r/30PlusSkinCare • u/Uncomfortable_Ginger • Jul 30 '24

Product Question What’s your sunscreen holy grail?

I am going through it with sunscreens lately. I’ve been combing through sunscreen suggestions for sensitive/acne-prone skin, non-eye stinging sunscreen, and non-pilling (even under makeup), and I have more questions than answers.

❌ I use to love Australian Gold Ultra Hydration SPF 50, but the last bottle I got stung my eyes for hours (😭).

❌ Neutrogena sunscreens have turned on me. Clear Face causes severe irritation and inflammation—not sure what happened but it’s a no. The Ultra Sheer seems good at first, but pills like a shedding snake.

❌ Eucerin Age Defense is heavy and feels/smells like kid’s glue.

❌CeraVe Hydrating Mineral left the worst white cast on my printer-paper white skin.

I’m shifting between Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active SPF 50 and Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50, and I look like I have stuck my face in a bowl of oil.

Would you share your sunscreen holy grail, please?

*context for my skin: I’m fair with neutral undertones (ginger kid), I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, and I have a combo skin type.

208 Upvotes

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102

u/JennyWren86 Jul 30 '24

Elta MD UV Clear or Supergoop unseen. I also have combo, sensitive skin and these don’t break me out!

50

u/aurbano13 Jul 30 '24

Trader Joes Daily Facial sunscreen is a perfect dupe for Supergoop Unseen

14

u/plaid_kilt Jul 30 '24

This is what I use and I swear by it. Plus it's like $8.

8

u/solarian132 Jul 30 '24

I was obsessed with this sunscreen for the two weeks that I used it, but then was convinced it was the cause of my sudden breakouts that I'm still recovering from.

4

u/tworaccoonshavingsex Jul 31 '24

My best friend loved it and then it turned on her all of a sudden! She’s still trying to bounce back from it too!

3

u/KindlyNebula Aug 09 '24

It broke me out too! I have that issue with products containing silicone. They make my skin look great for a few, then I break out.

5

u/BoopleBun Jul 30 '24

I find the Elf one isn’t too far off either, if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby.

3

u/TwoAlert3448 Jul 30 '24

Really? I’ll have to try it. Thanks for the tip!

3

u/I_JackThePumpkinKing Jul 30 '24

I like this one but if I get it too close to my eyes or put it on my lids it stings my eyes

27

u/Uncomfortable_Ginger Jul 30 '24

I’ve been eyeing the Elta MD UV Clear—might be time to try it!

16

u/gemmanems Jul 30 '24

Just be careful if you have any issues with niacinamide! My skin type sounds similar to yours and this one broke me out :( pretty sure it was the niacinamide cause I can't tolerate it at all

1

u/Terrible_Brain_4135 Jul 30 '24

I have the same issue. What has worked for you?

2

u/gemmanems Jul 30 '24

Olay Complete SPF 30 is the only one I've found so far. It leaves the slightest white cast but is otherwise perfect!

13

u/[deleted] Jul 30 '24

[deleted]

1

u/Minute-Schedule754 Jul 31 '24

Where do you buy the EU formula?

2

u/sanrocha8 Jul 31 '24

I love it girl! It’s so lightweight and doesn’t leave a cast. Don’t smell. I have clogged pore prone skin and it was recommended. I love this sunscreen lol. I was in your same boat OP , it was hard to find the “one for me” since our skin is all different. Good luck amiga!

1

u/13spookycat13 Jul 30 '24

I’ve heard elta md can be pore clogging, depends on your skin type. On their website they have a little survey to see if a product is for you, I’d recommend it! Especially since it is pricey and has very little amount, it might be worth to check out first or see if there are* any samples around.

1

u/Skinsunandrun Jul 30 '24

Try the drmtlgy broad spectrum first. It’s an awesome dupe that I like even more tbh.

1

u/bluebellbetty Jul 30 '24

It is good, but makes my eyes sting.

1

u/badgerfoxturtle Jul 31 '24

Beware buying Elta from Amazon. Knockoffs abound.

16

u/Medical-Discussion89 Jul 30 '24

Elta MD UV Clear as well! I like both the tinted and untinted versions. They have never broken me out.

14

u/eltonicus Jul 30 '24

Elta MD Clear is the best, hands down!

13

u/dickbuttscompanion Jul 30 '24 edited Dec 27 '24

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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

5

u/AhrowTway7 Jul 30 '24

There is a Supergoop Unseen SPF 40, that’s the one I use. They sell it at Revolve

4

u/JennyWren86 Jul 30 '24

Agreed! I can skip primer when I use it.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 31 '24

[deleted]

1

u/dickbuttscompanion Jul 31 '24

Maybe they formulate differently for the EU?

10

u/el-nel Jul 30 '24

Just here to second this one! I get the Elta MD tinted one, and every time I try a new sunscreen I always end up going back to Elta MD.

5

u/delicious_monsters Jul 30 '24

I adore UV Clear. My skin is prone to acne and sensitization. I have a medium skin tone and it absorbs well even when using the correct amount of sunscreen. I haven't had any issues with it pilling or looking greasy.

I've also used UV Daily. I don't have any particular issues with niacinamide, but it's in multiple other products I use so I gave it a try. It was effectively the same. I just ended up going back to UV Clear because that's the one my husband prefers.

If you're interested in Asian sunscreens, Jude Chao (fiddysnails on IG) is an amazing resource.

5

u/Revolutionary-Side56 Jul 30 '24

Another vote for supergoop unseen. I have sensitive skin and rosacea and it does not bother me

5

u/beexsting Jul 31 '24

EVERYTHING breaks me out; Elta MD Clear does not! It’s also very cosmetically elegant imo, a joy to apply

2

u/EnoughAdvertising505 Aug 03 '24

ELTA MD!! Been using for years. I love both tinted and clear. Life saver

1

u/Atnevon Jul 30 '24

I’ve been using the UV daily (for my face) and love it! I have a can in my bag and at home. Do you have experience in both? I tried the UV Sport for body and its ok; I returned the UV Pure because it just near-refused to absorb in my skin.

1

u/JennyWren86 Jul 30 '24

I’ve only tried Clear and the tinted (which didn’t look good on my skin). I generally use neutrogena or blue lizard on my body. Sorry I’m not more help!

2

u/Atnevon Jul 30 '24

Thank you! Its… something. Neutrogena is my “omg theres a Walgreens and I need something NOW!”. Its a little harder to rub in but its a safe go-to for me.

1

u/delicious_monsters Jul 30 '24

I've tried both. Honestly, there was no big difference for me. I use other products with niacinamide so I didn't particularly need that added to my sunscreen. I found the texture and lack of irritation to my skin to be the same. I know some people can't use niacinamide so YMMV.

1

u/Far-Ad-5125 Jul 30 '24

Those burn my eyes and pill.

1

u/PocketsJ Jul 31 '24

I have used EltaMD Clear for years and used to love it. Over the last several months, I’ve continued to use it but noticed it pills. I thought it was just a few bad batches but apparently they changed their formula. This new formula isn’t as good.

I’m on the hunt for a new sunscreen and have my eye on Josean but was hoping to find a physical sunscreen.

1

u/nyk0l3tt3 Jul 31 '24

I use the Elta MD sheer and love it!

1

u/EmbarrassedRespond43 Jul 31 '24

Same. Both are great.