Desert Essence • Age Reversal Pomegranate Mineral Sunscreen • Sunscreen

liliesandsunshine on 12/8/2012 10:01:00 PM more reviews by liliesandsunshine

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I want to love this product- the ingredient list is pretty impressive and it is a physical sunscreen (currently trying to avoid chemical sunscreens). However, this feels really heavy on my skin and I have to rub it in to get rid of the whitish cast. Also I have to wait for it to completely dry before I can put on makeup (or else end up with streaks). This is a pain since I'm always in a rush in the morning to get to work. I just finished this today and I will not be re-purchasing.

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*TOP REVIEWER* hjjung on 9/16/2011 2:13:00 PM more reviews by hjjung

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

First of all, those of you who say it accentuates flakes.. You are desperately in need of exfoliation and moisturization. This sunscreen protects against the sun with minerals (zinc & titanium oxide) hence the name, so if you have any dead skin cells, of course the minerals will sit on top of your flakes and accentuate them. Since it has a bit of a dry/thick texture, the key is to pat on top of your skin instead of rubbing.

I don't really understand the bad reviews here except the ones who had allergic reactions. I've tried hundreds of facial sunscreens and this is THE BEST sunscreen I've ever used on my face. Those of you who say it's heavy, too white, and sticky.. maybe you used way too much? This is not greasy at all to me, and it's nice and moisturizing yet does not leave any grease or residue on my skin.. it actually turns quite matte, so it wears perfectly under makeup. It has a very slight white cast that doesn't bother me and quickly disappears into the skin. I bought ECO Logical FACE SPF 30 and bought this one for my sister, and I wish I bought this one instead. I'm absolutely disgusted by the ECO sunscreen, and I keep using this one in the morning after I shower. I don't even need to use moisturizer under this, and it's easy to reapply on top of another layer because it turns quite matte anyway. Also, I am absolutely in love with the texture of this sunscreen.. it's like whipped mousse. My sister has oily skin and I have dry skin, but we both love this very much, so I assume it's good for most skin types. I highly recommend this sunscreen and I just bought a tube for myself so I don't have to steal my sister's all the time lol. :) Luckyvitamin.com has the best pricing for this sunscreen, or you can use code "YEW608" on iherb.com to get $10 off of your first purchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* gabiinchicago on 4/21/2011 12:26:00 PM more reviews by gabiinchicago

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Pros: good protection, recommended by EWG, not chemical, doesn't irritate or sting, includes antioxidants, does not produce free radicals like the chemical sunscreens
Cons: too white for even most pale skins, very thick, accentuates every flake, some may dislike the natural scent

I have to dab on this product rather than rub it; otherwise, all my flakies appear. Also, I have to use a darker than normal powder to cover the white; otherwise, I think it would be great facial sunscreen for those who choose physical sunscreens, which I always do!

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wildone on 4/20/2011 5:03:00 PM more reviews by wildone

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this sunscreen to use at the beach. It is thick and whitening just like the burts bees sunscreen. It is very hard to rub in and it feels heavy and sticky on the skin. I will not buy this again and it is definitely not appropriate for everyday use. The minute my mom put it on her face she had a allergic reaction. she washed her face and had to use coppertone instead.

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eddiecatt on 3/26/2011 4:05:00 PM more reviews by eddiecatt

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

This is a very good sunscreen to use on the body, but I find it a too white and thick to use on my face. It smells much better than Badger and is less greasy, but like Badger it is quite thick and rubbing it in feels like a workout in itself. Very nice to have handy as an all-mineral, all-natural sunblock, though; I would rate this a 5 except I feel it's just not suitable as a moisturizing sunscreen for the face.

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MoonsIReflection on 10/30/2010 10:45:00 AM more reviews by MoonsIReflection

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I have been using this product for one year (before I joined MUA).Looking for a sunscreen that does not cause cancer,I came across this one on EWG:

http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/

http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/finding-the-best-sunscreens/296832/Desert-Essence-Age-Reversal-SPF--Mineral-Sunscreen/

I have extremlly fair skin,and I burn like an egg on tin foil in F100 degree weather!. (like the way I explaned that?,lol).So finding a sunscreen was very important to me,I use sunscreen 365 days a year.All I have to say about this product is THANK GOD!,this is gentle engough for my VERY sensitive skin that gets really iratated by using products with chemicals,this works for when I go in the sun,and protects my skin really well from getting burned.I love the ingredients in this.

Here's what the desert essence website says

"Desert Essence Organics Mineral Sunscreen protects your face and body from UVA and UVB exposure. May be applied underneath makeup. Great for adults and children.

• Vitamin E protects skin from the sun and reduces the
appearance of wrinkles.
• Grape Seed Extract helps prevent signs of aging.
• Pomegranate Extract supports healthy skin tone and texture.

Top Rated, Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide, 2010"

This product does what it says and I will continue to use this (DON'T DISCONTINUE THIS PLEASE!). =)

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rtorres72 on 4/7/2010 1:12:00 AM more reviews by rtorres72

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love this sunscreen...protects my skin very well without making it greasy or irritated (the only sunscreen that I can say that about!). It does have a drier consistency, so you probably can't use it without a little moisturizer beneath. What works for me is to rub a little coconut oil into my skin while it's still damp, then immediately put on the sunscreen (just a small bit, less than dime-sized). it spreads easily, cuts the redness in my cheeks, and makes my skin look smoother/more even-toned, so that I don't even wear makeup most days.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* dragonballz on 11/19/2009 5:20:00 AM more reviews by dragonballz

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I had high hopes for this product as it is made from natural ingredients and I have had pleasant experiences with other products from Desert Essence. Well, everything started out great. That is until I realized the sandalwood essential oil was giving me a headache. The finish is also really nice compared to other mineral sunscreens. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't have sinus or fragrance sensitivity issues.

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jb417 on 11/18/2009 11:31:00 AM more reviews by jb417

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted to like this product as it had all that I was looking for-a sunscreen free of parabens, made with all natural ingredients -but sadly, my skin just did not like it-I broke out like a 15 yr old again!
UPDATE: I don't know what kind of allergic reaction this product caused because the initial breakout turned into a rash all over my face, going to dermatologist because it's not going away on its own even though I immediately stopped using this cream. I am beginning to suspect that I may be allergic to an ingredient(s) in sunscreens

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desha on 7/1/2009 11:11:00 PM more reviews by desha

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I love makeupalley because of the money I've saved. My reviews are positive because I tend to purchase products that receive good reviews. Desert Essence Age Reversal Sunscreen is a Grand Slam.

First, I'm African American and frankly, sunscreen is not high on my priority of things. I usually get by with whatever's in my moisturizer unless I plan an outdoor activity and then only in summer. But a couple of years ago, I read about a few cases of people of color in Panama getting skin cancer and I realized that I shouldn't take for granted my melanin since the ozone level is really messed up. And when I started using Alpha Hydroxy ResQ with Retinol, I decided I should be serious about a sunscreen. But I hate sunscreens. They're too oily mostly, if I wear one I can't wear a moisturizer and I love my moisturizer and hate when I can't wear it. I usually don't wear foundation in the summer unless it's an occasion for a polished look, but with sunscreen, I'm an oil slick before I leave the house in summer. And I have Normal/Dry skin.

But the reviews on this made me search it out and it's a winner. It's the first really matte sunscreen I've used. It doesn't feel heavy at all to me as someone else said. As far as a 'whitish cast,' nothing. Of course, I use the product sparingly, so maybe that's why. And I can wear my beloved Principal Secret Reclaim Daytime lotion or the Reclaim Mattifying Moisturizer, which I use during the summer.

The surprise about this sunscreen is that on me, it's almost like a primer. Although my pores aren't a neon sign, I do wish my t-zone was smoother. This product makes my skin look smoother than with a primer. I've already decided to use it this way even after summer is over when I wear foundation more.

I guess if you need to lather sunscreen on it might be problematic, but I still recommend trying it to find out because it's a clear cut winner. Very happy with this purchase.

6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* stanzi on 6/7/2009 4:30:00 PM more reviews by stanzi

Age: Unknown   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I hate to be the voice of negativity here, but this product just didn't work for me. I like the ingredients list and the tube packaging, but the sunblock itself was just too heavy and too whitish for my skin. (I'm pale, but not *that* pale, and I'm oily.) It might work better for drier complexions. I've ended up using it on my neck and chest, since those areas aren't as demanding!

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joeyd on 5/29/2009 12:53:00 PM more reviews by joeyd

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

This is the closest to an HG sunscreen I've found so far. It offers great protection, even through extreme activity. It blends in nicely. And I think it actually makes my skin lighter ( a good thing)
Update - still love this but now I love UV natural spf 30 a little more

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

vms1 on 4/2/2009 3:14:00 PM more reviews by vms1

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

ok ladies, ive spent the last few years shopping, buying, trying every natural, organic, good for you, products out there. I have had a very hard time finding suncreens that are natural, gentle, non pore clogging, non GREASY. My skin is sensitive, acne prone, and worst of all approaching 40. This sunscreen is matte, a little white when you first put it on but it seemed to fade a little, non greasy, Ive only had it on today so ill update you later, The only thing i can say so far is i do feel it on my face. Oh by the way it has Pomegranite, and lots of other antioxidants!

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ohBetty on 12/12/2008 2:30:00 PM more reviews by ohBetty

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I was looking for an organic daily sunscreen and came across this product at the Vitamin Shoppe. It applies with a whitish cast, which does disappear after a few minutes. It's a great base for mineral cosmetics, and I have noticed my skin looking a lot better, especially around my eyes where I was getting "tired" looking. It is not sufficient as a moisturizer by itself in the winter-time, but is excellent for spring/summer. I would buy this product again.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

LAParent on 11/16/2008 11:58:00 PM more reviews by LAParent

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is a good all-mineral sunscreen that reminds me of June Jacobs Micronized Sheer SPF 30, but without the high price tag. Bit of a white cast, but you get that with all mineral sunscreens at this concentration, and you can always put some powder over it. I got this at Whole Foods and I'm pleased I found an all-mineral sunscreen that is cheap enough to use on my body!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sugarplum71 on 1/1/2008 9:27:00 PM more reviews by sugarplum71

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I've been looking for a natural organic sunscreen with zinc oxide that I can use on a daily basis as a moisturiser.

I last tried Lavera's anti-aging sunscreen which I quite like, but find it's very tacky and makes my face feel oily. So I decided to try Desert Essence's Age Reversal Pomegranate Mineral Sunscreen and I'm very happy that I did.

It's very thick, but dries to a much more matte, dry-touch finish than the lavera one which is great. It's also got higher spf of 30 which is important as I use retin-a and live in the tropics. The product does tend to separate a bit, so sometimes I'll squeeze it and oil will come out, so must give it a bit of a shake beforehand. It will also leave a slight whitish tint but I'm ok with that. Highly recommended.

Ingredients: Microfine Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide (most effective sunblock ingredients around). Other ingredients: aqueos infusion of certified organic extracts: Camellia Sinensis (green tea) Leaf, cucumis sativus (cucumber) ruit, aloe barbedensis leat and punica granatum (pomegranate), organic vegetable, glycerin, cyclomethicone, caprylic/capric Triglyceride, cetearyl, alcohol, glycerylstearate, xanthan gum d-alpha tocopherol (vitaminE), vitis vinifera (grape) Seed, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) sodium Ascorbyl phosphate 9vitamin C) sanatalum album sandalwood) essential oil, certified organic citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot frut oil, phenoxyethanol, 1,2-octanediol.


Free Of wheat, gluten, parabens, soidum laury, laureth sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, colors, EDTA, glycol or pet4roleum-based ingredients, cruelty, biodegradable, animal testing raw materials or finished product, phosphates.

12 out of 12 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No