#15 Mad Hippie Ultra-Sheer Body SPF
If you like a pure-mineral body sunscreen
I’ve to admit that I am not as diligent with body sunscreen as compared to my face. I am conscious on sun safety around the forearms but that’s the max I could do. To remind myself, the easiest method is to get a sunscreen in a spray format where I can just top up liberally whenever I am driving. When the brand send me Ultra-Sheer Body SPF, I immediately put I to test.
Brand says
A smooth, clear mineral SPF 40+ loaded with actives to keep your skin protected, hydrated, and healthy! Our Ulta-Sheer Body SPF includes cocoa seed, quercetin, and sea buckthorn to help further protect your skin from oxidative stress, naturally!
With 80-min water resistance, this light formula blends in beautifully and is great for running errands, going for a jog or to the beach!
All of our sunscreen products utilize nano-free zinc oxide rather than chemical UV absorbers, which can wreak havoc on the fragile environments of lakes, rivers and oceans! They are 80-minute water resistant, reef-safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and completely free of fragrance, petrochemicals, benzene, synthetic dyes, silicones, parabens & phthalates.
Firstly, the statement is a bit of a stretch. Chemical UV filters (organic filters) will not destroy the environment and reefs, there are just no clear evidence of it. Its another clean green-beauty nonsense that began to lose its kick-baiting strategy as more properly qualified scientist like Dr. Michelle Wong breaking these myths.
Before the rant gets any further, let’s focus on the product itself, which I suppose is why you are here.
What is it?
This is a pure mineral sunscreen, i.e. sunscreen with only inorganic filter (confusing I know)
Active ingredients: 20.5 % Zinc Oxide
Antioxidants – Sea Buckthorn, Quercetin, Milk Thistle
Humectants – Hyaluornic Acid, Aloe Leaf juice, Squalene
Nourishing – Cocoa Butter, multiple plant oils (sunflower, coconut, raspberry, etc.)
Given that it is a physical block, there is only one filter (zinc oxide) added. While sunscreen technology has progressed over the years, I’m expecting more. The fact that the brand specifically uses non-nano zinc oxide to prevent the filter from getting into the bloodstream is completely absurd.
What is the texture like?
Thick and Gunky – essentially a thick paste that is very difficult to rub in. Do not absorb almost and leave a huge white cast. But I found a trick!
This product needs little and constant layering. Instead of going in heavy duty and trying to massage the cream in. It works better in thin even layers. Takes way more time but works better.
How do it feel on my skin?
Thick and a tad greasy. I like a greasy face but not a greasy body – sorry. I generally skew towards Chemical or hybrid (with chemical and physical filters) purely because of the elegance of the texture. This product, as mentioned above, do not sink in well. Worst, it transfers. I find it staining my clothes, my car and every surface that I touch.
Do I get protected in the sun? Absolutely, there is no complaints about the effectiveness of the product delivering its job.
I also find it difficult to get off my body. A mild body wash wouldn’t clean the product off properly even I’ve cleansed twice. The best way to remove is via a cleansing balm or oil, like how one double cleanse a face. Imagine the cost!
Who is it for?
Obviously not for me, mainly for lifestyle reasons. You like this product if:
You only want a sunscreen with physical / inorganic filter(s).
You live in a cold weather, or you are constantly exposed to strong winds.
You do not sweat like me.
Other than that, I wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
I generally dislike writing negative reviews about products, but if you are going to invest in sun safety, I would recommend Altruist Sunscreen better. I will still use the product up because I don’t like to waste, but this product is making into the repurchase list. Read the review on Altruist Sunscreens here.
I source Mad Hippie and Altruist Sunscreen from Worthee Cosmetics (Use coupon code: BENPNG for 15% Discount)