Review: MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen

This is a series in which, in an attempt to work my way through my sample overload, I spend the weekend trying out samples, then inflict capsule reviews upon the internet. 

Available at Beauty.com, DermStore, MDSolarSciences, Nordstrom, Sephora,

Product Claims

According to the MDSolarSciences website:

This lightweight and silky-smooth crème blends seamlessly to help blur fine lines and wrinkles, making it a must-have for any daily beauty or grooming routine. Our exclusive “barely there” formula leaves a matte finish that is perfect to wear both under and over makeup. Naturally derived and safer Eco-cert zinc oxide helps reduce the risk of photo aging and skin cancer. Non-irritating and oil-free, this water-resistant sunscreen won’t clog pores, is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types and suitable for kids 6 months and older.

The Ingredients

Again, from the website:

The Good

This is a high-SPF sunscreen that feels weightless on my dry skin and looks and acts like a makeup primer. (It feels very similar to Boots Prevent and Correct, a best-selling silicone-based serum that a lot of people like to wear as primer.)

The sun protection seems great, although I haven't tested it with a full day of outdoor wear. It doesn't claim to be waterproof, so I wouldn't wear if I were going to be swimming.

The cream has a very slight tint and gives the skin a whitish cast, but this isn't a problem for me, as I am fair-skinned and wear it under makeup.

There is a very slight sweet masking fragrance, but no sunscreen reek.

Mild-to-moderate activity doesn't appear to affect it, at least, from the getting-in-to-my-eyes school of sunscreen torment, which is no doubt caused by the chemicals in chemical sunscreens. Since this is a physical sunscreen, it's very bland, and good for sensitive skin (or eyes, as in my case.) Also, I've walked and run with it on and it stayed put well without holding in sweat and making me feel suffocated, which is what happens to me when I wear waterproof sunscreen.

The product is paraben-free.

The Bad

First, there is the whitening effect, which could be a problem for people with skin darker than mine.

The high level of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide might product flashback in photographs, although I haven't actually tested this.

Verdict

Although I wouldn't swear by it for truly active/watersports days, if you are pale, or have dry skin, are comfortable with silicone-based skin creams, and are looking for something that plays well with makeup, I recommend it highly.

Bonus! a second opinion from my friend Wendy

Last May, when blackbird, Susie Sunshine, and Wendy visited me in Chicago, I gave out a few samples, and Wendy was gracious enough to email me her thoughts on some of the products she tried. She also gave me permission to quote her on my blog. This is what she said:

This is on my shopping list!!  I love the level of protection and I love how it goes on and feels when it dries.  It feels almost like make up primer when dry and says that it goes matte.  I agree.  There is a sheer white cast to it, but on my fair skin that's no big deal - I also follow it with powder foundation which is part of why I love how it feels like primer.  It's comfortable to wear and what I feel is enough to truly protect my skin.  No scent. I've been wearing it every day since I opened it and sadly have run out.  Like I said - I'm buying more tomorrow.  

How much? And where can I buy it?

The retail price is $30.00 for 1.7 oz. It's available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Beauty.com, and Amazon.

 

Would I buy it?

I already did! I followed a link from Brutally Honest Beauty and snagged a 1.7 oz. tube from DermStore using a coupon code that got me 30 percent off.

Because it's pricey and available at lots of different stores, I'd shop around to get a better deal--at the very least, free shipping.