A Wren Says

How do I say this professionally? I’m tired of sunscreen makers lying to me. I know that everyone is searching for an invisible sunscreen. Brands want to deliver on that need. Here’s the thing though: Your invisibility claim needs to live up to actual use. And by that, I mean how dermatologists recommend we use the product to get the benefits you claim we’re getting. Here’s how an encounter with a brand rep went.

I was amazed that the mineral sunscreen had a claim of going on clear. That seemed truly surprising given what I know about the active ingredients. I went home, used the product, and was truly surprised … that I had experienced white cast yet again. In store, I asked about that. The rep said that I must have been using too much, and that I should use less. I cringed at the advice. I had been using the dermatologically recommended two finger lengths. Any less and I would risk reducing the protective factor. Even though it would get me to the result I wanted, it was definitely bad advice.

So I ask you, skincare brands of the world, “Are you ready to be honest?” Are you ready to admit that using the mineral sunscreen as intended will lead to white cast? And even still, will you be clear about the benefits you provide and ways to work with that? For example, I would love it if a brand showed a demonstration of a deep skin model with a white cast from her mineral sunscreen then applying her foundation on top. And with that, they’d make a recommendation for how she might adjust her chosen foundation shade to account for the color shift of the sunscreen. You could easily spin the product as a primer with SPF, a base layer for tinted products. But no, you won’t admit the problem exists, and that means you’re actually missing out on more sales.

And for you, consumers: What do you want out of your sunscreens? Do you want actual protection from UV rays? Or are you just focused on the look?

If you want a sunscreen that truly shows up invisible, look for a chemical sunscreen. You will see active ingredients such as Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, and Octinoxate. If you would rather use a mineral sunscreen, but don’t want a white cast, consider using a version that is tinted. Bonus: Iron oxide used for coloring provides your skin with additional protection.

Don’t sacrifice your SPF because you’re afraid of getting a white cast or looking greasy. Please know that you can get both while using the right product. And brands, you can help us find the right product if you start being honest. I don’t lies with my sunscreen; just SPF will do.