There is no doubt that sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin and face. But is it better to choose a mineral filter or a chemical one? And is it enough to use makeup with SPF? Which products are worth investing in? We spoke to dermatologist Stephanie Bracke and put it to the test ourselves.
Let’s be honest: finding the right protection for your face is no easy task these days. Take the discussion about mineral and chemical filters, for example. Right now there are pretty much two camps: the advocates of chemical filters and the advocates of mineral filters. Stephanie Bracke, dermatologist at the Skin Clinic in Koksijde, leans towards the mineral variants. ‘The chemical variants are loaded with ingredients such as benzophenone, octocrylene and homosalate. These are substances that penetrate the skin and may cause hormone disruption and even cancer.’
Although there is currently no absolute certainty about the harmfulness of chemical filters to skin and health, experts remain divided on this issue. Still, it seems that products with chemical filters will soon disappear from the shelves. The exact date for this measure is not yet known, but there is a lot of speculation about its introduction.
The ‘dangers’ of sunscreen
The emerging discourse that sunscreen is harmful to your skin and health has its origins in a growing number of anti-sunscreen influencers on TikTok and Instagram. For example, these influencers claim that chemical filters in sunscreens have endocrine disrupting properties – which may be a valid point. But the proposed solutions are often quite unorthodox. Some even recommend making your own sunscreen with ingredients like mayonnaise and cocoa butter, or even not using sunscreen at all because “our ancestors didn’t do that either.”
Another common claim is that sunscreen can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. But according to Bracke, that is complete nonsense. ‘The filters in sunscreen only block UV rays. Even if you wear a sunscreen with the highest SPF, vitamin D still penetrates your skin,” she explains.
“There is no doubt about the effectiveness of sunscreens,” the dermatologist emphasizes. The number of skin cancer cases in Belgium has increased by no less than forty percent since 2021, with more than 50,000 new diagnoses every year. The risk of skin cancer therefore outweighs the minimal health risk of sunscreens, which are also safe according to the law.
You can and should continue to use sunscreen, but it is better to choose the mineral version. “Although these sometimes leave a white cast, manufacturers have now added nano-particles to safely solve this aesthetic problem,” says Bracke.
A new layer every two hours
Many people are also confused by the abundance of sun products on the market. In addition to traditional sunscreens in tubes, more and more SPF sticks, powders and even make-up are appearing that offer protection. But according to Bracke, it is not wise to rely solely on makeup with SPF. “It is essential to apply sunscreen separately,” she warns. “Sunscreen loses its effectiveness after two hours in the sun. If you only used makeup with SPF, this means you would have to reapply a layer of makeup every two hours.”
This two-hour rule applies not only to makeup with SPF, but to all sun protection products. Are you unsure about which product suits you best? We have tested an extensive range of products and listed all the pros and cons for you.
1. Collistar Sun Stick 50+ SPF
What?
This is a sun stick with a chemical filter and the texture of a soft, spreadable lip balm. The stick is waterproof and intended for the most vulnerable areas on the face and body, such as the nose, lips, eye contour, ears, moles, scars and tattoos. It is also suitable for children under three years of age.
Active Ingredients?
This product contains tocopherolalso known as vitamin E – which protects your skin from damage thanks to its antioxidant effects. It also has moisturizing effects. In addition, it also contains camelina oil: which is said to soothe redness, and promote healing of your skin.
Pros and cons?
This compact sunscreen is perfect for on the go or to take with you when traveling. With its non-sticky texture, it stays on the skin without leaving a white cast. Another advantage is that you can also apply the stick on top of your makeup without it smearing or feeling heavy. Even after reapplication, the sunscreen feels light. The added light, luxurious coconut scent is a nice extra for those who don’t like the typical sunscreen smell. The only downside is the price of €20.49 for 9 ml, which may be on the high side for the relatively small content.
Price?
€20.49 per 9 ml.
Score?
9/10
2. I.am.clean sunny ever after 50 spf
What?
The Sunny Ever After from the Belgian brand I.AM.CLEAN is a self-dosing sunbrush with loose sun powder with a mineral filter. The product is available in two skin tones, provides natural coverage and is enriched with SPF50 for high sun protection. The product is refillable so you can easily refill it yourself afterwards.
Active Ingredients?
With ingredients such as titanium dioxide and iron oxides, this is a mineral SPF. It is also enriched with salicylic acidwhich is often used in skin care for its exfoliating and acne-fighting properties.
Pros and cons:
This product requires a bit of a learning curve – especially if you’ve never used a powder stick before – but once you get the hang of it, it proves to be quite useful. It is compact and portable, perfect for on the go and ideal when traveling. You can use this powder as a final step over your makeup, or even as the first step after your skincare routine. It is a great alternative for those who do not like sticky sunscreens. The powder feels light on the skin, you hardly notice that you have applied anything, and it is virtually odorless. Do you naturally have a slightly drier skin type? Then moisturize your skin well before using this product. It can dry out a bit. The only downside to this sunbrush is the price: €47.99 is quite on the pricey side for a powder with SPF.
Price?
€47.99
Score?
7.5/10
3. NOMIGE SUNSCREEN SPF 50
What?
This tinted sunscreen with a mineral filter is packaged in a handy tube with a pressure pump at the end. Specially developed for the face and neck, it suits all skin types. It contains no perfume and keeps harmful UVA and UVB rays at bay. UVA rays penetrate deeply and can cause premature aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays can cause sunburn and also skin cancer.
Active ingredients?
This product contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin against daily stressors such as pollution and UV radiation. At the same time, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dryness with the help of ferulic acid.
Pros and cons?
This sunscreen comes in a handy, slim tube that is easy to use. The cream has a deep shade, but spreads smoothly for a subtle, natural glow on your skin. What really sets this cream apart is its moisturizing effect. You can even replace your day cream with it or use it as a base for make-up. Unlike many mineral sunscreens, this one doesn’t leave an annoying white cast and has a wonderfully rich texture. However, be careful not to use too much, otherwise it may feel a bit sticky.
Price?
€42.00
Score?
8/10
4. Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV
What?
This facial sunscreen comes in a compact tube and specifically focuses on reducing pigment spots and promoting radiant skin. The chemical filter of SPF 50 promises long-term protection, although you will have to reapply after swimming because the product is not waterproof.
Active ingredients?
In addition to very high protection, this cream also promises hydration and smooth, radiant skin. To achieve this, the cream is enriched with vitamin E and a derivative of vitamin C.
Pros and cons?
This cream spreads smoothly, is not greasy and is quickly absorbed: after applying it, I don’t spot a white haze anywhere and I can spread my foundation over it quite quickly. A light citrus scent has been added, which I find very pleasant, but which may cause a reaction on sensitive skin. You apply this cream like a classic sunscreen. This makes this product less suitable for applying over make-up.
Price?
€12.95 for 40 ml
Score?
Score: 7.5/10
5. YVES ROCHER – Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV
What?
This anti-aging cream comes in a tube with a handy pressure pump at the top that makes dosing easy. The product is intended for your face and neck. The packaging clearly indicates that you should definitely apply enough: a teaspoon for your face alone, you need even more for your neck. Handy for those who tend to be sparing with sunscreen. It contains a chemical filter and is intended for adults. In terms of marketing, it is aimed at women, but I think it can also be used perfectly by men.
Active ingredients?
Yves Rocher products are not only kind to your skin, but also to the environment and the oceans. The cardboard the tube comes in is ecological and the product itself does not contain mineral oils. The star ingredient is cross thistle or sea hollya plant that retains moisture, boosts melanin production, stimulates cell renewal and better protects the skin against the harmful effects of the sun.
Pros and cons?
This cream feels luxurious and spreads very pleasantly. On the other hand, it does take a while to be absorbed and my skin retains an oily sheen for two minutes. When I try to rub the cream in a little more, grains form, which is of course not the intention. The moisturizing ingredients do their job well and the sunny scent is not too dominant. You also spread this cream with your fingers and is therefore less suitable for applying over make-up.
Price?
€31.90 for 40 ml
Score?
7/10
6. RAY SPF 50
What?
This sunscreen with mineral filter protects you against UVA and UVB rays and is intended for the face and body. There are two sizes: a small one of 50 ml and a large one of 200 ml.
Active ingredients?
The Belgian brand Ray says it does not use unnecessary commercial ingredients and keeps it simple with only the essential ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide for protection and soothing, and cocoa butter to nourish your skin.
Pros and cons?
This no-nonsense sunscreen is as light as a day cream and leaves your skin radiant and well hydrated after a few strokes. It contains no added perfumes or alcohol, but has a subtle scent of cocoa butter. Moreover, it does not leave white marks and does not feel sticky at all. An ideal ally against sunburn, the brand claims. A golden tip is to apply your cream repeatedly, especially when you are exercising.
Price?
€24.00 for 50 ml, €37.00 for 100 ml.
Score?
7/10
