MyChelle Dermaceuticals Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30

It’s no secret that I am a bit of a sunscreen addict. So whenever I spot a new mineral-based sunscreen with an all natural anti-aging formula, I just have to check it out. And that’s how MyChelle Dermaceuticals Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 landed in my shopping basket.

Repair and avert photo-damage brought on by the sun’s aging rays while maintaining protective moisture. ZinClear ™ non-opaque Zinc Oxide provides natural protection against both UVA and UVB, without harsh chemicals. A blend of Kukui and Macadamia oils combine with Red Algae to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles brought on by environmental stress. A Titanium Dioxide-free option.

Bioactive Ingredients of Interest

13.5% Zinc Oxide –
Provides physical protection from sun exposure (UVA, UVB rays).

Moluccana Seed Oil and Macadamia Seed Oil –
Component of a blend of Hawaiian Kukui and Macadamia oils, suppresses erythema caused by sun and radiation burns, provides healing and burn relief, moisturizing.

Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract –
Due to growth environment and source, this algae contains natural UVA filters.

Ingredients
Active Ingredients: 13.5% Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™)
Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut)*, Isodecyl Neopentanoate (Vegetable), Ethyl Macadamiate (Macadamia Oil), Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil*, Glycerin (Vegetable), Hydrolyzed Starch Phosphate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate (Vegetable), Ergothioneine (L) (Amino Acid), Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Phellodendron Amurense (Cork-tree) Bark Extract, Malic Acid (L) (Apple), Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin (Vegetable), Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Glyceryl Isostearate (Vegetable Fatty Acid), Glyceryl Stearate (Vegetable), Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate (Plant), Behenyl Alcohol (Rapeseed Oil), Alcohol Denatured (Grain)*, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (Salt), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Plant), Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut), Sodium Lactate (Salt). (*Certified Organic)

Going by the description, MyChelle Dermaceuticals Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 seems to be right up my alley. The product offers broad-spectrum sunscreen protection with zinc oxide to protect skin from UVA/UVB ray damage. The ingredient list is chock full of anti-aging botanicals and doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or fragrance. So, I was quite confident about the product……so much so that I bought two of these in order to get the freebie (another full sized SPF moisturizer) available with $50 purchase. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out to be a great choice even with all the goodness.

When I used the product for the first time (on bare skin), it was really hard to spread and needed a lot of rubbing in to get absorbed. And that’s when I realized it is just a sunblock and not a moisturizer with sunscreen as the description implies (but the directions state to apply the product on nourished skin) Now, my skin is on the drier side of the spectrum and although this sunscreen doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or flaky even when used alone, I need to apply a regular moisturizer under this product. Honestly, I don’t like that. I just prefer to use one SPF product in the morning that moisturizes as well as protects my skin from UV rays. Even when used over moisturized skin, I have noticed this sunscreen doesn’t spread and sink in as quickly as it should.

On the plus side, it doesn’t leave any white cast and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on skin once absorbed. Also, it is suitable for use around the eyes (no stinging/irritation). Btw here’s a pic of the freebie I got…..

 

As you might have guessed, I will be returning the product back. The texture just isn’t right for me and the formula is not moisturizing enough (when used alone) for my dry skin. It might work better for those with oily to very oily skin but I am not too sure. Mychelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 retails for $29.99 for 2.3fl oz and is available at Dermstore.com