Sunscreen is paramount to healthy, intact-looking skin. It’s a must-do, taking the final step in my morning skincare ritual. Overexposure to UV radiation is fraught with oxidative stress, discoloration, dark spots, sagginess and fine lines. This tends to atrophy the skin barrier function and speed up premature aging. The worst is skin cancer. I prefer sun cream to makeup on a daily basis, despite the majority of the foundations being infused with UV-blocking benefits, at least SPF 15. My skin is a type of sensitive and acne-prone so I just want to liberate pores as much as possible.

There are countless sun care products in the market with a variety of formulations geared toward different skin types. They even become more cosmetically elegant. My fanatical self has a zeal for hunting them down one by one, whether they are real deals or not. In this post, I’m gonna show you my review of The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++.

1. Infused with Chemical Filters and Skin Replenishing Ingredients, Some Are Skin Irritants

The product (old name: Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA++++) is cruelty-free and vegan. It claims to impart a vigorous shield against the perils of the environment for everyday wearing, like UV rays, the lack of humidity and free radicals. The signature ingredient is Red Algae or Dulse, derived from Palmaria palmata, which is known as a sovereign skin booster from the ocean. It’s no longer so new to the beauty realm. Jam-packed with peptides, carotenoids, fatty acids and sulfated polysaccharides (carrageenan) as bioactive compounds.

Renowned for its age-defying, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-allergic properties in skincare. Red Algae Extract helps revitalize damaged skin and retard oxidative stress as well as improve skin’s moisture reservoir and smooth out imperfections. It’s beneficial for delicate, dry and mature skin types. Aside from that, this skin-loving ingredient also works as a thickening agent to result in a silky texture and increase the fluid’s spreadability.

In terms of the active filters, the sunscreen is chemically infused with two UV absorbers. The first one is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate or Octyl Methoxycinnamate). It’s the only UVB-absorbing agent to prevent sunburn. I’m pretty sure that we have heard a lot about the downsides of chemical UV filters. You can check them out in 5 things you must know before wearing sun cream. Octinoxate is considered a moderately hazardous ingredient that possibly causes allergies to the skin.

According to a 2008 article in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Octinoxate is not photostable, its UV-absorbing ability tends to degrade when exposed to sunlight. That even deteriorates the efficacy of the product and takes a toll on the skin, like hyperpigmentation or speeding up aging. Also, Octinoxate is quickly absorbed, penetrating deep into the skin. Many studies indicate that it’s possibly detrimental to the endocrine system, which is essential to maintain the hormonal balance.

Exposure to Octinoxate is susceptible to hormonal disruption. Octinoxate has been shown to accelerate the growth of estrogen production in cells, which is linked to breast cancer. Paired with Octinoxate, another UV active is Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) to absorb UVA rays as a culprit of premature aging and skin cancer. Like Octinoxate, Avobenzone is also fast absorbed and categorized as a hormone disruptor with a lack of photostability.

Chemical filters are often combined with inactive ingredients such as photostabilizers to increase their effectiveness in sunlight. However, these photostabilizers can also contribute to skin irritation. The formula of this product includes the common photostabilizer Octocrylene, which has been known to cause allergic reactions the development of free radicals.

Furthermore, the product includes denatured alcohol as an antifoaming agent, an antimicrobial agent, a solvent and especially, an astringent. It helps draw the tissues in the skin together, shrink the pores and leave a quick-dry finish. Otherwise, for long-term use, Alcohol Denat. is more likely to be drying and sensitizing to the skin. It can trigger the erosion of the skin’s outermost layer, enfeebling the barrier function.

There are many other chemical compounds. Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Glucoside and Carbomer provide thickening, texture-enhancing, emulsifying, emulsion stabilizing, film-forming and viscosity regulating effects. Considered generally safe, they tend to create velvety, homogenous and easy-to-diffuse consistency.

Sodium Hydroxide is a pH adjuster or buffer, which helps balance the pH of the product. However, it’s important to note that Sodium Hydroxide is a highly alkaline ingredient and should be used in small amounts.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol, the derivatives of vitamins C and E, work as antioxidants and skin protectants. Both prevent the darkening effect of UV damage, but also enhance collagen synthesis. They are also used as preservatives with anti-aging properties. Some synthetic preservatives are Chlorphenesin and Phenoxyethanol to keep microorganisms from spoiling the product.

Last but not least, the product does contain fragrances, such as Linalool, Limonene and Citronellol. They are known as skin irritants.

2. Very Lightweight and Blendable Consistency – but Weak Protective Barrier

Please don’t get a long face when going through that heap of ingredients. Just make sure that we are able to get a good understanding of the product. To begin with, the sunscreen has a pretty watery consistency with a milky white color and low viscosity. When diffused all over my face, it feels extremely lightweight without giving off an unflattering white cast.

I’m not surprised about this since it’s crystal clear that the product is a chemical sunscreen. Unlike sunblocks with physical (mineral) filters, the chemical ones are more cosmetically elegant, laying a thin texture and spreading evenly. But, that makes them easily penetrate the skin and irritate.

The product brings about cooling and at the same time, tingly sensations. However, that seems to shortly happen. The fluid isn’t runny at all. It’s easy to diffuse all over my face and swiftly melts into my skin. You may find it a little bit tacky in the first few seconds. Later, the product is genuinely hydrating and refreshing. It leaves a clean, smooth-looking complexion.

The consistency results in a transparent finish with luminosity, neither overwhelming sheen nor greasiness. The Multi-Protection Lotion doesn’t give any makeup effects, like blurring imperfections or brightening up the skin tone. Literally, makeup-free all day long.

My skin is a type of combination, prone to dry and even, sensitive, usually getting blemishes and redness due to stress, weather changes and menstruation. Well, I guess there is a ton of reasons that nasty zits sneak up on the skin. The sunscreen imparts a very feather-light texture, then, it’s less likely to aggravate the congestion.

The product claims to be non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. This is allegedly the go-to for oily, acne-prone skin. However, we can’t be totally sure about this, whether your skin will suffer from allergic breakouts because of some particular ingredients or not. Anyway, I think the sunscreen might be ideal in the hot, warm weather, like summer to avoid increasing shine and oily traces.

The emollient property is indeed nice, but I feel sorry that it’s not powerful enough to keep my skin nourished throughout the day. I tried skipping my moisturizer before sunscreen. After going outdoors, my skin looked exerted, it ended up being dull and flaking with dry patches and creasing on the forehead, chin and under-eye areas. Thus, to get the best of both worlds, apply moisturizing cream before the sunscreen is what I swear by. In addition, piling serum beforehand helps provide ultimate replenishment during the entire day.

Ok, it’s time for my verdict. Most skin types can give it a go. If your skin is a type of very dry, you absolutely need to fulfill your skincare routine prior to sun protection. The product alone seems not able to hydrate the skin for the whole day and it provides a pretty poor protective barrier against external aggressors.

Speaking of sensitive skin, the product claims that it’s suitable for delicate ones. I’m like “Are you sure?” – Well, That sounds skeptical to me. Obviously, the formula contains synthetic fragrances (Parfum, Linalool, Limonene and Citronellol), all of which have been put on “the blacklist,” notorious for aggravating sensitive skin. Likewise, some are considered moderate hazard ingredients, like Alcohol Denat. So confusing!

It’s always a good idea to test a new product on a small area of skin, such as the jawline, to see how your skin reacts. If you do decide to use the product, make sure to use it in moderation. However, if you have very sensitive skin that is prone to redness, inflammation, and flare-ups, such as with dermatitis, psoriasis, or rosacea, it’s probably best to avoid it. On the other hand, mature skin can give it a try as well.

I would highly recommend switching to mineral sunscreens as they are a better option for all skin types. I must admit that I might be a bit biased, as I have always been a fan of physical sunscreens. They contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum sun protection. These ingredients are safe and photostable, sitting on the skin’s surface to effectively block UV rays.

3. A Sturdy, Clean Packaging – Quite Affordable

Housed in a flat, squeeze plastic soft tube (40 ml), which looks clean and tough. Designed to withstand physical damage. The small, pointed mouth of the tube is sealed tightly with a large cap, so you don’t have to worry about debris, bacteria, or pollution getting inside and the fluid can’t be spilled out. Plus, the tube is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use. At just ‎£17.00, I think it’s a really affordable option. If you want to learn more about the product’s description and ingredients, you can find all the information you need on the back of the cardboard box or the table below.

I’m so glad you took the time to read my review of The Body Shop – Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++. I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or ideas to share, please feel free to let me know. I’m always here to listen and help out. Thanks for joining me, and have a fantastic day! And remember, stay beautiful inside and out!