Honest sunscreen review
I would like to make a sunscreen for CONCIO someday...
With this in mind, I am currently trying out various sunscreens for research purposes.
So, this time, CONCIO's representative Kimoto will review four sunscreens that he purchased with his own money and tried out.
Here are the four sunscreens:
I would like to summarize each ingredient, who I would recommend it to, and points to be careful about.
There's a lot I want to share with you, so this is a very long post...
I would be happy if you would read it when you have time.
*The usage experience is based on my personal opinion. Please understand that each person's experience may differ.
A refresher on how to choose a sunscreen
First, let's review the essential points to consider when choosing a sunscreen, according to the CONCIO criteria.
1. No UV absorbents used (non-chemical)
No UV protection agents, also known as UV absorbers, such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate or oxybenzone, are used. |
2. Silicone-free
Many sunscreens contain silicones such as cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone to give them a light, non-sticky feel, but this product does not contain these. Here's why⇩ Blog: Is Cyclopentasiloxane Safe? |
3. No synthetic polymers
No synthetic polymers are used, as they have no effect on invigorating the skin itself and there are concerns about their impact on the environment. |
4. No synthetic preservatives
No synthetic preservatives such as parabens , phenoxyethanol , or BHT are used. |
5. No fragrances or essential oils
No synthetic fragrances or essential oils are used. |
These are the five criteria that we must meet. However, there are very few sunscreens that meet all of these criteria.
Now let's take a look at how the four sunscreens we tested performed.
MAMMABABY UV MILK (SPF30)
First up is MAMMABABY's UV MILK.
I have recommended it to many people so far.
The reason is that it is the only sunscreen that meets the five CONCIO standards mentioned above.
There may be more if I look further, but these are the ones I've found so far (if you know of any more, please let me know).
All ingredients
All the ingredients here are
Water, methylheptyl myristate, methylheptyl laurate, titanium dioxide, propanediol, zinc oxide, pentylene glycol, lauroyl lysine, squalane (sugar cane), jojoba seed oil, aluminum hydroxide, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, isostearic acid, tocopherol, polyglyceryl-2 isostearate, polyglyceryl-10 diisostearate, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate |
The ingredients are very simple and perfect.
Usability
What is the feeling of use?
- Lightweight and stretchy
- Appears slightly whitish
- Is it a bit sticky? Shiny?
It felt good to use face powder on top.
Also, some people who recommended it said, "SPF30 was fine, but SPF50 made my skin red." If you are aware that you have sensitive skin, I recommend SPF30 .
Be careful of these people
Contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as UV protection agents.
Both ingredients are considered safer than UV absorbers, but zinc oxide is said to be prone to clogging pores and causing acne.
I haven't found any evidence to support the rumors, but I have skin that is very prone to acne...and it's true that if I apply it regularly every day, I can start to feel like I'm going to get a breakout breakout around the fifth day.
If you are prone to acne, you may be better off using the sunscreen introduced next.
WELEDA Edelweiss UV Barrier Cream (SPF50+)
Next is sunscreen from WELEDA, a global organic brand.
Personally, I like the fact that it says 0% microplastics on the container.
It is certified organic by NATRUE.
All ingredients
See all WELEDA ingredients here
Water, Titanium Dioxide, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Ethyl Isostearate, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Propanediol, Squalane, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Citric Acid/Lactic Acid/Linoleic Acid/Oleic Acid, Alumina , Hydrogenated Castor Oil Hydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Shea Butter*, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Leontopodium alpinum flower/leaf extract*, Saffron Extract, Centella Asiatica flower/leaf/stem extract, Chamomile flower extract, Salix alba (willow) bark extract, Fragrance** , Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol, Silica, Dextrin Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Gum Arabic, p-Anisic Acid, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Alcohol, Iron Oxides, Citric Acid *Organic ingredients **Naturally derived ingredients |
*Clicking on the ingredients in red will take you to the EWG's safety evaluation page.
Alumina has been shown to pose a risk of human immunological and respiratory toxicity or allergy, and gum arabic has also been shown to pose an allergic risk.
Also, the fragrance is listed as being "naturally derived ingredients," but it is unclear what ingredients are used.
Although there are risks as mentioned above, I think this sunscreen is generally safer than other sunscreens.
Usability
The feel of WELEDA UV cream is
- Less white cast than MAMMABABY
- It's a cream type so it's a bit rich.
- There is some stickiness
It is lightly colored with iron oxide, so I think it would also be good for people who don't wear foundation.
It also does not contain zinc oxide, making it a good choice for people who are prone to acne.
Be careful of these people
It is certified organic and contains plenty of plant extracts.
However, the more plant extracts are included, the higher the risk of allergies. It also contains alumina, gum arabic, and fragrances, so if you have allergies, I recommend that you try it carefully and check the condition of your skin.
Natural Glass UV Protection Base N (SPF50+)
Next up is Naturaglasse's UV Base. I tried it out because it's a non-chemical UV base serum.
All ingredients
All ingredients here
Water, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Olive Fruit Oil, Squalane, Ethyl Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Alumina , Sorbitan Cocoate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Jojoba Seed Oil*1, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil*1, Xanthophyll, Soybean Seed Extract*1, Bilberry Leaf Extract*2, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil, Roman Chamomile Flower Oil, Lavender Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil , White Willow Bark Extract, Rice Flour, Glycerin, Sucrose, Tapioca Starch, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Behenyl Alcohol, Dextrin Palmitate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Arginine, p-Anisic Acid, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Iron Oxide, Lauroyl Lysine, Aluminum Hydroxide |
Like WELEDA, it contains alumina, which poses the risk of human immune and respiratory toxicity or allergies.
The oils in orange are essential oils. Some of them may pose a high risk of allergies. For more information on essential oils that are highly allergenic, please see our previous LINE blog.
Blog: The dangers of choosing cosmetics based on their scent
It's really hard to find a sunscreen that doesn't contain essential oils or fragrances.
Usability
The feel of the Natural Glass UV Base is,
- It's very light and spreads easily (it feels like a loose lotion).
- It blends easily into the skin and leaves no white cast.
- As it is a UV serum, it has a moisturizing effect.
Like WELEDA, it is slightly colored with iron oxide, so if you don't use foundation, powder after this may be enough. It also seems to be excellent as a makeup base (sorry, I don't wear foundation so I don't know).
This product also does not contain zinc oxide, making it ideal for people who are prone to acne.
Be careful of these people
Since it contains alumina and multiple essential oils, there is a high possibility of a slightly higher risk of allergies. People with allergies should try it carefully and check the condition of their skin.
luamo All-Day Protect UV Aqua Veil (SPF28)
It also blocks blue light. It does not contain any UV absorbers, titanium oxide or zinc oxide. I tried it out to find out the effect and usability of a new UV protection agent that has been attracting attention recently.
All ingredients
All ingredients here
Lavender flower water, water, caprylic/capric triglyceride *, cerium oxide, pentylene glycol*, behenyl alcohol*, batyl alcohol, stearic acid, heptyl undecylenate*, jojoba seed oil*, sunflower seed oil*, coconut oil*, kenya zasa leaf extract, pelargonium graveolens oil*, lavender oil*, orange peel oil*, eucalyptus leaf oil, lemongrass leaf oil *, lecithin, platinum, sodium anisate*, citric acid, sodium citrate |
This one also contains multiple essential oils.
The biggest feature of this Luamo formula is that it uses an ingredient called cerium oxide as a UV protection agent.
This UV protection ingredient is a lifesaver for people whose skin is sensitive to UV absorbers, titanium oxide, and zinc oxide.
However, because it is a relatively new ingredient, there is still little data available regarding its safety.
Usability
The feeling of use is,
- It's quite light and stretchy
- I don't mind the white cast at all
- The scent is quite strong
- The UV protection effect is unknown (is it because the SPF is low?)
The feeling when applied is very good. However, I feel like I got a little sunburned on the days I applied Luamo, maybe because it is quite sensitive to sweat and water or because the SPF is low (or is it just me?).
Just to be safe, it may be a good idea to reapply it frequently.
It might be worth a try for those who haven't had success with other non-chemical sunscreens.
Be careful of these people
This product also contains multiple essential oils, so the risk of allergies is not low. People who have had skin irritation from organic cosmetics are likely to have skin reactions to essential oils, so it is best to use it with caution.
summary
Thank you to everyone who has read this long article so far. I hope this has been of some help to you.
As a CONCIO, when searching for a sunscreen to use as a reference, the thing I struggle with the most is finding a fragrance-free sunscreen.
I personally rate the four sunscreens I introduced this time highly, but MAMMABABY is the only one that is fragrance-free. I can't help but think that if it was fragrance-free, it would be easier for people with sensitive skin to use.
Then CONCIO will make it!
Despite their enthusiasm, developing a sunscreen that meets CONCIO standards appears to be extremely difficult.
Several companies have already turned us down, saying, "We can't make it to those standards."
It also seems that a development period of at least two years is required to test the UV effects...
I feel dizzy and wondering if it will ever really be released.
However, CONCIO sunscreen is something that many people have been requesting.
I will continue to work hard to make this a reality someday.
We need your help to make this happen.
We would really appreciate your continued support.
(It's really encouraging and gives me the strength to continue the brand.)
CONCIO
Keiko Kimoto