Shaybay Shaybay
5 months ago

Sunscreen help!!

Hey there folks,

I have tried almost every sunscreen you can thin of and am losing my mind trying to find something that doesn't cause a reaction. I've even tried products the WIMJ AI has flagged as "low" irritation, and have used multiple filters to try to restrict ingredients that seem to be causing trouble (ie, fragrance, alcohols, essential oils, and even experimented with the "EU Restricted Ingredients" filter.) But still no luck! Either I eventually become reactive, or the product texture is utterly terrible and I can't stand to wear it.

I previously had a good few weeks with Cocokind's zinc sunscreen, and some Eucerine/Cetaphil/Neutrogena products before becoming sensitized (which I've linked below) but I've yet to find something truly compatible for me and and driving myself nuts having to deal with new irritation every few weeks. This happens with my other skincare products in my routine as well, but that's a whole other ordeal to tackle. Some info on skin and current routine below:

Skin background:

28yrs old, very fair, reactive to scents, and other ingredients that I can't seem to pin down

AM:

Lotion: Cetaphil shea butter lotion

Sunscreen: Cocokind mineral spf 30 (starting to become reactive to this though!!)

PM:

Face wash: Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash

Lotion: Cetaphil shea butter lotion

Extra layer: Cereve Healing Balm

*Suncreens I have tried in the past, but am not currently using are included below for extra context

Cetaphil - Facial Moisturizer SPF50
Go to product page
Banana Boat - Sport Performance Lotion Sunscreens with PowerStay Technology SPF 30, 8 Ounces
Go to product page
Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash
Go to product page
CeraVe - Healing Ointment for Dry and Chafed Skin, Non
Go to product page
Eucerin - Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 50
Go to product page
Eucerin - Age Defense, Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion For Face, SPF 50
Go to product page
cocokind - Daily SPF
Go to product page
Cetaphil - Body Lotion by CETAPHIL, Advanced Relief Lotion with Shea Butter for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Go to product page
Sensitivity
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Okay, your post was the reason why I joined the sight. So, this spring alone I have spent close to $70. Just to find a sunscreen to wear after my chemical peels (tca peels). Plus, almost all of them caused me to have little tiny pimples all over my cheecks. Every one of them, non-comogenic. After a TON of research + trial and error, I have found one that seems to be mild, non burning after a peel, and non pore clogging. Eucerin Age-Defense+Hyloronic acid 50 for face. It's hypoalergenic and zinc free. Active ingredients are Avobenzone 3%, Homosalatate 10%, Octisalate 5%, and Octocrylene 10%. It's doesn't have any of the ingredients to avoid from my research.

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Oh no, I see you have tried this one. Well, I make sure to slather my face in hyloronic acid and let it dry before I add sunscreen. When I do add sunscreen, I rub it evenly in my hands and then gently pat it on, I NEVER rub it in. I always apply it last. You can always buy a cute floppy hat. I just got one this year because I hate wearing sunscreen on my face and only do it when I'm not able to shade my face from the sun.

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I don't have any direct recommendations but I have a friend with very sensitive skin who has switched to using baby sunscreen and it seems to be working well for her. Maybe you could try that? Good luck finding something that works!

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Korean sunscreens have worked for me!

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Yes, I have such reactive skin as well - I have progressively become more intolerant of US sunscreen formulas. My body cannot tolerate US chemical sunscreens at all to the point I have immediate allergic reactions with difficulty breathing until I wash them off, but Korean and Japanese chemical and hybrid filter sunscreens are an absolute dream for me and my family members who all have different skin types and concerns (including mature/ aging skin).
From US sunscreens I have 2 zinc oxide ones I rely on: the Kinlo tinted SPF drops, and CVS Health baby 50 Lotion (meant to be a dupe for a Banana Boat sunscreen). The CVS one I have gone to sleep in multiple times with it all over my face, neck and arms as I live in a northern place that has sunrise hours before I wake up for a few months of the year, and my skin is perfectly happy with it.
> The only chemical sunscreens I haven't have acute allergic reactions from applying even on my arms that's made in the US are 3 Asian founded brands' formulas: Naturium's SPF sunscreen, the new Krave Beauty Beet the Sun, and Dr Jart+ Cicapair SPF color corrector, and the French brand La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30. The Avene one was also fine for me, but I hated how greasy it is.

If you have very problematic skin you cannot pinpoint the cause of reaction for, compare formulas your body rejects to find common denominator ingredients that you don't find in products you can tolerate well - this is how I found out I am allergic to lavender oil and "natural" fragrance.

Good luck on your skin and sunscreen journey.

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Can you describe what you mean by "reactive"? Is it burning, breakouts, redness?

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Im getting breakouts and/or small pimples from most sunscreens. I had no problems so far with “One two free daily sunprotection fluid 50SPF” and “Clinique Mineral sunscreen fluid SPF 50”.

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Just a suggestion but have you looked at Altruist Facial Fluid?

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I highly recommend the La Roche Posay Anthelios spf50. I’ve tried others and keep coming back to it. It’s light, doesn’t sting eyes, very effective as an spf and doesn’t pill under makeup. it’s a bit pricey but just using on your face it lasts well. This one is specifically for sensitive skin - La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream

https://www.laroche-posay.ie/en_IE/anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-spf50-sun-cream-50ml/LRPUK-164.html

Best of luck.

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I have the same problem, so understand the frustration. So far, the products I'm using now are the best combo I've been able to find and it works okay. I still get some shine, but it's manageable--especially since the below routine hasn't caused me any of the irritation, breakouts, or severe dry skin that I've suffered with every other sunscreen/combo I've tried.....

Hope you find what will work for you. Good luck!

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Hello Shaybay! I have sensitive combination skin here and know exactly how you feel. It took me quite a while (of course $ too) to figure out what to avoid in my daily routine. WIMJ played a VERY important role and helped me A LOT! Please make use of the information you found here, DO read about the ingredients and find out what cause you trouble, it's easy.

By looking at the products you shared, I have found several ingredients made my skin hot and red immediately after apply. You can take it as reference too.

You're the only one who can find out the ingredients that your skin don't like, it takes time and effort but worth it.

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Maybe high spf has a correlation with irritation idk im no expert, cerave has an AM facial moisturising spf 25 you could try that, obvs cons is that its below spf 30

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Try something from EltaMD or SkinCeuticals

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I would recommend a Korean sunscreen. Isntree, Beauty of Joseon, Canmake, CosRx, Purito, etc. There's lots of reviews on YouTube if you aren't familiar. Or AsianBeauty subreddit on Reddit.

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Hi, I have been using Bondi Sands sunscreen and have been happy with it. I apply it every morning after my skincare routine. Good luck

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Hi ,isntree airy hyaluronic acid spf 50 is so light and nourishing with excellent antioxidants,I get mine from stylevanna and Yes Style,

Good luck

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I've tried a few different suncreens that revolve around less irritants but have always had problems with the oil buildup and shine. I've finally landed on a Korean Skin care sunscreen that feels amazing with no irritation and hydrates with minimal shine. I really recommend this sunscreen and the brand overall: https://beautyofjoseon.com/collections/sunscreens/products/relief-sun-rice-probiotics?variant=42376251605157

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My skin startet to become ultra sensitive in the last year. So annoying!!!!

My skin is fine with NAKED SUNDAYS SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Priming Perfecting Lotion. Has a slight tint and feels really thick and heavy spreading onto skin but once it sinks into skin it looks nice, almost airbrushed and a bit dewy and not too shiny.

And I also like the Korean brands that I tried do far. They have great texture.

My skin was also was fine with one. two. free! Daily Sun Protection Fluid SPF 50.

Good luck!

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I'm not sure if it will be available where you are because it's an Australian brand, but I swear by Bondi Fragrance Free Face Fluid SPF50. I'm currently using this while on Tret and haven't had a single issue

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I have very sensitive skin and Nivea Sensitive sunscreen has never failed me. No irritation for the whole summer:

https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/nivea-sun-uv-face-sensitive-soothing-uva-uvb-0-sticky-skin-feeling-sunscreen-protection-spf50

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I have insane sensitive skin and the only one that worked for me is the istree watery sun gel it’s not a mineral which I know is normally better for sensitive skin. But it’s amazing I can’t recommend it enough

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