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Unveiling the 10 Best Physical Sunscreens for Your Skin

This physical sunscreen offers immediate protection against the sun's UV rays and is quickly absorbed by the skin. With a minimal list of chemical ingredients, it is suitable for all skin types and is a favorite among those who want effective and safe sun protection.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

When applied to the face, this sunscreen is quickly absorbed into the skin, usually within 5-10 seconds, and offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. However, physical sunscreens can clog pores and may not be suitable for those with oily skin.

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens are gradually absorbed into the skin, preventing the white cast effect. However, it takes at least 20 minutes for them to take effect, and they are more effective against UVB rays, offering little protection against UVA rays. Therefore, physical sunscreens are generally preferred. So, let’s explore the top 10 physical sunscreens that are safe and effective, as outlined below.

1The SAEM Eco Earth Power Pink Sun Cream

The SAEM is a Korean skincare brand specializing in gentle and natural formulas. Their products are designed to be safe and effective even for sensitive skin, and they are well-known for their use of natural ingredients.

– Benefits: Provides sun protection while brightening the skin tone, and offers long-lasting hydration and oil control, leaving the skin feeling fresh and dewy.

– Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, extracts of , , chamomile flower oil, sunflower seed oil, chia seed oil, and moringa seed oil.

– Price: Approximately 150,000 VND / product

2Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100

Cell Fusion C is a Korean dermo-cosmetics brand available in over 42 countries. Their products are often recommended by dermatologists due to their gentle and non-irritating formulas.

– Benefits: Offers sun protection for up to 7 hours if not exposed to water for extended periods. It also provides strong adhesion, moisturizes the skin, and helps combat the negative effects of UV rays.

– Ingredients: cyclopentasiloxane, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, butylene glycol, ethylhexyl salicylate, zinc oxide, dicaprylyl carbonate, dipropylene glycol, titanium dioxide, lauryl peg-8 dimethicone, peg-10 dimethicone, dimethicone, disteardimonium hectorite, and tocopheryl acetate.

– Price: Approximately 430,000 VND / product

3Avene Very High Protection Emulsion

Avene is a French dermo-cosmetics brand known for its signature ingredient, Avene Thermal Spring Water, which is rich in minerals and soothing for the skin. Their products are designed to address various skin concerns and provide a gentle and comfortable experience.

– Benefits: Provides broad-spectrum sun protection and is water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming. It also moisturizes the skin and contains ingredients that soothe and reduce irritation and burning sensations caused by UV rays.

– Ingredients: Uvasorb heb, avobenzone, tinosorb s and tinosorb m, pre-tocopheryl, Avene Thermal Spring Water, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide.

– Price: Approximately 315,000 VND / product

4La Roche Posay Anthelios Xl Fluid Ultra-light

La Roche Posay is a French luxury skincare brand known for its safe and rigorously tested formulas. Their products deliver an exceptional experience and are designed to cater to various skin care needs.

– Benefits: Shields against 98% of UVB rays and offers protection against UVA rays and fine dust. It helps keep the skin matte and prevents clogged pores.

– Ingredients: Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, tinosorb s, mexoryl sx/xl, avobenzone, airlicium, sillica, and dimethicone.

– Price: Approximately 420,000 VND / product

5La Roche Posay Uvidea Fresh Gel

This product is specifically designed by La Roche Posay for Asian skin, taking into account the region’s hot and humid climate.

– Benefits: Offers intense hydration, preventing dryness even under harsh sunlight. It provides broad-spectrum sun protection and includes a long-wave filter for enhanced defense against UVA rays. Additionally, it helps slow down the oxidation process and reduces the appearance of dark spots.

– Ingredients: Dextoxy, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, tinosorb s, mexoryl xl, and titanium dioxide.

– Price: Approximately 525,000 VND / product

6Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Broad Spectrum

Neutrogena is an American skincare brand known for its gentle and safe formulas that deliver effective results. Their products are carefully researched and developed by healthcare experts.

– Benefits: Provides broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Despite its strong sun protection capabilities, it also hydrates the skin, ensuring it stays moisturized and comfortable.

– Ingredients: C12-15 alkyl benzoate, styrene/acrylates copolymer, octyldodecyl citrate crosspolymer, phenyl trimethicone, cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, dimethicone, polyhydroxystearic acid, , ethyl methicone, cetyl dimethicone, and silica.

– Price: Approximately 230,000 VND / product

7Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Zinc

Sun Bum is an American skincare brand known for its commitment to cruelty-free and irritation-free products that are free of .

– Benefits: Offers broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays, helping to cool and prevent burning sensations caused by prolonged sun exposure.

– Ingredients: Octinoxate, ethylhexyl salicylate, octocrylene, zinc oxide, leaf extract, and dmdm hydantoin.

– Price: Approximately 250,000 VND / product

8Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk

Anessa is a prestigious Japanese skincare brand under the Shiseido group. Their products are known for their high quality and use of precious natural ingredients, and they are positioned at a higher price point.

– Benefits: Features Aqua Booster EX technology, ensuring strong sun protection that doesn’t wear off when exposed to water, including sweat and pool water. It also contains moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients for comprehensive skin care.

– Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ethylhexyl triazone, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl, extracts, cili fruit extract, and tocopherol.

– Price: Approximately 560,000 VND / product

9Bioderma Photoderm Max Crème

Bioderma is a French dermo-cosmetics brand known for its gentle and safe formulas. Their products are designed with mild chemical ingredients that are suitable for most skin types.

– Benefits: Provides broad-spectrum sun protection, is water-resistant, and gives the skin a healthy, glowing appearance. It also contains ingredients that help even out the skin tone.

– Ingredients: Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, octocrylene, cyclopentasiloxane, and citric acid.

– Price: Approximately 275,000 VND / product

10SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense

SkinCeuticals is an American brand specializing in premium, intensive skincare solutions. They were also the first brand to introduce antioxidant products to the market.

– Benefits: Offers broad-spectrum sun protection for extended periods, allowing you to confidently spend hours outdoors. It provides ample hydration and helps minimize minor imperfections. Additionally, it contains extracts from artemia salina, a type of plankton, which nourishes the skin and tightens pores.

– Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, pentylene glycol, artemia salina extract, translucent color spheres, silicon, and talc powder.

– Price: Approximately 945,000 VND / product

We hope that after reading this article, “Discover 10 Physical Sunscreens That Are Safe and Effective for Your Skin”, our dear readers have gained valuable knowledge to confidently choose the right product for their skin.

Frequently asked questions

Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that act as a barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays away from the skin’s surface, thus preventing sun damage.

Physical sunscreens are typically considered gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. They also start working immediately upon application, unlike chemical sunscreens which need to be applied ahead of time to be effective.

Some of the best physical sunscreens include the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47, and Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50. These products offer effective protection, are gentle on the skin, and have a lightweight, non-greasy feel.

Yes, physical sunscreens are generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, it’s always a good idea to patch test any new product before applying it to your face or body.

It is recommended to apply sunscreen generously at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and to reapply at least every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or perspiring heavily.

Some physical sunscreens may leave a white cast, especially those with a higher concentration of zinc oxide. However, many modern formulas are designed to be sheer and blend seamlessly into the skin without leaving any visible residue.

Some physical sunscreens are formulated to be water-resistant or sweat-proof, providing protection even during swimming or intense physical activities. However, it’s important to note that no sunscreen is truly ‘waterproof’, and reapplication is always necessary after prolonged water exposure.

When choosing a physical sunscreen, look for a product that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30. Consider your skin type and preferences, such as whether you prefer a lotion, cream, or stick formulation, and opt for a product that feels comfortable and pleasant to use.

Yes, many physical sunscreens can double as a primer or makeup base, providing a smooth canvas for your foundation or tinted moisturizer. Look for sunscreens with a matte finish or a slight tint to enhance your complexion.

Physical sunscreens are widely available at pharmacies, beauty stores, and online retailers. Reputable brands can be found at authorized dealers like Sephora, Ulta, and the brands’ official websites.