Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF50

Well-known or their Vitamin CE Ferulic Acid serum, Skinceuticals is an American cosmeceutical brand that can be found in many a dermatology or medispa clinic. I decided to pick up their Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF50 at my dermatologist’s clinic. I’ve heard this being a great mineral sunscreen for all skin tones, so I had to try it for myself!

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INFORMATION ON SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF50

SKIN TYPE: All Skin Types, Very Sensitive
SKIN CONDITION: Aging and Sun-Damaged Skin, Discoloration
WHAT IT IS
Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is a tinted, broad spectrum sunscreen fluid with 100% mineral-based UV filters which promotes radiance and an even skin tone.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR

• Provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB Protection
• Boosts radiance for a more even, luminous complexion 
• Helps boost skin’s natural defenses to environmental stress

DID YOU KNOW?

• Water- and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes 
• Sheer, tinted sunscreen adapts to most skin tones without a white cast 
• Non-comedogenic, paraben-, alcohol-, dye-, fragrance- and gluten-free

– Skinceuticals.ca

Price: $34 USD / $48 CAD
Amount: 50 ml
Packaging:  Opaque grey plastic bottle, twist off cap with a small spout.

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UV FILTERS:

Type: Mineral
Zinc Oxide: 5% Z-Cote®
Titanium Dioxide: 6%

Protection:
UVB: SPF50
UVA: ~16.67 – in Canada, the recommended minimum UVAPF has to be 1/3rd of the SPF. (See Table 4 on the Government of Canada’s website). I found on this website that the PPD is 21, but nowhere on Skinceuticals website is it confirmed.
Contains Iron Oxides

INGREDIENTS:
Active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide. Cosmetic ingredients: water, dimethicone, isododecane, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, undecane, triethylhexanoin, isohexadecane, nylon-12, caprylyl methicone, butyloctyl salicylate, phenethyl benzoate, styrene/acrylates copolymer, silica, tridecane, dicaprylyl carbonate, dicaprylyl ether, talc, dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, aluminum stearate, pentylene glycol, peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, alumina, polyhydroxystearic acid, phenoxyethanol, magnesium sulfate, caprylyl glycol, iron oxides, peg-8 laurate, disteardimonium hectorite, triethoxycaprylylsilane, tocopherol, propylene carbonate, artemia extract, benzoic acid, peg-9, disodium stearoyl glutamate, aluminum hydroxide.

The Zinc Oxide in this sunscreen is Z-Cote®, described as a microfine, photostable physical UV filter that is translucent and non-greasy. Knowing this, it is what’s supposed to help this mineral sunscreen produce minimal cast for most skin tones. Skinceuticals describes the Titanium Dioxide in this formula as microfine, and the Iron Oxides as translucent coloured spheres. Aside from Tocopherol as an antioxidant, the bulk of the ingredients list make up the texture and emollience of the sunscreen.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF50

CONSISTENCY:  Thin fluid.

FRAGRANCE: None.

APPLICATION: I applied the sunscreen in 2 thin layers. It slides on very easily with a light touch.

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FINISH: Glowy, sometimes too shiny for my liking. Even when I give it time to set, it still has quite the glow.

FEEL: Sometimes it stings a bit after application. Slightly greasy for initial feel, but it sets to a slight tacky finish.

STINGS EYES? A little bit on application, but it goes away.

WHITECAST / TINTED? The tint is slightly grey, and if applied in thin layers it seems to mostly adapt to my skin colour. I have tried 2 thin layers, and 3 even thinner layers, both types of application had resulted in a similar tone – mostly my skin shade and undertone, a smidge grey. If too much is applied at once, the grey is very visible and doesn’t seem to adapt so well. I also tested this sunscreen on my cousin (she is NC40 in MAC shade) – I made her apply a VERY generous layer of this sunscreen on, and it looked great on her! She told me she actually uses the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield as her current sunscreen as well with no makeup on top. We both have fairly neutral undertones on our face so that could be another reason why it blends into her skin tone as well as mine (NC16 or NC20).

WATER RESISTANT? The Canadian website says yes for 40 minutes, but on the packaging itself it recommends to use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. For sun safety, I’d go with what’s on the packaging.

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SKIN BENEFITS? Evens out my skin tone, makes my skin feel slightly drier as I wear it throughout the day, and seems to always gather/pill around my hair line. In the colder months I notice it picks up my dry patches more easily, so I need to have a lighter hand with application to prevent it. I also find when I mix an occlusive with my moisturizer prior, it helps prevent worse dry patches.

UNDER MAKEUP: Does not add or subtract to longevity. I don’t need to apply as heavy of a coverage because the slight greyish tint cancels out redness. Doesn’t impact the finish or make it look cakey.


FINAL THOUGHTS ON SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF50

PROS:

  • High protection – SPF50 (although I always prefer SPF50+)
  • Fairly easy to apply the 2mg/cm2
  • Feels light
  • Evens skin
  • Skin-like finish
  • Doesn’t look cakey
  • With specific application, I can wear this on its own (provided there are no patches visible)
  • Reminds me of what a classic Korean BB cream does – the grey reduces the redness and allows for a thinner foundation application to make your makeup seem more natural looking.

CONS:

  • Sometimes stings.
  • Pills around hairline and emphasizes dry patches – didn’t notice this when I used it in the summertime though!
  • I find my skin becomes drier throughout the day

IN-BETWEEN FEELS

  • I don’t think anyone would be a fan of the price per ml, however I look past it because of how well it performs compared to other all-mineral sunscreens I’ve tried (during summer especially)
  • Sometimes I feel like the undertone looks too neutral, almost grey. If you have easily reddened skin, you may like this though. In addition you need to apply this a certain way to minimize that grey tint as much as possible

I am pretty impressed with Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF50! Next to the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield, this one has a pretty forgiving tint on my skin tone with the right application, and it performs well under makeup. I personally still prefer using either hybrid-sunscreens or pure organic UV filter sunscreens because I can confidently apply 2mg/cm2 without worrying about a cast or grey tint. This is a feeling I can never shake off with 100% mineral sunscreens. However, for a high SPF all mineral sunscreen, the Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF50 did a pretty good job! I think this will work more for normal to oily skin types since it does pick up on dry patches, but for my dryer skin type I still found it to work well in the warmer months.

WHERE TO BUY:
Skinceuticals.ca
Skinstore *
Dermstore *

*This is an affiliate link. If you use this link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

As, always I hope you found this post helpful and informative!

xo, M

Neostrata Defend Sheer Physical Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Matte-Finish Tinted Sunscreen PA++++ Review

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ABOUT:

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“This mattifying fluid sunscreen combines potent antioxidants with a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) complex to protect and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier against environmental aggressors. Formulated exclusively with mineral sunscreens: Zinc Oxid and Titanium Dioxide.”
ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:

  • For all skin types
  • Tinted matte finish

Price: $33 CAD
Amount: 50ml

UV FILTERS:

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Type: Mineral
Titanium Dioxide: 7%
Zinc Oxide: 6%

Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 50, PA++++

INGREDIENTS:

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Aqua/Water/Eau, Dimethicone, Isododecane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Gluconolactone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Alumina, Ammonium Hydroxide, Lactobionic Acid, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenethyl Benzoate, Nylon-12, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Sodium Citrate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Bisulfite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
CONSISTENCY: Liquidy

FRAGRANCE: No noticeable sent.
APPLICATION: Shake 15-30 seconds before applying. I use 64% of 1/4 tsp (will explain this in a future post). Feels greasy and spreads easily.

FINISH: Instant finish is is VERY shiny, and takes a while for it to eventually be matte.

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FEEL: Light. Slightly drying once it decides to dry down.
STINGS EYES? No.
WHITECAST / TINTED? Not all tints are created equal… In other words, your face is GREY! I gave it a second change and did a sheer application to see if it would match my skin tone. As you can see, it’s better, but still slightly grey, and mattifies quickly.

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WATER RESISTANT? No.
SKIN BENEFITS?
There is PHA (lactobionic acid) and EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), making “Defend” in their name suitable along with the SPF. However, I still treat this solely as a product with sun protection benefits.
UNDER MAKEUP:
Just like other physical sunscreens reviewed, it grips onto my It Cosmetics CC Cream really well and mattifies it.
WHERE TO BUY:
Well.ca
Shopper Drug Mart

PROS:

  • Thin
  • Not chalky
  • Light feel
  • Evens out complexion and reduces pigment intensity around blemishs / marks
  • Lists both UVB and UVA protection level

CONS:

  • Grey cast
  • Greasy on application
  • Takes longer than 30 minutes to dry if you apply the necessary amount to get the SPF labelled
  • Literally same ingredients as the brand Exuviance but just a price difference, they could’ve changed it up a tad to justify this!
  • The package says “new advanced formula” but when I compared this INCI list to their “Target” green line sold in the U.S. (and Exuviance), it’s the same formula! Can someone confirm whether or not we had this formula (or sunscreen for that matter) in Canada prior?ss2-inci-lists

IN BETWEEN FEELS:

  • Mattifies CC cream

Neostrata Defend Sheer Physical Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Matte-Finish Tinted Sunscreen PA++++ is disappointing. I was hoping this would be my go-to tinted physical sunscreen so I wouldn’t have to rely on foundation, but alas, the tint doesn’t change significantly for me. This will be going to my younger cousin who is so fair and oily skinned, she can actually benefit from this SPF, its finish, and how it evens out the complexion for her also acne-prone skin.

xo, M


[RELATED CONTENT]

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY:
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #1: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Sunscreen Sunday #2: CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #3: Bare Republic Tinted Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

SUNSCREEN WEEK:
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #1]: Make P:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #2]: Elta Md UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #3]: Boo Bamboo Natural Sunscreen Mini Spray SPF 30 (Regular and Baby & Kids)
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #4]: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #5]: Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #6]: Riversol SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
SUNSCREEN WEEK [DAY #7]: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 50

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #3: Bare Republic Tinted Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

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ABOUT:
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“Face the day protected! Sun and environmental stressors can affect the health of your skin year-round – so fight back with our lightweight and non-whitening, tinted mineral face susncreen. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide protect physically, not chemically, providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Antioxidant-rich oils and plant extract offer intense hydration and reparative benefits to help keep your skin looking its best, no matter the season.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0wTUtwx-vo&w=560&h=315]

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ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:

  • Paraben free
  • No chemical sunscreens
  • No synthetic fragrances
  • Cruelty Free
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten-Free
  • TSA approved size
  • No worries


Price:
 $19.98 CAD
Amount: 50ml

UV FILTERS:

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Type: Mineral
Titanium Dioxide: 3.2%
Zinc Oxide: 1.7%

Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 30

INGREDIENTS:

IMG_20190402_104605.jpgAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil*, Alcohol, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil*, Algae Extract*, Allyl Heptanoate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dodecane, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract*, Gamma Decalactone, Gamma Octalactone, Gamma- Nonalactone, Glycerin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Heliotropine, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Mica, Polyamide-5, Polysilicone-11, Propylene Carbonate, Raspberry Ketone, Silica, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Synthetic Wax, Triethyl Citrate, Vanillin *Certified Organic Ingredients

CONSISTENCY: Liquidy / oily AF

 

FRAGRANCE: Heavy vanilla scent that *eventually* disappears.

APPLICATION: Shake 15-30 seconds before applying. I use 64% of 1/4 tsp (will explain this in a future post). Spready easily.

 

FINISH: Instant finish is shiny and face feels oily. Waited ~20 minutes for it to dry down.
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FEEL: Light and matte. Drying.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST? No.

TINTED? Yes. Even though it’s tinted one colour, it IS universal because it’s undetectable on my skin. I don’t even think this will even out redness or cover a cast from another SPF.

WATER RESISTANT? Yes – 40 minutes.

SKIN BENEFITS?
You’d think that because this is oil based it would be moisturizing. But because alcohol is the 2nd ingredient on the list, it actually gets rid of the greasy look on your face.

UNDER MAKEUP:
If you wait the 20-30 minutes, it grips onto my It Cosmetics CC Cream really well and mattifies it.

WHERE TO BUY:
Well.ca
Amazon.ca
iHerb

PROS:

  • Actually a universal tint
  • Affordable, but moreso for Americans
  • No cast

CONS:

  • On application, when I was gliding the product, it still managed to attract dead skin on my hands, like I did a little exfoliation.
  • Have to wait 20-30 minutes for it to dry down
  • Alcohol too high on the inci list
  • Face LOOKS dry, makes my fine lines look more noticeable, dry patches
  • Unpleasant to use

IN BETWEEN FEELS:

  • Mattifies cc cream; can be good or bad depending on skin type. For me it’s bad :p

Bare Republic Tinted Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion was just okay. It’s great that this is a cruelty-free physical sunscreen with no cast whatsoever, but it’s very unpleasant to apply because of how liquidy/oily it is. For my dry skin, I don’t like it on my face at all because it makes my skin look dull. Perhaps in hotter, more humid weather it’ll perform better, but I’ll let oily-skinned peeps enjoy.

xo, M


[RELATED CONTENT]

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY:
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #1: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Sunscreen Sunday #2: CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++

SUNSCREEN WEEK:
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #1]: Make P:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #2]: Elta Md UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #3]: Boo Bamboo Natural Sunscreen Mini Spray SPF 30 (Regular and Baby & Kids)
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #4]: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #5]: Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #6]: Riversol SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
SUNSCREEN WEEK [DAY #7]: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 50

SUNSCREEN WEEK [DAY #7]: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 50

ABOUT:
“Broad spectrum UVA/UVB high protection.
Quick absorbing. Natural glow.
Fragance-free. Paraben-free. Non-comedogenic. Water-resistant.”

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Price: $34 CAD
Amount: 40 ml
Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 50

UV FILTERS:
Type: Physical
Titanium Dioxide11%

INGREDIENTS:
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CONSISTENCY:Watery.

APPLICATION: Spreads easily but feels kinda greasy on your fingers.
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FINISH: Satin type of finish.
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FEEL: Light.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST? The tint is slightly noticeable on my skin but I definitely do not rely on this for coverage, just to make sure there’s no whitecast. Word of caution to the super pale: this WILL be noticeable on you. Opt for the untinted one.

WATER RESISTANT? 40 minutes.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Nothing overly spectacular other than sun protection.

UNDER MAKEUP:
On par with how the Riversol SPF 30 Sunscreen performs. It Cosmetics CC Cream is able to blend evenly, but it’s not a lot of slip on the skin to help sheer it out like Elta Md SPF 30 Sunscreen.

WHERE TO BUY:
La Roche Posay’s Official Website

I originally bought this on a recommendation from one of the workers at Shoppers DrugMart for Nick to use when he cycles. It is very light, so it doesn’t feel like he’s adding something difficult to use in the morning. The tint surprised him at first, but it doesn’t provide coverage and his skin looks like his skin. It’s a nice sunscreen for sure, but $34 for 50ml is on the more expensive side.

Thank you SO MUCH for sticking around for Sunscreen Week! Hope it helped you out in choosing a sunscreen.

xo, M