I've been using this product for a few years off and on. I sometimes try other sunscreens but end up coming back to this one. I have combination skin so I only use it on my cheeks. I feel it may be a little too heavy for my tzone. I love that it has all natural ingredients and it smells nice too.
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I love the nano sized zinc particles that are the ss for Keys. Nano sized particles means no whitening, and an enhanced uv screening. (smaller particles of more uniform conformation= smaller gaps between particles; which means less opportunity for uv to reach skin) You should apply this by first smoothing all over the face and then patting it on to even the product over the skin, rather than rubbing it around. (Rubbing any physical ss to try and work it into the skin can result in gaps in coverage.)
The finish is matte; the feel not at all greasy. I use a moisturizer below and my skin feels firm yet supple, and this controls oiliness all day long in T-zone for me. The surface is somewhat tacky to the touch, and imo less than ideal, especially as a base for foundation either cream or powder. A layer of silicone base primer over the Keys makes a better surface for mu.
One big cosmetic benefit to the Keys is how much it improves the appearance of my skin. I have large pores and fine lines lip/eye zone. Foundation mu seems to emphasize those textural flaws so much that I find I look older wearing foundation than without. The Keys has a way of diffusing the light so that my skin surface looks smoother overall, and that makes a big difference in the mirror!
I would rate this 4.5, because the tacky surface is a bit of a pita, but not a deal breaker given the other benefits. A waterproof version would be on my wishlist too.
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I ordered a sample of this stuff first after reading the good reviews on here but I dont' think I'll be purchasing the full size. I'm usually not sensitive at all to smell or fragrance but there's something in here that I just don't like. I don't even know how to describe it. It also felt a little heavy and greasy to me as I was looking for a good sunscreen to wear everyday under makeup.
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More reviews by coppersnowflake
This is my go-to daily sunblock and it's amazing. I searched for a long time for a non-chemical, non-irritating sunblock for everyday use, and was so excited to finally find this product. It's light and non-pasty and blends in easily.
However, I don't use this if I'm going to be in the sun for hours or if I'm going to be sweating or swimming. It's not made for that. What I've found is, there really isn't a satisfactory sunblock that is perfect for every occasion. I'm not going to find a light-as-air, non-chemical sunblock that will hold up during a marathon. You either slap on the chemical kind that absorbs UV rays, or you buy a sweat-proof natural block that's going to be thick and pasty.
Otherwise, this sunblock is tops if you're looking for a higher-range spf that is non-chemical for daily activities. I have fair, acne-prone skin and this blends in super well and even mattifies it a little. And the cost is actually pretty cheap because you get a very large amount for the money. HG product!
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Update: it's been 12 months now, and I still love it; I've tried others but I love that it's not too matte (like beyond coastal) and it's not too reflective (like pratima) -- and does NOT break me out (like so many others).
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This review is for Keys Soap Solar RX 30SPF. I love this SS - I think I've finally found my HGSS! I've been using it for about 5 months now, and it's the bomb for my oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin.
If your skin can't tolerate chemical ss or silicone-based physical ss, this is a good option with a great rating by EWG, which means it's stable and safe (except I wish it were micro- instead of nano-size).
Application tip: do not rub this in; instead, rub it between your fingers then pat it on gently.
Pros: physical (not chemical) base, moisturizing, very faint natural scent, broad spectrum, adore the sanitary dispenser, size works for airport security, no break-outs!!!, doesn't crease, no white cast, no freckles after the entire summer, glowy but not too reflective finish after dusting powder.
Cons: feels a little thick and greasy but powder will cover the shine, not sure how it works under foundation, not sure about nano-technology
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I like this sunscreen and it's got great broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This sunscreen is pretty great for combination/oily skin. I do not think it's moisturizing though, which is what the company claims. It takes a little time to rub it in thoroughly but the sunscreen kind of mattifies my face for a few hours. You can tell that you have something on your face, but it's not a very heavy feeling. Aside from that, I agree with the previous reviewer about nano zinc; it's a little troubling. I think micronized zinc is usually best for a sunscreen.
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I've been on a quest to find a mostly natural sunscreen (good EWG score) that is SPF 30 or more that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and doesn't leave a white cast on the skin. So far, this sunblock is winning by a landslide!
I've tried the Badger one and Aubrey Natural Sun for Active Lifestyles and they leave the worst ghosty white-face chalky finish. I'm NC30 with a yellow undertone, so anything that leaves a whitish cast is painfully obvious. I tried the John Masters Organics sunblock but it's pretty pricey for the quantity you get and it still leaves a slight white cast on me.
No trouble with ghost/clown face with Keys Soap Solar Rx.
The one I got has a nice citrusy smell, like other reviewers I don't find that it has an offensive odour at all. Maybe I got a good batch.
Yes it's a bit sticky but I like to think it's acting as a humectant, i.e. drawing moisture into the skin. If I leave it on my skin as is I find it quite matte. If I'm going out, I put some loose powder on top and that takes care of the stickiness.
The packaging is terrific, too. The pump is very good at keeping the product fresh and because the bottle is clear you can easily see how much is left.
I love this sunblock and will definitely be ordering again. The search is over!
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More reviews by isingonrooftops
I quite like this sunscreen due to the following reasons: mostly organic ingredients, leaves a nice looking sheen on your skin (without that overly flashy effect that a lot of sunscreens tend to leave your skin with), a good value (it's $26.95 on the Keys site for 100 ml; most sunscreens are much more expensive). I also think it smells nice. I've read some reviews that said the smell of this sunscreen is offensive, but it smells sweet and citrus-y to me. Oh well, everyone has different taste (or scent) buds. My only gripe with this product (and I have this with the Luminos "Hydrating" Moisturizer too) is that it is not moisturizing enough. Whenever I apply this onto my skin, my skin glows. However, it still feels dry, like it's just sitting on top of my skin, unlike, say, a more moisturizing sunscreen such as CA Baby. I will most likely repurchase this again, although I would like to try the Loving Naturals Sunscreen first.
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Finally, I found a moisturizer with SPF that actually keeps my skin hydrated! I have post-acne traumatized skin that is combo dry/oily T-zone. I wanted to protect it to keep scars from getting darker as well as moisturize all while making sure my acne did not return. Thankfully, I have had no adverse reactions to this, no clogged pores or acne. There is a slight whitening effect with first applied but it fades quickly as the product sinks in. There is also a somewhat spicy smell to it, but this also fades. The product applies smoothly and works well under makeup (does not cake or ball). I feel this is the perfect product for everyday use, but would use an actual sunblock if spending the day outside. Overall I am very happy (an so is my skin).
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This is probably the only sunscreen I would want to use on my face on a daily basis. I love that the ingredients are so gentle, and I've never broke out while using it. I have combo oily t-zone/chin and dry cheeks so this helps me to balance oil production and moisturize. It makes me feel like I'm keeping the moisture retained in my skin. I live in California though, so it's pretty dry year round; it might be "greasier" to those who live in a more humid climate. It absorbs quickly and is perfectly fine under makeup. The only thing I didn't really like was the smell, but it fades quickly and I got used to it after a while (it kind of smells like the gardening section of the hardware store haha).
There's quite a bit of product. I don't use a full pump (I use maybe a 1/3 or a 1/2 of a pump) and I bought it back in...January? Maybe even before that. So I've had it for a solid 6 months or so and I still have half left. I think it was worth the money!
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More reviews by mostly_harmless
As someone whose skin is both acne-prone and very sensitive, I have long been skeptical of products that describe themselves as 'healing.' In this case, however, I believe that it isn't hype. I bought this sunblock at a time when I had given up on my skin ever clearing. If I couldn't stop my zits, then at least I could protect them from the sun. Since I started using Keys sunblock three weeks ago, I've had only one small, non-cystic pimple, which for me is a ten-year record.
My only complaint about Keys is that its formula isn't waterproof, which means I have to buy a separate sunblock for swimming, and that it has to be re-applied if I sweat a lot.
I recommend this product highly for adult acne sufferers, and for daily use, but less for athletes.
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Tried out, with thanks to a kind friend. Friends love to experiment on me, doubtless as skin reactions can be very amusing, and good clean simple entertainment, fun for all the family till I start swearing.
Lovely texture - slightly whipped cream, melts into skin, quite delicious - little to no fragrance (though it is listed), high percentage of zinc oxide (18.5% uncoated nano), great on hands. Unfortunately, rapid reaction on my face: likely to be the shea butter, to which I have a well-known sensitivity. Still, I brought merriment to a friend, so some good came of it.
So that's a no for me - would be good on rest of body, but too expensive for the quantity, and there are plenty other sunscreens out there that work as well but are cheaper. If you're OK with shea butter, though, this looks like a possible HG.
Excellent pump bottle, fair size (100 ml), and about USD 25.00-27.00.
INGREDIENTS: 18.5% nano zinc-oxide (uncoated); 10% shea butter; avocado oil, carrot seed oil, black cumin oil, essential oil blend, purified water, vegetable glycerin, vegetable wax, rosemary extract. Organic content > 80%. continued >>
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I used this for three months (January - March) in the Midwest. I liked the fact that it contains only zinc and other natural ingredients. It is a fairly heavy cream. I have combination cream, and can usually wear a heavier cream in the colder months, but felt as if my skin couldn't "breathe." Surprisingly, it didn't cause breakouts. It is not sweat proof, as it ran down my face during workouts. The final straw was some of the negative information I've read about nano particles (this product contains nano sized zinc). Overall, it's probably safer than the majority of the products on the market and would probably better suited for someone with dry skin, but I will not repurchase.
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This product never made it on to my face. I bought a sample and tried it on the back of my hand first. It went on soft and smooth, but started to sting after a minute or so. The stinging did not go away. Also, the smell of this product is horrific. It smells like over-powering Indian food and it doesn't go away. Just the small amount I put on my hand put an odor in the air that my nose could not stand. I had to wash my hands 3 times to get the stench off.
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4.5 stars. Solar RX is the best product if you need sunscreen protection. It has 18.5% Nano Zinc-Oxide which is the highest Zinc Oxide content and best protection because it protects against both UVA and UVB. Being all natural, Solar RX is safe for children as well. The price is very good, $26.95 for 3.4 oz. Per ounce it's cheaper than most other sunscreens such as Oil of Olay, Neutrogena and NIA24, plus it protects better. The scent is mild, I didn't mind it a bit and it disappears after half a minute. The texture is a bit thick so that is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.
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Like others, I got this b/c it is suppose to be natural and "safe" from toxic ingredients. Right now, I use this on weekdays and Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion (55) on weekends. I prefer the feel and performance of Shiseido over this, but I'm trying to limit parabens. I will continue to use this, since it is a safe/natural sunscreen, but I am on the look out for something less sticky/greasy.
PROS: "safe", smooth, no white cast, no yucky smell, moisturizing.
CONS: sticky, makes my face VERY greasy during the day, not good to wear under makeup, not water-resistant.
*UPDATE* Bumped the rating down to 3 (from 4), b/c it's just too sticky/greasy and I won't be buying again.
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I like this sunscreen a lot, but it is expensive. 0 toxic ingredients, according to EWG Skin Deep, and that's why I bought it.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=71905
Did not turn my skin chalky white. A little goes a long way. Not waterproof--a minus--and I knocked it down a point for that.
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I didnt like this by itself. A little too chalky.....but not real bad. I just felt I could do better. No breakouts which is a plus. And I liked the feel of it and the smell was fine with me. I dont even smell the Cumin others talk about or the orange. It is basically unscented in my nose and I can smell EVERYTHING. Anyway....what I have settled on is: mixing Keys Solar Rx SPF 30 with my Clarins Super Restorative Tinted Moisturizer 20 SPF topped with Jane Iredale SPF 30 powder and no breakouts. :)
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I chose this sunscreen because it is supposed to be very safe for your skin, unlike many sunscreens. I tried many others that are chemical free and all of them left my face chalky or had a terrible texture or broke my skin out. This sunscreen doesn't do that and has a nice texture. Not only does it not break my skin out, I actually feel like it greatly improves my skin quality.
The only thing I don't like about it is the smell. I disagree with the other reviewer about an iodine smell. What I distinctly smell is cumin. Black cumin oil is an ingredient. When I first got it, the smell was so strong and stayed strong throughout the day that I almost stopped using it. I don't really want my face to smell like Mexican or Indian food. My boyfriend always knows when I'm wearing it and calls me "cumin face" when I do. It does also have a slight citrus smell, which would be quite pleasant without the cumin.
Strangely, sometimes the scent isn't really noticeable. I'm wondering if the product just isn't blended well enough. When I first got it, it was strong. Then for a while, not so strong. Now, it's back to strong again.
I wish they could find an alternative to cumin oil that would create a similar effect, but otherwise this is a great product. I'll continue to use it because I can't find a good alternative. I'd love to use their Luminos moisturizer too, but it also has the cumin oil and I'd rather not smell like cumin 24/7 and there are many skin-safe alternatives to that.
I've read other reviews elsewhere and many people think it smells great (light and citrusy), where others can't stand it. I'm wondering if it might just be how your skin reacts with it or if the product is inconsistent from batch to batch. I'd recommend trying it in a store or getting the sample first.
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