Brutally honest review of Minimalist sunscreen: is it worth the hype?

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media, you’ve most likely seen a video promoting or discouraging the use of sunscreen. Sunscreen has always been a hot topic of discussion among those who prefer natural products

Regular sunscreen use has been a game-changer for my skin! After using it consistently for 3 months, my hyperpigmentation, which I previously assumed was my natural skin tone, has almost disappeared, and my skin tone is much more even!

It’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen indoors by large windows, as UVA rays can harm your skin in the long run. Sunrays can be brutal to your skin and overall, well-being for the long run.

Sunscreen is a quintessential step in your morning skincare routine

I have tried the SPF 50 sunscreen from Minimalist. I’ve also tried sunscreen from other brands as well. Curious about how this sunscreen compares to them? Let me know if there are any specific ones, you’d like me to review next!

Let’s see if minimalist sunscreen can fit the shoes of a perfect sunscreen with no white cast and easy to blend for Indian skin

Price:                                                    

It costs Rs 399 for 250 gm of the product. The product is available on all almost all online beauty stores

Packaging:

I have the older airless pump packaging from 2022, but they have since switched to tube packaging. I definitely would prefer the old airless pump packaging as it allows me to use enjoy every drop of the product without any wastage

Key Ingredients (according to the bottle):

Aqua, Octocrylene, Diisopropyl Adipate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/​Dicaprate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isododecane, Niacinamide, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Tocopherol Acetate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/​Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Silica, Acacia Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate.  

The brand claims that the product contains no Silicones, Sulphates, Paraben, Dyes. This product is fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any essential oils

SPF Rating

The sunscreen I have used has SPF 50 and PA++++ rating.  They also have SPF 40 and SPF 60 sunscreen variants available in the market. It does not have blue light filters

Tanning:

I did not tan when I wore the sunscreen outdoors, however, I definitely got a tan when I was out on a very sunny day despite wearing this sunscreen.

This is one of the best sunscreens, if not the best, I have tried so far in terms of preventing outdoor tanning.

It is a broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen that gives you protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.

Texture/ consistency:

Its consistency is on the thicker, creamier side, taking 25-30 seconds to blend in fully and takes at least a minute to settle and form an even protective layer on the skin

After blending, it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin upon initial application. However, it may feel heavier after 2nd or 3rd subsequent reapplication. Its thick, creamy formula makes it perfect for dry skin which requires the extra boost of hydration

I often skip using this sunscreen when I’m running late because it requires patience to blend it correctly.

Layering the sunscreen:

Apply the sunscreen to a clean face. Prime your skin with a moisturizer for a smooth, even application. You can also use a vitamin C serum in addition to the sunscreen to maximize protection from the sun.

Apply the sunscreen liberally to face and neck. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours or after in case of excessive sweating or heavy outdoor activities

Finish:

It is a hydrating, moisturizing sunscreen that leaves my skin feeling supple and leaves a glassy, dewy finish. Sometimes, the sunscreen can feel sticky just after application, but this feeling subsides once the sunscreen has settled on the skin

White cast:

I’ve read several mixed reviews about the white cast from the sunscreen. It seems like the white cast may vary depending on the skin tone.

My skin tone changes slightly throughout the year. In winter, I use MAC NC44 liquid foundation, while in summer, I find NC45 provides a better match. This sunscreen did not give my Indian skin a ghostly white cast

The sunscreen leaves a slight white cast which quickly disappears after settling on the skin.

Once you start sweating, it forms a layer on the skin with sweat that looks like white cast. The white cast is more visible and looks like white drops when you sweat just after application.

Sweaty/ greasy feeling:

For context, I have extremely dry, sensitive skin and I also have acne prone skin. You can read more about my skin here

This sunscreen can be a lifesaver in winter when skin tends to be dry. It moisturizes, protects, and adds a hydrating finish, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.