5 New Sunscreens for Every Skin Need
Everyone needs sunscreen—but not everyone’s sunscreen needs are the same. Here, five new launches offering benefits tailor-made for specific wants
Clarins UV 50 Sunscreen Multi-Protection, $42, at Clarins counters
FOR STRESSED SKIN: Clarins UV 50 Sunscreen Multi-Protection
THE PROMISE: For those seeking extra skincare benefits in their sunscreen, this pulls double duty: it shields against UVB and UVA, while the brand’s anti-pollution complex defends against the aging effects of city smog and other airborne debris.
THE TECH: Extracts of white tea and lapsana protect against pollution, while cantaloupe and sanicle extracts reinforce the skin’s antioxidant barrier. Organic blackcurrant bud extract helps prevent redness.
THE TEST DRIVE: “The SPF in my foundation used to be my first line of UV defence, but for real sun safety, I need more than a thin bit of base. This feels lightweight, so it layers easily with makeup. The fact that it saves my skin from downtown grime is a bonus.” —Kelly Clark, editorial assistant, Cosmetics
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen SPF 50+, $14, at drugstores
FOR THE TIME-CRUNCHED: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen SPF 50+
THE PROMISE: Suitable for both the face and body, this travel-friendly stick borrows its design from antiperspirants, offering swipe-and-go application with a lightweight finish.
THE TECH: The formula packs the brand’s signature Helioplex technology (the filter avobenzone, stabilized by two more filters, oxybenzone and DEHN), to give prolonged protection against UVA (skin-aging rays) and UVB (burn-causing rays).
THE TEST DRIVE: “I’m bad at making time to apply sunscreen in the morning. Having a stick makes the process faster and mess-free—I love how easy it is to apply and that I can just throw it in my bag.” —Erin Finlayson, photo and market editor, Today’s Parent
Live Clean Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45, $17, at Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart
FOR SPORTS FANS: Live Clean Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45
THE PROMISE: Designed to hold up through sweating and swimming for up to 80 minutes, this made-in-Canada lotion promises not to leave a ghostly residue—a common complaint with many other mineral sunscreens.
THE TECH: The ingredients are 98 percent naturally derived and biodegradable, including soothing aloe and a hydrating coconut oil derivative. No synthetic UV filters here: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection.
THE TEST DRIVE: “It did go on white and greasy—at first—but once it soaked in, it was virtually unnoticeable and left my skin moisturized. I also liked that it’s unscented, which is nice when you don’t want to smell like a bucket of coconuts!” —Kaylana Griffin, assistant style editor, Chatelaine
Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50, $44, at select medi-spas and dermatologist offices
FOR THE OIL-PRONE: Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50
THE PROMISE: The mousse-like consistency of this sunscreen-meets-primer dries to a powder finish. Formulated for normal to oily faces, it will keep skin matte even on humid days.
THE TECH: Physical filters, namely titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, give broad-spectrum protection. The mattifying aerated silica can absorb up to 15 times its weight in oil, and provides a smooth surface for makeup.
THE TEST DRIVE: “At first, I noticed the product’s unusual smell (it’s not artificially fragranced), which faded after application. The primer-like finish sat well under liquid foundation, and when worn alone, it kept my face shine-free.” —Caitlin Agnew, contributing beauty editor, Cosmetics
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+, $29, at drugstores
FOR THE ULTRA-SENSITIVE: Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+
THE PROMISE: This spray for face and body was designed to go easy on “intolerant” skin—meaning it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and made with 100 percent mineral filters.
THE TECH: Micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide the SPF, while vitamin E helps counter signs of aging. Two actives—Ectoin, an amino acid derivative that protects cells, and mannitol, a sugar that neutralizes free radicals—reinforce the skin barrier.
THE TEST DRIVE: “My insanely sensitive skin can only tolerate a mineral sunblock. The problem is most are thick, greasy and chalky. This one, however, is super light, not sticky and goes on clear. It’s definitely coming with me to Palm Springs this May.” —Cameron Williamson, editor-in-chief, FLARE
This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of Cosmetics magazine. For more, download our iPad edition.