Why make life easy for myself? Typically, I’m starting with three products. As they all belong to the same family tree I thought it would be easier to group them.
A repeat from yesterday that I will put in every review for clarity:
- I pay very little attention to the scare-mongering of the EWG. If you love them, great, crack on, but I don’t use the words ‘toxic’ when it comes to products. It’s a nonsense.
- Always apply SPF at least 20 minutes before going outside unless otherwise stated.
- Always apply last after moisturiser, before makeup – unless otherwise stated.
- PPD, however useful, is very rarely mentioned by brands, and hardly ever discussed by US brands.
So: Clarins
Broad Spectrum? UVA symbol (in EU)?
Yes
Physical or chemical?
Chemical
Main SPF active ingredients (in order of %)?
(excuse the pictures – much easier than typing out!)
SPF15:
Homosolate
Avobenzone
Octocrylene
SPF30:
Octocrylene
Tinosorb M – nano encapsulated
Avobenzone
SPF50:
Octocrylene
Tinosorb M – nano encapsulated
Tinosorb S
Avobenzone
Cream/gel/spray/oil?
Creams
White/ash residue on darker skins?
No
Absorbs well even at high SPF?
Yes
Potential to block pores based on the above?:
No
Works under makeup?
Yes
Does it leave you shiny?
No, not at all, but check some comments from readers below.
Is it sticky?
No
Contains fragrance?
Yes – it is one of the best smelling SPF’s out there in my opinion – but again, check comments below and then decide for yourself.
Suitable for all skin types?
Yes
Water resistant/waterproof/sweat resistant?
Sweat resistant
Antioxidants/any skin benefits?
Obviously. It’s Clarins so this is like a lovely moisturiser with SPF – but SPF is its main job. It contains the usual plant extracts and the like, but let’s not detract from the job at hand.
Additional info:
This is by far my family’s favourite facial SPF, hence it being my first post. Across all age groups and both sexes, and all skin types, this is the most-requested SPF when we are buying/using.
The SPF30 is the best seller for Clarins, and The Hirons Clan would agree with the general public on that score.
Price:
£19.50 for 75ml
Available from all Clarins stockists and Boots.com