Claims: Actively treats hyper-pigmentation and protects from the sun
Ingredients (Good): German Chamomile extract (anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, inhibit melanin synthesis), Squalene (moisturiser), Vitamin E (anti-oxidant), Glycerine (classic humectant), Oleate Acid (Humectant), Fatty Alcohols (moisturising) and Hyaluronic Acid.
Explaining the efficacy of German Chamomile: The substance in the extract that inhibits melanin synthesis is called bisabolol. There are lots of sunscreen that contains bisabolol without making whitening claims. The German Chamomile extract in this sunscreen is not fermented, distilled, or otherwise concentrated in any way. It is definitely not the most effective way to lighten skin. Using a sunscreen like this in will no way compare to laser or bleaching treatments overseen by a dermatologist. On the other hand, if you are already using a hydroquinone or niacinamide in your skincare, this product won't interact with them or impede them in any way. That is a benefit in and itself.
Ratings: SPF 50+ PA++++
Cost/Value: $9-14 (33 grams) on Yes Style and Ebay / Fair/reasonable/average price and a good deal.
It is a Combination Sunscreen. Its active ingredients are Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus and Titanium Dioxide.
It DOES sting my eyes very slightly.
It DOES smell. It is advertised as having a fresh fruit fragrance, and it does have fragrance to it , but it is not particularly strong and it doesn't linger on skin.
It did NOT gather in my undereye wrinkles.
It DOES leave a soft white cast on my skin. If you blend it out perfectly evenly, it is wearable but not necessarily flattering by itself. It will make you a shade or so whiter without being really obvious the way some sunscreens are.
It DOES dry down in 20 minutes or less. It dries really quick to a transfer resistant finish. Working from the top of my face downwards, by the time I was applying this sunscreen to my cheeks, my forehead had already dried.
It DOES look good under make up. I did not see that it made any substantive difference in the colour, texture or wear time of my foundation.
It stuck around as long as my foundation did.
This will work for any skin type. Despite its ingredients, it's not particularly moisturising nor is it mattifying. If you have normal or combination skin, this will absolutely work for you. If you have dry skin, it shouldn't pose a problem. I can’t speak to very oily skin, but I think it is worth a shot. It didn't break up on my T-zone which gets oily for me over the course of the day.
In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this sunscreen. It is reasonably price, completely unobtrusive, a high SPF and PA ratings and it gives the freckles and hyper pigmented people like me a little bit of hope.
