What: Avasol Mineral Suncreen SPF 30 in Tan (1oz/28g)
This was my first time using this product. I used it over a period of 4 days in Key West with temperatures ranging from 70-80 degrees with humidity in the 60% and a nice breeze.
I got the Tan because I have what I call a "natural tan" from my Filipino blood and thought this would go well. Because it comes in a small stick, I only used it on my face. When I applied it, it seemed a little lighter in color, but as I worked it in, it blended and gave me a little bit more color.
- Sunscreen SPF
- The product I tested has an SPF of 30, but it does come in SPF 50 for greater protection. It's main active ingredient is zinc oxide at 24.5% (non-nano and uncoated) which is a natural sunscreen and safe for marine life. Zinc oxide is also a broad spectrum natural suncreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Note that other products out there may contain chemical sunscreens that are safe for humans but not for marine life. I applied this once during the day which was my mistake and did end up getting a sunburn on my face the first day I had it on especially under the full, blazing sun in Key West.
- Water Resistance
- It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes so you need to re-apply once you are out of the water. Again, I had it on, but did not re-apply as I went in and out of the water. The Key West sun can be brutal, but the breeze did not make it seem so hot so I completely forgot about re-applying.
- Application Type
- This is a solid stick that is easy to apply. Not messy at all. I was worried, it might melt in the heat, but it stayed intact. Using the solid as a lotion and rubbing it makes it more effective than a spray.
- Fragrances
- This does not contain any synthetic fragrances (parfurms) or parabens which can cause allergic reactions, make your eyes water and bad for marine life. I haven't been able to pinpoint the smell, but it definitely has this natural smell to it, kind of like clay.
- Ingredients (straight from Avasol)
- Zinc Oxide 24.5% (USP, Non-Nano, Non-Coated),
Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Wildcrafted Euphorbia cerifera (Calendilla) wax, Organic Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil, Organic Argania spinosa (Argan) Oil, Silica, Wildcrafted Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Seed Butter, Wildcrafted Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Emu Oil, Organic Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), Rubus idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Iron oxides, Organic Fragrance, Propolis, Plankton Extract, Mica, Wildcrafted Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) Oil, Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Organic Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil
- Zinc Oxide 24.5% (USP, Non-Nano, Non-Coated),
- Product Packaging
- Packaged in hard, cardboard. There is no plastic here. You just push on the bottom to expose the solid stick for application.
- Cost
- Around $20 for one stick. Yes, it is expensive, but you are exchanging it for the standard product that is made of plastic and of ingredients that are known to cause cancer and harm marine life. Compare to some of the other products that are in plastic and have ingredients that are still bad for you and the environment
- Where to Buy
- I bought this one online as there are no natural food stores by me that carry it. Check their site for locations that carry it.
- Shipping Packaging
- I only bought the stick and it came in minimal plastic free packaging with a note to please recycle the packaging which is what I'll be doing.
Verdict
This is a buy for me and will replace my daily face moisturizer. I like that it has a tint and it means I don't have to wear makeup, which I don't normally wear anyways. This will also be an upgrade from my Neutrogena SPF 15 that I have been using since the beginning of time. If I was to go out closer to the equator and spend more time in the sun, I would upgrade to the SPF 50 for better protection. I also like that this product is Made in the USA and the ingredients are ones that I am familiar with.
Disclaimer: This product has been independently used and reviewed by me. No compensation was received from the maker of this product.