Sunscreen Struggles

Having recently realized that my favorite facial sunscreen, Paula's Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30, has gone from $28 to $37 (for 2 ounces) in just a few years, I have begun a hunt for a less expensive sunscreen for the face. This sunscreen is my favorite because it dries down to a matte finish very quickly after application. It never looks or feels greasy and works well with any other makeup I’ve ever applied on top of it, such as foundations and blushes. 

As an aside, the US sunscreen market is limited because of the way the FDA regulates sunscreen here as opposed to the slightly different rules and circumstances in Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. We have relatively few FDA-approved sunscreen filters here in the US compared to other countries. I’m thinking that’s part of why so many US sunscreens are so goopy and thick. If you’d like to know more about limitations in American sunscreens, I highly recommend the episode "Screening Sunscreen" from the health-oriented podcast America Dissected.

Anyway, I have been trying a few other sunscreens lately to see if I could find a less expensive new favorite. 

The first two I tried were the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch sunscreen in the SPF 30 and SPF 70 varieties. Online the price on the Neutrogena website runs from around $10 to $12 dollars for 3 ounces. I tried the SPF 70 version first but found it to be thick and to never dry down all the way. Even when I wear it on its own without makeup, it continues to feel slippery and greasy even hours after initial application, despite the company’s “dry touch” claim. Then I tried the SPF 30 version, figuring that the reduced amount of sunscreen filters with the lower SPF rating might contribute to a drier formula. Indeed, I do think the SPF 30 feels less greasy, and in my opinion, it looks a bit thinner in the picture compared to the SPF 70. Of note, both of them have a fairly strong floral scent that I find pleasant but some might dislike. 

 

Neutrogena SPF 30 (left), SPF 70 (right)

This next one I tried because it advertised itself as a face primer with SPF, which means it should provide a very smooth feel and maybe even some blurring and mattifying properties. It’s the HEB Face Primer SPF 30, which costs $14.42 for 3 ounces. As you can see in the picture, the product is somewhat thick and tinted a semi-transparent peach. It blends out to be completely colorless and does have a lovely smooth texture. Unfortunately, if you apply enough to get an even layer of sun protection, it does not dry down and retains a greasy, slippery feel much like the Neutrogena products. Darn it! This product has a citrus scent that I do like, but of course others may prefer unscented products. 

HEB Face Primer SPF 30

The last one I tried is the Supergoop Glow Screen in “Sunrise,” which will set you back $36 for 1.7 ounces. I’m not sure why I tried this one since it is more expensive than the Paula’s Choice sunscreen if you consider how much product you get! I did get the mini size, which is still pricey at $20 for 0.68 ounce. I liked this one the best out of everything I tried in this roundup, but of course I am not achieving my purpose of finding a nice, less expensive sunscreen! It has a pearlescent finish and does dry down. It is quite shiny and looks like a highlighter has been applied all over your face, but it does not feel greasy. I will use this one up, but the hunt continues!

Supergoop Glow Screen in "Sunrise"

Thanks for reading!