Get ready for a bit of a product rave because I think this is one of the most impressive high protection face products I have ever used . It’s ultra-light, invisible, and feels wonderful on the skin. Here’s what you need to know about the Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50. Show  Well that was quite an introduction wasn’t it?! If you hate heavy, sticky suncreens that leave a white cast on the skin, then you need to check this out. Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence Features
You honestly won’t believe how light and lovely this feels. When I tested it on my hand I was super impressed, but it isn’t until you apply to your face that you can fully appreciate what an incredible formula it is. It is lighter than air, feels cooling and refreshing on the skin, sinks in at pretty much the speed of light, and then is entirely undetectable in terms of look and feel. It’s amazing! I try to never leave the house without sunscreen on my face and so I have tried and tested many different formulations. This is the lightest and most comfortable I have tried. And it’s super affordable – only £18 for 40ml. I recommend this unreservedly!! Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 is available HERE . Another sun cream review here! I was requested by some lovelies on Reddit and at work to try out The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence. It’s been just over 2 weeks now of consistent daily use, so I’m here with my review! At A Glance-SPF 50 -PA -Contains Red Algae Extract and a Vitamin C Derivative -£17 for 60ml -Vegan -Suitable for sensitive skin (perhaps) It’s definitely the priciest Sun Cream I’ve ever purchased at £17, but I decided to try out the broad spectrum SPF anyway. It’s got some great claims to its name: Lightweight, brightening, protective against both UVA and UVB rays, free of parabens, mineral oils and paraffin, non-greasy, having zero white cast, moisturising and even being anti-oxidant to boot. It’s quite a list of claims, let’s see how it fared. The BreakdownIngredients ‘Aqua/Water/Eau, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Octocrylene, Chlorphenesin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Carbomer, Linalool, Tocopherol, Limonene, Citronellol.’ I wasn’t thrilled to see Alcohol Denat as the second listed ingredient but the Red Algae and Vitamin C is quite curious. Red Algae and Vitamin C are both well known brightening ingredients, hence the Anti-Dullness marketing. Sourced from the North Atlantic, Red Algae is a plant that is packed with vitamins and helps minimise wrinkling and inflammation of the skin. The Vitamin C present is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable derivative. In addition to being brightening, it has an anti-oxidant effect (protects DNA against free radicals) which protects skin from environmental stress and pollution. Whilst I don’t think I’ve seen instant or incremental brightening, the box does say skin will appear brighter after 4 weeks. Guess I’ll have to update you! The Skin Defence also contains Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, otherwise known as the amazing Marula Oil! Marula Oil is known for its strong hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a shame to see it so far down the list but at least it’s there! The Alcohol content is quite a shame, and after just a few hours use, I can feel it seeping into my eyes and stinging them. Despite Linalool, Citronell and other fragrance providers present, you can quite clearly pick up the alcohol notes in the fragrance. Not too grande in that regard, but the scent fades quickly. UVA AND UVB Protection With SPF 50 and PA++, I think it’s safe to say the average working adult is well protected using the Skin Defence. Although it’s just one shy of a top PA+++ rating, the SPF is great for an everyday sun cream. It’s important to check that your SPF protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Although UVB is what causes redness and tanning, it is UVA that will cause more serious long term damage and accelerated skin ageing. For myself, I’m most exposed to the sun in the 40 minutes it takes for me to get to work and the 40 minutes back (which both involve walking in the sun and UV penetrating public transportation). I feel more than protected and have experienced no tanning in the two weeks I’ve been using the Skin Defence. If I were heading to the beach or for a long day out in the sun, I would probably opt for another SPF on my arms and legs as this SPF is a little pricey to be using on large areas of skin. A cheaper SPF 50 and PA++/+++ for the body would be more suitable. The Garnier Ambre Solaire Baby in the Shade (SPF 50, PA++++) is what I’m currently using on my arms and exposed feet. Texture The milk to water formula is lightweight and breathable. It’s not chalky, not sticky, absorbs easily, and it leaves ZERO WHITE CAST. As a brown skinned girl, white casts are a serious make or breaker for me. The box claims that ‘Instantly: skin feels smooth, supple and replumped with moisture.’ Yep, I can attest to that, it definitely does and it lasts throughout the day too. As someone with Dry skin, this works great for me. Before After The only downside is it a little greasy and for some reason, has a slight darkening effect on my skin (as most greasy things do). That said, it’s definitely the least greasy SPF I’ve ever used. Again, it’s a bit annoying given the marketing clearly states ‘non-greasy.’ In my experience, all SPFs are either on the greasy side or chalky side, so I should be thankful it’s not as greasy as many others. As for feel, I don’t feel it on my face during the day. Some SPFs are quite heavy and sticky, whereas this one is subtly moisturising and pleasant. The make up is also superb under make up, with zero pilling. I haven’t tried it with eyeshadow, but if you’re worried about eyeshadow slipping and sliding you can try mattifying the SPF completely first. Packaging It’s a pretty bog-standard tube with a twist off cap, but the shiny pink sheen on the box is a nice touch. As for the bottle, I don’t care much for tubes as they can leak quite easily when under pressure or heat. It’s not ideal given this cost £17, I definitely don’t want product seeping out all the time. Besides that, the tube is nice and sleek and the box is recyclable too! Be sure to use the product up within 12 months of opening. If you’re using it twice a day or re-applying, that should be more than enough time. This slideshow requires JavaScript. Verdict Minus the smell and fiddly tube, it’s a wonderfully moisturising and practically invisible suncream that boasts incredible SPF and PA ratings. My go to is currently Child’s Farm, however I think the Skin Defence might just knock it off the top spot thanks to its PA++++ protection and invisibility. I’m going to repurchase but I’m officially on the hunt for a cheaper alternative. If you’d like to leave any comments or follow, please feel free! Let me know what you thought of this product and what you’d like to see me try next. Are Body Shop sunscreens good?UVA AND UVB Protection With SPF 50 and PA++, I think it's safe to say the average working adult is well protected using the Skin Defence. Although it's just one shy of a top PA+++ rating, the SPF is great for an everyday sun cream. It's important to check that your SPF protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Is the Body Shop sunscreen mineral or chemical?The chemical sunscreen works to absorb and reflect the UV rays which helps to prevent signs of damage including premature ageing. Suitable for all skins. Vegan. Cruelty-free. How do you use Body Shop skin Defence SPF 50?How to use. Before applying makeup, massage into face and neck as part of your everyday skincare routine. Be careful to avoid the eye area. Does SPF 50 mean 50 minutes?“The SPF gives you an idea of how long you can be in the sun before you burn,” adds Peterson Pierre M.D., board-certified dermatologist at the Pierre Skin Care Institute. “For instance, if you're super sensitive and you burn in one minute, a SPF 50 will give you 50 minutes before you burn.” |
