Help with choosing your sun cream
Which sun creams are good and which ones should you steer clear of? I understand this isn’t always easy for you. Because if there’s one product which professes to do everything, it’s a sun cream. And then all the misleading claims…‘only needs to be applied once a day’, ‘100% protection’, ‘safe tanning’, ‘you only need a small amount’; such statements give me goose bumps.
Updated May 2019
Free from irritating substances, the correct filters and ideally some extra antioxidants
Filters are the first thing I look at when choosing a sun cream. There are filters which I wouldn’t want to put on my skin, but luckily I do trust and happily use a good deal of them. A main consideration for me when making that choice is whether I would be happy to put the sun filters on my children’s skin. You can find my list of good and bad sun filters in this blog.
After checking the sun filters I then look to see what other ingredients there are in the product. Are there any perfumes in them? Or certain plant extracts which can have a phototoxic reaction when coming into contact with sun light? And what kind of preservatives have been used?
Finally I check to see if it contains any extra antioxidants, that can also make a difference to which one I choose. Because, for me, a sun cream with antioxidants is favourable and you can read more in this blog.
I do believe, though, that applying a ‘poorer quality’ product is always better than nothing at all in the sun.
Help! What should I choose?
Because I am well aware that it really isn’t easy to see the sun filters used on an ingredients list I have put together a list of sun creams below which I can recommend to you. I update this list regularly. If you, yourself, have products which satisfy the above requirements you can always e-mail the ingredients list to me ([email protected]).
But that’s not quite all…
A good sun cream alone (sadly) isn’t quite enough. You may conscientiously apply an SPF 30 and presume that this is protecting you sufficiently, meanwhile it isn’t at all because you’ve applied it in the wrong way. Or your product may not provide proper protection from UV- A rays. So here is a brief re-cap on the rules:
- Use a minimum of SPF 15 (read more).
- Apply enough; at least half a tablespoon for your face (read more).
- Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, wear sun glasses and/or a cap.
- Are you going to be outside all day? Then re-apply every two hours and if you have been swimming or active then re-apply again.
- Avoid using a spray if you can, read here why.
- Choose a product with good sun filters and which is free from irritating substances.
- Choose a sun cream with antioxidants for your face, neck and hands, as they are exposed the most to the sun.
Enjoy!
And….despite all the security measures don’t forget to just have fun in the sun. You do, after all, need some sun for vitamin D production and sunshine puts you in a good mood. And that’s also necessary!
PRODUCT ADVICE
Products for the face:
All of these products are in principle suitable for the body as well. These are just a handier size to carry with you and there are some sun creams included which contain an abundance of antioxidants. These are also more expensive, so therefore a bit costly to use this small bottle for the body.
Suncare SPF 15 by Dr. Jetske Ultee (50ml) 
The sun filters in this product are Tinosorb M and S. The Suncare contains effective concentrations of vitamin E, niacinamide and caffeine. These ingredients, with an antioxidant effect, can limit sun damage and (alongside the sun filters) provide extra protection against UV rays. Also available in SPF 30.
- Click here for the ingredients list
Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caffeine, Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleyl/Dimethylcarbonate Copolymer, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenylpropanol, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum.
(Last updated May 2019)
Suncare SPF 30 by Dr. Jetske Ultee (50ml)
The sun filters in this product are Tinosorb M and S. The Suncare contains effective concentrations of 1% vitamin E, 3% niacinamide and 1% caffeine. These ingredients, with an antioxidant effect, can limit sun damage and (alongside the sun filters) provide extra protection against UV rays.
Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caffeine, Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleyl/Dimethylcarbonate Copolymer, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decyl Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycerin, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenylpropanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum.
(Last updated May 2019)
Photoaging Control Sun Fluid SPF 30 by Eucerin (50ml)
Sun cream with sun filters Avobenzone, Octisalate, Tinosorb S, Octyltriazone and Ensulizole. I am still not convinced about Avobenzone but in this product it is stabilised by other good filters. It’s a shame about the high amount of denatured alcohol in this cream, but the combination with the tapioca starch makes the product a light sun cream which doesn’t feel greasy. Fine additions are also liquorice root extract and hyaluronic acid. It is a good option for the more oily, non-sensitive skin.
Aqua, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Alcohol Denat, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane Butyleenglycol / dicapraat, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Tapioca Starch, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinezuur, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.
(Last updated May 2019)
SPF 50+ Fragrance free Fluid by Avene (50ml)
Sun cream with the sun filters Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Avobenzone and Iscotrizinol. With the addition of, among other things, aluminium starch and silica this product provides a matt finish. Regrettably there are very few antioxidants in the product, but it is more fortunately perfume free.
Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua). C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate. Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano]. Water (Aqua). Diisopropyl Adipate. Isodecyl Neopentanoate. Silica. Dicaprylyl Carbonate. Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine. Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone. Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate. Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane. Potassium Cetyl Phosphate. Decyl Glucoside. 1,2-Hexanediol. C10-18 Triglycerides. Vp/Eicosene Copolymer. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. Benzoic Acid. Butylene Glycol. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Disodium Edta. Glyceryl Behenate. Glyceryl Dibehenate. Glyceryl Stearate. Oxothiazolidine. Peg-100 Stearate. Propylene Glycol. Sodium Benzoate. Tocopherol. Tocopheryl Glucoside. Tribehenin. Xanthan Gum.
(Last updated May 2019)
Sensitive Skin Sun Crème Face SPF50+ by Biodermal (50ml)
The sun filters in this product are Tinosorb M, Octisalate, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S and Octyltriazone. I understand that the cream can leave a bit of a shine. The product is perfume free but sadly contains very few antioxidants.
- Click here for the ingredients list
Aqua, Phenoxyethyl Caprylate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano), Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Tapioca Starch, Glycerin, Myristyl Myristate, Propanediol, Diglycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Canola Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyglycerin-3, Citric Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate.
(Last updated May 2019)
DAYLIGHT 30 Fluid by HighDroxy (50ml)
A great German brand. Uses Iscotrizinol, Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S. It also contains some antioxidants and is perfume free.
- Click here for the ingredients list
Aqua, Dicapryl Carbonate, Cocoglyceride, C15-19 Alkane, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Avena Sative (Oat) Kernel Flour, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,3-Propanediol, Bioflavonoids, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Totarol, Carnosine.
(Last updated May 2019)
Face Sun Lotion SPF 30 by Derma
Contains the sun filters Octyltriazone, Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S. No antioxidants have been added but the product is perfume free. The SPF 30 in 200 ml by Derma is also a good choice.
Aqua, Dibutyl Adipate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Distarch Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ceteareth-20, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid.
(Last updated May 2019)
Anti-Age Face LSF 30 by Muti (50ml)
Again a German brand. They use Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus as sun filters. And have also added antioxidants such as niacinamide. The concentration is not known though. In the version for the body (150ml) Tinosorb S, M and A2B are used, also a good choice.
Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Isoamyl Laurate, Undecane, Tridecane, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Squalane, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Niacinamide, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Pantothenate, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Carnosine, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Lecithin.
(Last updated May 2019)
Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 by Neutrogena
Zinc oxide is the only sun filter in this sun cream. The degree of UVA protection is never as good compared with a combination of sun filters, but if you are prone to allergic reactions and prefer to use physical sun filters then it is a good option.
- Click here for the ingredients list
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide 21.6% (sunscreen).
Inactive ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/acrylates Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Ethyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/leaf/stem Juice, Glyceryl Behenate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone/bis-vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
(Last updated May 2019)
Products for the body (and face)
The listed products below are in principal also suitable for the face. However, due to the size of the bottles and the sometimes tacky texture for water resistance I have placed them in the category of body products.
Suncover SPF 30 (non-profit) by Dr. Jetske Ultee (250 ml & 1000 ml)
This sun cream contains Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150 and Ensulizole. These filters are amongst the most effective and safe sun filters that protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. 1% niacinamide has also been added. Suncover is a not for profit product and available in 250ml and 1000ml bottles. Perhaps it’s not so easy to carry these substantial bottles in your handbag but they are perfectly suitable for the face. And ideal, of course, for the whole family.
Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl Glucoside, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenylpropanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid.
(Last updated May 2019)
Anthelios dermo-pediatrics SPF 50+ by La Roche-Posay (250ml, but also in 100ml and 40ml)
Mild sun cream, reasonably water resistant. But also quite tacky because of, amongst other things, wax and so less pleasant for the face. If you have very sensitive skin you should consider whether this is something for you. There is quite a lot of denatured alcohol in it.
It is a good product for children who are in and out of the water. Remember though that it always needs to be re-applied after swimming. By the way, be aware that there is also now another variation of this cream. The Dermo-Pediatrics Wet Skin Gel Lotion SPF 50+. Even though this variation is more water resistant, the filters used (including homosalate) are dubious… So make sure that you get this old version and not the new one.
Aqua / Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Alcohol Denat. Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Edta. Glyceryl Stearate. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Palmitic Acid, Peg-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine.
(Last updated May 2019)
Sollotion SPF 30 by Derma (200ml)
The sun filters in this product are Uvinul A Plus, Octyltriazone and Iscotrizinol. A mild sun cream but, apart from vitamin E, no extra antioxidants have been added. I would therefore be less inclined to recommend this one for daily use on your face.
Aqua, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Ceteareth-20, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid.
(Last updated May 2019)
Very High Protection Sun Lotion Bebe SPF 50 by Mustela (100ml)
The sun filters in this product are Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150, Ensulizole, titanium dioxide and Tinosorb S. It is a sun cream without unnecessary, irritating ingredients such as perfume.
Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Alumina, Xanthan Gum, Jojoba Esters, Propylene Carbonate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract.
(Last updated May 2019)
Kids sun milk SPF 50+ by Biodermal (125ml)
This milk contains a fine combination of sun filters, specifically: Tinosorb M, Octisalate, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S and Octyltriazone. Fortunately the product is also perfume free, but sadly contains very few antioxidants that can provide extra protection for a child’s skin.
Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano), Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Canola Oil, Diglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Myristyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Decyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Carbomer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sucrose Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Polyglycerin-3, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.
(Last updated May 2019)
Body SPF 30 by Muti (150ml)
Contains a fine combination of good sun filters such as Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M and Tinosorb A2B. Furthermore, the product also contains niacinamide and allantoin and is free from perfume. The only drawback is that a very high concentration of propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) is used, which can irritate the skin.
Aqua, 1,2-Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Nano), Tris-Biphenyl Triazine (Nano), Isoamyl Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Niacinamide, Decyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Pantothenate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid.
(Last updated May 2019)
If you know of any good products I would love to hear from you via the blog or e-mail ([email protected]).
Kind regards,
Jetske.
Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatolgy
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