The Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is officially the only sunscreen I’ll ever wear again. The broad spectrum SPF 30 sunblock protects against harmful UV rays, and it helps keep my skin clear and smooth thanks to a wealth of nourishing ingredients. The hydrating sunscreen is packed with sugarcane-derived squalane for extra moisturization, and zinc oxide that keeps the skin’s outer barrier safe from damaging UVA and UVB rays, according to the brand. To buy: From $30; biossance.com. Along with the zinc oxide and squalane, the formula features water lily which calms and cools my entire complexion. When I apply this natural sunscreen, it doesn’t sit on top of my skin or feel greasy—instead, it quickly absorbs into my pores and feels nourishing. I feel confident enough to wear it beneath tinted moisturizer or foundation, even in the hot Hawaii summer weather. I usually reapply it after jumping in the ocean (which the brand recommends as it’s not water-resistant), but more as a protective measure. I’ve worn one application on all-day hikes, and my fair skin didn’t burn. After living with a chronic illness, I’m extra cautious about the beauty and cleaning products I use in an effort to reduce endocrine system overload. I love that this sunscreen is paraben- and fragrance-free, all while using mineral-based ingredients for UV absorption instead of chemical agents. I really can tell the difference in the way my skin glows and how my body feels when I’m wearing this sunscreen. And as a bonus, the zinc oxide is reef-safe—and because the squalane is derived from renewable sugarcane and ethically-sourced, it helps keep sharks safe from liver harvesting. Shoppers call the product the “best sunscreen ever,” especially for sensitive skin. “The search is over: I finally found a mineral sunscreen that does not leave a white cast on my dark skin, is not greasy, and does not break me out!” one reviewer wrote, calling the product their “holy grail.” One customer said that the mineral sunscreen is “so luxurious and so hydrating” that they don’t even need to apply another moisturizer before use. “There’s no sticky residue nor does it start to pill if you rub it in too much,” another added. The 1.7-ounce bottle has lasted me since Christmas, and I wear a pea-sized amount nearly every single day. For me, the price point of $30 is worth it, since this SPF makes my skin feel amazing, is long-lasting, and is made with natural-based products. And if you want a bigger bottle, you can purchase it in a jumbo 3.38-ounce size for $42. The Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen will be in my beach bag all summer long, and it deserves a spot in yours, too. Shop it at Biossance for a complexion that glows—free of sunburn.
