What facial SPF are we using these days?
Posted by SubstantialDog9170@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 76 comments
I had a bad reaction to the last batch of expensive stuff I bought, so I’m wondering what is working for everyone else these days.
Inevitable_Room2535@reddit
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Serum, SPF 60. I have very sensitive skin (I am allergic to both Vanicream and Cetephil moisturizers lol) and eyes and have never had an issue with it! Plus it's not a bajillion dollars, bonus.
ineffable_my_dear@reddit
People with sensitive skin tend to fare better with mineral / physical sunscreen.
I rotate between a few Korean brands. Their formulas feel more elegant and they have far better filters than we have in the US.
Superb_Valuable_5789@reddit
Do you have any brands to recommend and how do you get them?
ineffable_my_dear@reddit
You have to buy directly from Korea or you’ll end up with US formulations of Korean brands.
My go-to store is Style Korean but I also like Jolse. YesStyle and Stylevana are solid but shipping times can vary wildly. Tons of people on r/KoreanBeauty love Yami but I find the website difficult to navigate. They all frequently have promos, and you can sort by popularity / rating but I’m specifically loving serum sunscreens by Round Lab and Seoul 1988.
Superb_Valuable_5789@reddit
Thanks, I knew you had to get them directly but wasn’t sure about reputable sites! I’m definitely in the mineral/physical blocker camp but zinc can be so drying. Would love to find different formulas with more hydrating skin care ingredients :)
Healthy-Neat-2989@reddit
I am currently obsessed with Beauty of Joseon. Feels so soft and light ai almost don’t trust it! But my husband is getting tanned and I’m not, so it’s definitely workinf. No funky scent, doesn’t burn my eyes, easy to reapply - it’s so good.
DefiantThroat@reddit
This is me. I love beauty of joseon brand sunscreens.
crazymastiff@reddit
I’m literally back on my way from a very sunny and hot Caribbean cruise and I had to use SPF 100+ by Neutrogena. I reapplied to my face, neck and shoulders 2x in 3 hours. Then I used the sports sunscreen SPF 50 I think and sprayed everywhere else. I only got slightly red on the everywhere else. My extremely pale Irish Jew face, neck and shoulders were still white as fuck.
sunkistandsudafed3@reddit
La Roche posay anthelios spf 50. The moisturing one now as peri has made my skin so dry, has blue on the label.
KTbear999@reddit
When I started to have a reaction to sunscreen on my face, I figured out that avobenzone was the ingredient I am sensitive to. Look for physical/mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
The actual best sunscreens aren’t legally available in the US because the fda is decades behind in approving new ingredients. If you or someone you know is traveling outside the US, though, look for sunscreen from Korean or European brands. (I use the European formula of La Roche Posay; the brand is available in the US but they have to use avobenzone in the formula here.)
Neither-Mycologist77@reddit
I like SuperGoop.
flitcroft@reddit
Yes! I never leave the house without it. All the white creams drive me crazy, but Unseen's texture is easy to handle. It does make me look shiny/greasy though. Not great as a man who doesn't wear makeup.
laurcar@reddit
Me too, particularly the unseen sunscreen. I get the dupe from Trader Joes.
emmet80@reddit
Thank You Farmer SPF 50 (Costco sells it). https://www.costco.com/p/-/thank-you-farmer-sun-project-water-sun-cream-spf-50-175-fl-oz-2-pack/100498549
-Julya-@reddit
I've developed an allergic reaction to 99% of sunscreens and haven't been able to pinpoint the exact ingredient so it's just trial and error for me....mostly error, sadly.
I currently have two in my arsenal that don't make me want to scratch my flesh off. An SPF 40 mineral sunscreen by Mackenzie's Ocean Safe (that turns me and everything I touch a slimy, ghostly white) and Supergoop Unseen SPF 50 (which is expensive if I'm putting it anywhere other than my face). I'm getting ready to test a couple other version of Supergoop that will hopefully work as well, but I'm easing into it as I've had a few seem to be safe, then when I buy like $100 worth of it to ensure I don't run out -- boom! -- I'm suddenly breaking out in hives.
MadPopette@reddit
If you have a trader Joe's near you, try their facial sunscreen, it's said to be very similar to super goop, but only $7ish!
-Julya-@reddit
Ooh, good tip! I have a Trader Joe's very close to me...
MadPopette@reddit
I really hope it works for you! It's cheap enough that I always have several going - on in the work bag, one in the purse, one in the bathroom for applying before yardwork.
Independent_Leg3957@reddit
North American chemical sunscreens give me a weird rash too. Korean sunscreens have been a godsend.
cmiller0513@reddit
15 on the lips, Chapstick blue label And 70 on the nose and ears, Neutrogena ultra sheet dry touch touch
I wear a hood and visor if I'm in the sun for any appreciable amount of time (I work outside)
KimbleDeckard@reddit
Any recommendations on a breathable hoodie for hot weather?
cmiller0513@reddit
Really, that's the one thing, they do not breathe as easily as cotton, but I sweat profusely in South Louisiana so I need something that dries quickly. I keep a 20V fan around in the field to help with the air flow needed for the cooling effect. Paired with a extendable visor it provides better protection than any straw hat or hardhat brim extension and flap could ever provide. Works great working on the water with the wind.
epic cool hooded long sleeve shirts are what I wear. I don't even see them available on the site at the moment, however the A4 is pretty much the same. (I believe the epic cool was an in-house blend).
LilyBitLumpy@reddit
I’m not the Xennial you asked but I get nearly all my UPF clothing from Coolibar and I highly recommend them. Hoodies, hats, you name it, and they’re just about always having a sale.
LumpyJump6091@reddit
I love Ultra Sheer, but I stick with the 30. Anything higher and it gets caked in my beard a few minutes after applying.
I do always wear a brimmed hat when outside, though. Melanoma runs in my family and I've already had one scare, so I'm not taking any chances.
Miz_momo82@reddit
Samesies
blamberr@reddit
I use 70 on my face in a Neutrogena cream and then used the aerosol spray elsewhere
kumogate@reddit
I have yet to find a sunscreen that doesn't somehow get into my eyes and sting them until I wash my face. Even if I just wear a hat and put the sunscreen below the eyes, it still somehow climbs up and gets into them anyway.
TamalesForBreakfast6@reddit
A mineral sunscreen with zinc as its main ingredient won’t sting your eyes
kumogate@reddit
I will have to go on the hunt for one. Or maybe just get one off Amazon.
BoredAccountant@reddit
Daily AM moisturizer is 30. Actual sunpro is 50.
TamalesForBreakfast6@reddit
Elta MD baby. It’s pricey but it’s the best and layers well under everything.
RevolutionaryEgg1312@reddit
Bondi sands factor 50 every day even when it's gloomy and cold.
makeshift101@reddit
Beard, Hat, and just not go outside
seriouslysocks@reddit
I’ve never found a brand that doesn’t slide into my eyes and burn. ☹️
caffeinatedscientist@reddit
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, sometimes I layer on the Cotz Face Prime & Protect Tinted SPF 40. For outdoor activities, like running and soccer, I like the Bask Daily Invisible Gel SPF 40.
Popculture-VIP@reddit
I like Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42
Objective-Ad5620@reddit
Try mineral-based sunscreen; it’s better for sensitive skin. Super goop makes a mineral unseen sunscreen I swear by!
Upstairs-Kale-3794@reddit
Staying Inside
el_pinko_grande@reddit
I use the Trader Joe's dupe of the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen.
I do also like Supergoop Play when I can get the big pump bottle of it for a decent price, though.
Smurfblossom@reddit
SPF 50 on my face and SPF 15 on my lips daily. For days outdoors I put SPF 50 on everywhere. Most often I'm not in the sun anymore and wear a hat and long sleeves.
Spartan04@reddit
I use Neutragena Ultra Sheer, which works well for me. Though being bald I also wear hats a lot if I'll be out in the sun. Since a lot of my outdoor time is in the evening after work I don't always wear sunscreen, I base it on what the UV index is.
cyberfx1024@reddit
I am using 50 on almost everything because anything above 70 causes my skin to break out
dragon_mthr@reddit
Cerave. It's light weight and works for hours.
For the pool or etc the Neutrogena face sunscreen is great.
PersonalityAlive6475@reddit
Wide-brimmed hat… because I ain’t putting sunscreen on my head.
2 birds, 1 hat.
PureOrange7049@reddit
I wear Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer 365 days a year. It has an spf of 30 which is fine for most of the time. If I’m going to be spending any time outside I also will put a layer of Sun Bum mineral sunscreen, I think the one I have right now is 60.
the_amazing_spork@reddit
30
sneaky_pigeon@reddit
I use Supergoop unseen sunscreen spf 40 as my daily. I have sensitive skin and it doesn’t irritate it.
laurcar@reddit
Supergoop Unseen Suncreen is also my favorite, but I also like the Trader Joe's dupe for this when I want to be less spendy
867-53-oh-nein@reddit
7000
boogs34@reddit
Zinc oxide based sunscreen is what works and isn’t the oil based benzene poisons that most big brand sunscreens have
_____AMOK_____@reddit
46 next month been raw dogging the AZ sun
Ineedavodka2019@reddit
30 in lotion form for face. Hen a foundation with 30 on top. Went to the Caribbean and my face was the only thing that didn’t burn. Just normal sunscreen for rest of skin. Mostly, I live in MI and we get no sun 6 months a year so I’m in long sleeves.
Treadingresin@reddit
A very wide brimed hat, long pants and whatever I remember to purchase then slather on.
Appropriate_Term4499@reddit
IT Cosmetics CC cream made w/ mineral sunscreen
UbiquitousBot@reddit
Blue lizard spf50 and a giant hat. Im still really scared of my tanning oil days coming back to get me.
Myrtle_Snow_@reddit
I use the Hawaiian Tropic spf 60 sheer touch face sunscreen. I have sensitive skin and it doesn’t bother me at all, plus it’s vegan (I’m not vegan but I prefer not tested on animals when I can) and I also love the smell. The unseen sunscreens like supergoop and a lot of the dupes seem to irritate my skin, but I’ve never had a problem with Hawaiian Tropic.
DachshundNursery@reddit
I used to get bad reactions to regular SPF on my face before switching to mineral sunblocks. My daily one right now is Trader Joe's Daily Facial Mineral Sunscreen with 40spf. I guess it's a dupe for a fancier one, but I don't know which,
FistoMagnifico@reddit
I try not to leave the house or at least wait till dusk. If I'm forced into the light Ill go with 50spf banana boat sport.
Meatball-Alfredo-Mom@reddit
SPF 30 on my face. I only do my body if I’m planning to be out for an extended amount of time. I figure the damage is already done. No one ever put sunscreen on me as a kid and we used to baby oil ourselves as teens….
FoppyRETURNS@reddit
50
Mysterious_Fennel459@reddit
I dont? I also dont spend a lot of time outside. When I do, it's for early evening/late afternoon walks with the dogs.
CaptinEmergency@reddit
Sun hat and UV blocking glasses.
WendyPortledge@reddit
I just got Marcelle mineral face serum. It’s 30%. It smells of zinc but is very light and no white cast.
C_A_P_S_CAPSCAPSCAPS@reddit
Do you mean MyChelle? That face sunscreen is the best.
WendyPortledge@reddit
No, I do mean Marcelle 100% Mineral Sun Serum SPF 30
WendyPortledge@reddit
No, I do mean Marcelle 100% Mineral Sun Serum SPF 30
NoContextCarl@reddit
Most of the ones I've used have that sunscreen smell that I hate, so I only really use them in the summer or days when I know I'll be outside for awhile.
Two that I can tolerate are: Neutrogena sensitive and Nivea for Men.
Otherwise Vanicream sensitive moisturizer without SPF is much gentler and tolerable for me if I'm not out in the sun.
justauryon@reddit
Been using Korean sunscreen - Beauty of Joseon specifically. Definitely not purchased in the US though as the ones sold here are with American sunscreen filters.
EditRemove@reddit
UV long sleeve shirt with hood and a round hat. A few dollars each the Chinese sites.
z3rba@reddit
My wife has very fair skin (she's a pale redhead) and has pretty sensitive skin, so she's pretty picky about sunscreeen. She's been getting the Sun Bum face kind. I think its like 70spf, and pretty light weight. She would normally get higher SPF, but she really likes that that brand doesn't leave a noticeable film. Other than that we get the highest possible SPF that isn't sticky or greasy.
I just use whatever she buys. I've been lucky and don't burn too bad or too quickly, but I still apply like I do. On the bright side, I do not look 42. Most people say I look a good 8-10 years younger. I credit the sunscreen use overall. I'm sure Baz Luhrmann would agree.
giraffemoo@reddit
clinique moisture surge broad spectrum spf 28. They make their regular yellow moisturizer with spf now too but the "moisture surge" is nicer.
Abpoe77@reddit
Still using a ball cap or a boonie hat depending on the job. If I'm on the river it's 50spf I do wear light weight sun hoodies with long sleeves or a lightweight long sleeve button down. Again job dependent
beahdawn@reddit
Dr. Jart Every Sun Day is what I use. Not sure about everyone else though. I just appreciate that it doesn’t cause my eyes to burn.
Zagmut@reddit
Banana boat or dermatone. I can get dermatone from work at discount, and BB is cheap everywhere.
whither_wander_you@reddit
I use Exuviance face cream daily, tinted moisturizer with an SPF (i prefer Tarte, Clinique, and NYX) if you are female, or sunbum for face is quite amazing and lightweight. I use the Sunbum down to my wrists almost all summer for tattoo coverage as well, you can choose 15-50 SPF.