Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30

Press sample

Coined from the myth that elephants love to eat the fruit that has fallen from the Marula trees, the name Drunk Elephant comes from the idea that fermentation occurs inside their very large tummies and the elephants become drunk. Established in August 2012, Drunk Elephant skincare uses natural ingredients like virgin marula oil and free radical-fighting antioxidants to promote a healthier, more luminous complexion and doesn’t include parabens, chemicals, fragrances or allergic sensitizers/irritants making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

I have been testing out Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 – a broad-spectrum, cell-energizing sun block that is loaded with potent antioxidants to fight free radicals, while delivering powerful UV protection and anti-aging benefits.

Product Description

Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 is a physical formulation loaded with antioxidants that aid in the prevention of oxidative cell damage and photoaging. Infused with Sunflower Shoot Extract, which exhibits strong anti-glycation properties and preserves cell energy, Astaxanthin, a powerful carotenoid that protects DNA, Raspberry Seed Oil, nature’s most powerful sunscreen and finally, Marula Oil for intense moisture and healing, this unique formulation will leave your skin healthy and protected. Without leaving any white residue or greasiness, Umbra™ minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles and is totally fragrance free and non-irritating. It is ideal for all skin tones and types.

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%

Ingredients: Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Steareth-2, Ceteryl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Sea Water, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Algal (Astaxanthin) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Glycine, Sucrose, Lecithin, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica Carmine (CI 75470), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Water (Aqua)

Cruelty-Free. Gluten-Free.

As you can see from the product description, this sunscreen is loaded with good-for-skin natural ingredients including raspberry seed oil, which naturally fights sun damage, potent antioxidant Astaxanthin, and virgin marula which has a high content of omega fatty acids and antioxidants to soothe and heal stressed-out skin….count me impressed already!

Packed with a whopping 20% dose of UV-reflecting zinc oxide, this mineral sunscreen provides a solid broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Despite its slightly thick texture, it doesn’t have a heavy or sticky feel and absorbs pretty quickly with a non-greasy, slightly dewy finish….it works well for my normal to dry skin but those with oily to very oily skin might not like it so much. The formula starts out white but then as you rub it in, it blends in nicely and easily (in just a few seconds) without leaving any white cast on your skin.

The formula is moisturizing enough to keep my dry skin well-hydrated (thanks to the nourishing marula oil in the mix!) all day so I don’t need another daytime moisturizer. As there are no artificial fragrances, colorants or harsh irritants in the formula, it doesn’t irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes so that also eliminates the need for a separate eye cream with SPF…score!

My only caveat is that this sunscreen has tiny shimmer particles (not sure why?), which isn’t very noticeable on my face (I actually noticed the shimmer first on the back of my hands after application) so that doesn’t bother me a lot but I know this can be a deal breaker for some of you. For me, this is just a little inconvenience that I can easily ignore considering all the other positive features of this sunscreen.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a natural, anti-aging sunscreen that doesn’t leave behind any white residue or greasiness, plays nice with makeup, kind to sensitive skin and won’t make you break out, Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 is absolutely worth a try! Available at drunkelephant.com and Dermstore.com for $42 (3.3 oz)