Help with Choosing Your Sun Cream
Yes, the sun cream. Which ones shouldn’t and which ones should you use? Trying to find a good sun cream is even difficult for me! And unfortunately, I still haven’t found the perfect sun cream. This is actually quite bizarre with all the products on the market.
Complete amazement…
Whether I’m in New York, Marrakesh, Ibiza or on Vlieland; I am unable to pass a shop without nipping in and checking for “new” products. I am beginning to form an addiction to reading the ingredients lists…And I enjoy nothing better than listening to the lovely stories about the effects from all sorts of exotic ingredients! Sadly the “tall stories” about sun cream products are slightly less amusing. Applying as little as once a day, 100% protection, safe tanning, you only need a small amount; these sort of statements give me goose bumps!
Two points to consider: no irritating substances and the correct filter.
I have alreadywritten a blog about ‘Ingredients to Avoid’. This list definitely applies to sun cream! And in my blog ‘A good Sun Cream?’ you can read more about the filter that is used to protect against UV rays.
Help! What sun cream should I now choose?
Recently I have had many questions asking what the best sun cream is. Below you’ll find a list with examples of products which I can recommend. I will update this list if I find even better products. If you yourself have products that meet the above conditions, you can always e-mail the ingredients list of these to me ([email protected]).
But having a good sun cream alone is (unfortunately) not enough. You may think that by using an SPF 50 you are well protected whilst this really isn’t the case! The ‘rules’ briefly:
- Use a minimum SPF 15 (read more). The current advice from the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) is even a minimum SPF 30! (the difference incidentally is only 3%).
- Apply a sufficient amount. For your face you should use at least half of a teaspoon (read more).
- Stay out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, wear sunglasses and/or a hat.
- Apply every two hours, and extra if you have exercised.
- It’s best not to use a spray.
- Choose products with a good filter (read more) and without irritating substances (read more).
And above all: enjoy the sun. You need some sunshine in order to make vitamin D and a good mood. Also not unimportant!
PRODUCT ADVICE
Products for the face:
These products may also be used for the entire body. But because of the added anti-oxidants they are usually too expensive and in packaging which is too small to be used for the whole body.
Dr. Jetske Ultee – Suncare SPF 15 (50ml)
The sun filters in this product are Tinosorb M and S. De Suncare bevat effectieve concentraties van vitamine E, niacimide en cafeïne. These ingredients with antioxidant properties can limit sun damage and provide extra protection against UV rays (alongside the sun filters). Also available in SPF 30. Click here for more information about these products.
INCI: 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 April 2017)
Rosaliac UV Rich SPF 15 by La Roche-Posay (40ml)
An good product for the face. The light green colour camouflages any facial redness. Niacinamide and caffeine are fine additions to this sun cream. The Rosaliac UV Light is a good option for the more oily skin.
Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Sucrose Tristearate, Petrolatum, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Citrate, Methylsilanol/Silicate Crosspolymer, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 61, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Caffeine, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 19140 / Yellow 5,Ci 42090 / Blue 1
(Last updated April 2017)
Sun Fluid Anti-Age SPF 30 by Eucerin (50ml)
It’s a pity about the high quantity of alcohol denat in this cream. But its combination with tapioca starch does makes it a light sun cream which doesn’t feel greasy. Other excellent additions are liquorice root extract and Hyaluronic Acid.
Water 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 Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract Glycyrrhetinezuur Glyceryl Stearate Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Carbomer Xanthan Gum Dimethicone Trisodium EDTA Sodium Chloride Phenoxyethanol Ethylhexylglycerin
(Last updated April 2017)
SPF 50 Emulsion no perfume by Avene (50ml)
Sun cream with plenty of sun filters: Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Avobenzone and Iscotrizinol. The added aluminium starch ensures that the product leaves a matt finish.
Aqua. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate. Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Nano). Aqua. Cetearyl Isononanoate. Diisopropyl Adipate. Isodecyl Neopentanoate. Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine. Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone. Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate. Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane. Potassium Cetyl Phosphate. Decyl Glucoside. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. Benzoic Acid. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Caprylyl Glycol. Disodium Edta. Glyceryl Behenate. Glyceryl Dibehenate. Monolaurin (Glyceryl Laurate). Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides. Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides. Propylene Glycol. Silica. Sodium Hydroxide. Tocopheryl Glucoside. Tribehenin. Xanthan Gum
(Last updated April 2017)
Products for the body (and face)
In principle, all products which are summed up here are also suitable for your face. But because of the larger size of the packaging and the sometimes somewhat sticky texture (for water resistance) I have listed them as ‘body’ products.
Suncover SPF 30 (Non-Profit) by Dr. Jetske Ultee (250ml & 1000ml)
This sun cream contains effective and safe sun filters which protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. 1% Niacinamide has also been added. Suncover is a non-profit making product and is available in a 250 ml and a 1000 ml bottle. These generous containers may not be quite so easy to take with you in your handbag but are nevertheless also perfectly suitable for the face. And, of course, ideal for the whole family.
INCI: 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 April 2017)
Anthelios dermo-pediatrics SPF 50+ by La Roche-Posay (250ml)
Mild sun cream, fairly water resistant. But is also sticky due to, among other things, added wax, making it less pleasant for the face. It is a fine product for children who are going in and out of the water. But remember that you always need to re-apply after swimming. By the way, be aware there is also now a new version of this cream available. The Dermo-Pediatrics Wet Skin Gel Lotion SPF 50+. Although this version is more water resistant, the sun filters used (one of which is homosalate) are dubious… Make sure, therefore, that you get the ‘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 April 2017)
Sun milk (sensitive skin) SPF 30 by Biodermal (200ml)
Mild sun cream, nothing wrong with it. There are no extra antioxidants added apart from Vitamin E. Therefore I am less inclined to recommend this for daily use on the face.
Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano), Myristyl Myristate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Diglycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Canola Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglycerin-3, Propylene Glycol, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Sucrose Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
(Last updated April 2017)
Sollotion SPF 30 by Derma (200ml)
Mild sun cream, nothing wrong with it. Apart from Vitamin E, absolutely no extra antioxidants have been added. I am therefore less inclined to recommend this one for daily use on the 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 Palmi-tate, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid.
(Last updated April 2017)
Allergy Protection Cream Gel SPF 25 by Eucerin (150ml)
Contains the sun filters Tinosorb S, Avobenzone, Octocrylene and Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone. I am less happy with the alcohol denat. This sun cream doesn’t contain any extra antioxidants either making it, for me personally, not a favourite for daily protection of the face. Rubs in well and doesn’t leave a film behind. Another good choice is the Eucerin sun lotion for dry skin SPF 30.
Aqua, Glycerine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Sodium Citrate, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glucosylrutin, Isoquercitrin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben.
(Last updated April 2017)
Very High Protection Sun Lotion Bebe SPF 50 by Mustela (100ml)
A sun cream without unnecessary irritating ingredients such as perfume. It does, however, contain a lot of sun filters (Uvinul-A-plus, Uvinul T150, Ensulizole, Titanium Dioxide, Tinosorb s), meaning an increased risk of a reaction…
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 April 2017)
Regards Jetske.
(Dr. Jetske Ultee-Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)