Finding a sunscreen that feels good and works under makeup is quite possibly one of the hardest skincare pursuits, especially when you want a physical formula free from certain questionable ingredients. It’s also the single most important thing you put on your face, raising the stakes even higher. But thankfully, we’re at a point where the beauty industry is able to produce intelligent SPF products that look and feel as good (if not better) than their chemical-laden counterparts.
Here, The Green Edit has compiled five of our favourite facial formulas, all of which use a physical blocker (such as zinc oxide) to deflect both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays away from the skin. They’re also all clean, Australian, and most importantly, a delight to wear.
Image credit: @imaanhammam
So keep scrolling to shop the edit, and don’t forget to wear SPF every single day (but you already knew that).
This luxurious physical formula uses zinc oxide to protect the face from UV rays, while native ingredients like kakadu plum, vitamin E and beta carotene nourish and hydrate. It does take a while to work in, but considering it’s a physical SPF50, the results are worth it.
This physical sunscreen has only nine ingredients, including a form of zinc oxide that lessens the incidence of that dreaded ghostly white cast post-application. It’s loaded with coconut oil too, making it a great choice for anyone with dry skin.
Not only does this offer broad spectrum, physical protection, but it contains shea butter and aloe vera to soften the skin. It’s a great choice for anyone sensitive to sunscreen, or for those with skin conditions such as eczema (but be sure to do a patch test or consult your GP first). It’s a rich but blendable formula that works on face and body, too.
This really ticks all the boxes: No oxybenzone, free from synthetics, Australian made and housed in recyclable sugarcane packaging. The product itself is light and nourishing too, thanks to the inclusion of vitamin E, green tea and rose hips.
While only SPF15, this lightly tinted physical pick is great for days spent in the office or running errands (but if you’re outside or near a window, you’ll need an SPF of 30 or higher). The texture is fresh and non-greasy, and the self-adjusting mineral tint means you can wear it alone or to prep skin for makeup. Kiwi, avocado, kakadu plum, totoral and green tea hydrate and protect from other environmental aggressors, too. It also comes untinted, should you prefer.
