Can you use the same sunscreen for all the family?
In theory, yes. In practice, finding a sunscreen that suits every member of the family is trickier than you think.
Traditional UV filters, like Avobenzone, are a no-no for young children. They get easily absorbed by the body and cause all kinds of irritations.
Mineral UV filters, like Zinc Oxide, are super gentle but sooo greasy and hard to spread – good luck trying to slather than on a toddler who won’t stand still…
Enter Ultrasun Family SPF 30. It uses the new generation of chemical UV filters that provide excellent sun protection without the irritation, absorption issues and greasy factor:
Key Ingredients In Ultrasun Family SPF 30
UV Filters To Provide Broad Spectrum Protection
Ultrasun Family SPF 30 uses the new generation of chemical filters – the same ones that make Korean sunscreens so lightweight and a delight to use:
- Tinosorb M: A.k.a. Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, an hybrid filter that absorbs, reflects and scatters both UVA and UVB rays. It’s stable and helps protects other UV filters from degradation, too.
- Tinosorb S: A.k.a. Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, it offers excellent protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Titanium Dioxide: A white mineral that absorbs and reflects all UVB and most UVA rays. It’s so gentle, even babies can use it.
- Octisalate: A.k.a Ethylhexyl Salicylicate, an UVB filter with a slightly oily consistency and a mild floral scent.
- Uvinul A Plus: A.k.a. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, a stable filter that protects from UVA rays.
- Uvinul T 150: A.k.a. Ethylhexyl Triazone, it’s the most stable UVB filter available today.
All together, these UV filters keep your skin safe from UV harm without irritating it. They also make the sunscreen water-resistant for up to 40 min.
FYI, these new UV filters are more stable, meaning they last longer under the sun. But that’s not an excuse to skip reapplication. Slather it on every couple of hours at the beach or you’ll still get a sunburn!
P.S. Unfortunately, Tinosorb and Uvinul are still banned in the USA. If you ever visit Europe, stock up!
Related: What Are The Best UV Filters?
Antioxidants To Prevent Premature Aging… Or Not?
Ultrasun Family SPF 30 proudly boasts it has antioxidants to up your sun protection.
Let’s be clear: antioxidants are powerless against UV rays. But they can destroy the free radicals UV generate and that, left unchecked, would lead to wrinkles and dark spots.
But, wait! Won’t sunscreen prevent UV rays from generating free radicals in the first place? For the most part, yes. But SPF 30 still lets 3% of UV rays through. Having a few antioxidants on hand to neutralise the little damage they can make would come in handy.
That’s why I layer a Vitamin C serum underneath Ultrasun Family SPF 30. This sunscreen provides excellent broad spectrum protection, but the antioxidants it boasts of? There are so few here, you can’t rely on them to do much for your skin. Bummer.
Related: Common Antioxidants In Skincare Products: Which Ones Are Best For You?
Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion
First things first: I have the travel size version of Ultrasun Family SPF 30. It’s my way to sample products before investing in the full size.
And this sunscreen comes in many sizes: 100ml, 150ml, 250ml and 400ml. If you plan to use it on all the family, go with the bigger size. You’ll need it.
The sunscreen has a lightweight texture that spreads on the skin like a dream and sinks in quickly, leaving no residue or white cast behind. It dries down to a dewy finish – nothing too shiny, but I thought I’d mention it in case you prefer a matte look.
Believe it or not, we had a month of summer in London, when the temperatures often hovered around 30ºC on a daily basis. I even got a little tan from just walking around in the city!
On days when I wore Ultrasun Family SPF 30, I didn’t have to worry about getting tanned or sunburned. This sunscreen did a wonderful job at keeping my skin safe from UV harm and all the havoc they cause.
The best part? It didn’t clog my pores, or irritate my skin, or balled up when I layered it over a serum or moisturiser. I’m definitely buying the full size bottle next time.
Available at: £19.00-£46.00 at Escentual, Feel Unique and SpaceNK
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Have you tried Ultrasun Family SPF 30? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ingredients: Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Nano), Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Ethylhexyl Salicylicate, Glycerin, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, C8-22 Alkyl Acrylates/Methacrylic Acid Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Squalane, Cocoglycerides, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Silica, Propyl Alcohol, Alcohol, Cetyl Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Peopylene Glycol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascobyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Diisopropyl Adipate, Ubiquinone
