and SX if you don’t mind chemical sunblocks. Those containing Tinsorb are supposedly good too but I haven’t tried. Hey, you’re in US and that makes it so convenient to get a lot of the sunscreens!
Thanks for your comments about my blog and I hope you’ll come back often! ?
thanks! I know I can get to try lots of different sunblocks. But my problem is my skin is tan. I think I’m 1 or 2 shades darker than you, and that make it so hard to find a sunblock that will not whiten my face . I usually don’t use foundation so sunblock is the only think I use most of the time and they all leaving whitish cast ( physical ones)
Vicky: Ah I see. I think that’s why a number of the physical sunscreens are coming out with tinted versions for skin tone like yours. I think the tinted versions may work for you. Btw, I posted a sneak preview of my new sunscreen already. You can see it if you visit my homepage or the category on sunscreen. ?
hey , I read the preview, and I’m waiting for your final preview. I check your blog everyday ?
Vicky: Hey, thanks a lot for coming everyday! Give me a couple of weeks and I’ll be ready with the review.
Hi. I have being using UVNatural for about a week now and I think is a great product. The only thing is the thickness of this sunscreen. It gets very hard even to squize it out from the tube. I am using it just for my face and neck as it take a lot of effort to get it out.
I could find only the BABY product in the shop here in Australia as the other one was sold out. Do you know the differences between the two products? Looks like they got the same Ingredients. Thanks for you review.
Augusto: The ingredients are actually the same. In fact, the company who sells them say they’re the same. But you said the texture is very thick and you had trouble squeezing it out? Is that the baby version? I don’t have the problem with the adult version. It’s almost lotion like but a bit thicker.
Hi, so you know whether tthe uv natural sunscreen contains Zince Oxide nano particles or just micronized particles? Thanks in advance ?
vicky2005: It’s micronized zinc oxide not nano.
I learned at a workshop that we should apply a primer after moisturizer and before application of sunscreen to prevent absorption of undesirable chemicals into the skin. Perhaps that would help in the case of micronized zinc oxide in this case?
just sharing ?
Hmm…interesting. Not too sure. I’m guessing the primer contains lots of silicones that’s why. I wouldn’t want to use so much silicone on my skin though.
What emulsifiers are used in UV Natural? They are not listed on the tube or desribed in your review and I am just wondering because emulsifiers are quite often a synthetic concoction of chemicals? The fact that they are not listed here, makes me wonder why these ingredients are not being revealed.
If I am not wrong, some sunscreens especially those waterproof/water resistant formulas have no emulsifiers, because this allows the cream to stay on the skin until you wash it off with soap. In fact, the UV Natural formula doesn’t even have water.
I can attest that UV Natural is impossible to wash off just with water. In fact, I always had to double cleanse.
Hi,
The zinc oxide in UV Natural is nanoparticled, not microionised (although I guess in one sense you could say it is both, since nano is smaller than micro). Microionised zinc is likely to be much safer than nanoparticled because larger particles are unable to be absorbed into the bloodstream and will just stay on the surface of your skin.
It is nonparticled? I wonder if they have changed the formulation because at that time when I wrote the review, I remembered it was micronized zinc oxide.
I’ve read that it’s nanoparticled on a couple of websites, most notably on the Environmental Working Grou’s website http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/sunproduct.php?prod_id=93352
I was wondering whether this sunscreen can be usd on eyelids, i have strated noticing some brown spots on my lower eyelid and i am looking for a sunscreen that can be safely used on lower eyelid. Pls advice.
No, this one is too heavy for the eye area.
sesame,
I searched on sunscreen and found an interesting website which discusses sunscreen. I thought you might enjoy reading it
http://www.treatment-skincare.com/Clinical/Winter-Rays.html
by the way sesame, do you know the difference between nano sunscreen and micronized sun screen? i’m finding it confusing!
In my understanding, it’s the size. I did a quick search and this is what is defined: Nanoparticles are particles defined as less than 100 nanometers in diameter, or 0.1 micron. Micronized particles are generally between 0.1 micron and 100 micron. Nanoparticles are said to be able to penetrate our blood stream but I’m not too sure about micronized.
Hello
the picture of the sunscreen posted, it seems white the sunscreen. does it really not leave a white cast? you tried elta md physical or green screen organic before?