Written by: Abi Mogge, Staff Writer
Like most women, I’m searching for “the one.” And when I find that special “one,” my life will be sunny and bright and carefree and wonderful! I am, of course, talking about the perfect sunscreen. I am very fair-skinned and over the years I’ve found that most sunscreens actually cause more irritation than protection, especially when combined with the glaring sun and extreme heat. I do a lot of long distance biking and I have one fond memory of wrapping my thighs in layers of Ace bandages to protect them from the blistering sun, rather than slather on more thick, stinging sunscreen lotion.
Soleil Organique mineral sunscreens use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect the skin, as opposed to chemical actives (such as oxybenzone and avobenzone) that penetrate the skin and can disrupt the body’s hormone systems. SO’s mineral sunscreens contain their EcoSunComplex®, which enhances the UV protection and provides benefits to the skin. This complex consists of Red Algae, Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin E and Bisabolol, and acts as a natural SPF booster, reduces UV-induced DNA damage, prevents loss of firmness, increases skin smoothness, and decreases wrinkle depth.
The formulas contain anti-aging and skin replenishing ingredients, and the eye cream is specifically designed to boost collagen and protect your delicate skin from toxins. All products are free of parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfates, retinyl palmitate, petrochemicals, propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrance.
The products are vegan, gluten free, contain no animal ingredients, and are not tested on animals. They are coral reef safe (meaning they don’t cause viruses in the reefs as chemical sunscreens can), BPA free, and use recyclable packaging.
So that already sounds pretty impressive, right? I read this before trying the products and basically expected a high quality physical sunblock that was healthy for both body and environment. What I didn’t expect was an amazing texture. All formulas, for face and body, were silky and pleasant to apply. They smelled great and practically melted into the skin. The face sunscreen took about a minute to sink in and was a little thicker than the other formulas, but after a minute or so my skin was soft with a semi-matte finish and no ghostly white pallor. If you have tried physical sunblock before, you know what I am talking about. Unlike other titanium oxide or zinc oxide formulas, this product was NOT thick or greasy. I also experienced NONE of the usual stinging and burning that accompanies my usual application of sunscreen.
I didn’t have the opportunity to test this in high heat or direct, intense sun, yet, but these products gave great protection from every day sun exposure. I feel pretty confident that Soleil Organique will be accompanying me on my long bike rides this summer. 🙂
The sunscreens are available online at Soleil Organique and currently they are offering free shipping on orders over $75.00. These sunscreens retail between $30.00-$75.00.
100% Mineral Sunblock for Face SPF 45
Daily Environmental Defense Cream for Eyes SPF 15
Daily Environmental Defense for Hands SPF 15
100% Mineral Sunscreen Mist for Body SPF 45
I really like the fact that there are specific products with their spf for hands and eyes for example, and it seems like a brand I should try! Great review, thanks!
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I loved the separate sunscreen designed specifically for Hands. It's the perfect size to toss in your purse and a great reminder to protect the thinner skin on top of your hands.
I am sorry to say I have to disagree. I was really excited reading this review and bought the mineral sunblock for face (both 20 and 45 SPF). Both are fine, but in both cases I can definitely feel them on my face, and both leave me looking a little shiny.
I found the 45 SPF to be very whitening – even when it absorbs into my skin it still leaves me looking a shade or two paler.
I have accepted for years that it must be very difficult to create a product that is both cruelty-free and non-toxic, along with being easily absorbed, non-greasy, and non whitening. These products are better than many out there, and everyone’s skin is a little (or a lot) different, but for me these are a far cry from wonderful.
Hi Merry – I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t like these products! I would suggest a mineral powder sunscreen for you – I think it’s the best bet for oily (or combo) skin. Try Bare Escentuals or Colorescience.