Skinceuticals • Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 • Sunscreen

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violet55 on 3/9/2012 10:27:00 AM more reviews by violet55

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

I have been using this for the past 3 months now. Firstly I am very fussy when it comes to sunscreen. I always look for sunscreen with Zinc oxide in.

The packaging is simple, comes in a tube and easy to use and squeeze out. Good so far! It smells ok. Nothing fancy but not unpleasant. It's quite thick and creamy. You need to rub it well into the skin. I find that it does give my face a whiteish tint but I find leaving it a few minutes for it to fully settle and absorb, then go to rub and blend well into hair line, it does the trick.

I really like this sunscreen. It doesn't feel greasy, and i think it really does work. My skin feels really well protected, and it hasn't got any darker nor do i have have any sun freckles or blemishes. It doesn't aggravate my skin or lead me to any outbreaks.

THe price is reasonable. ANd I use everyday and it seems to have lasted me for ages!!!
Overall for me a thunks uP!

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KarenPrescriptives on 10/25/2010 8:10:00 AM more reviews by KarenPrescriptives

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is my HG sunscreen.
It's not perfect but is the best I've found in several years.
I like that this sunscreen is rated low danger/toxicity on the cosmetic safety database, one of the safest; however I have concerns that the zinc oxide in it might be nano particles. Don't know.
Anyway, this protects me from the sun fairly well, doesn't break me out and is ok under makeup.
It doesn't stay on in water at all unfortunately, and needs to be reapplied regularly. Also leaves a white cast.
Price is not great but acceptable, packaging is convenient and sensible. A smaller tube for my handbag would be nice.
I will continue to purchase unless I find better.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Laski on 7/22/2010 6:31:00 AM more reviews by Laski

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Í was so lucky to have a sample of this, and though I had high hopes for this product, as I´m quite fond of several other Skinceuticals products, I didn´t really like it. Or, to say it in a different way: I didn´t notice the difference between this and much cheaper drugstore-bought sunscreens. What I was wishing for was actually more moisture, no shine, no irritation, no heavy feeling. But it felt kind of heavy on my skin and made my face quite shiny. When applying, it first leaves a whitish cast, which disappears when massaging it in. The protection was fine, I guess, but I don´t see the point of buying an expensive high end product when there´s no difference to cheaper stuff.

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eunicette on 7/26/2009 8:21:00 AM more reviews by eunicette

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

Er... in a word - 'No'. This product leaves a white cast and feels really thick and heavy on the skin. In this hot humid climate, my make up is caked by early afternoon. Definitely won't re-purchase

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*TOP REVIEWER* DragonRhia on 7/6/2009 12:10:00 PM more reviews by DragonRhia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I got this product to protect my face after chemical peels from the dermatologist. It works okay, however I am trying Obagi since the tube is about empty. I bought some Laura Mercier skin tint (20 spf) that was too dark. I started mixing it with this product. I really liked the results, it kept the skin tint from peeling and the white of the product balanced the too dark tone in the skin tint. Advantages: lasted a year with daily use (probably helped that I was often times mixing it), good protection. Disadvantages: white color didn't easily fade, felt greasy on my face (it didn't cause blemishes), I would sweat 'white' drips if walking/exercising. I decided I would try Obagi sunscreen this time as I wasn't that impressed with this product. It's decent, I'm just hoping I find something I like better.

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BeckyJSacto on 1/19/2009 11:37:00 PM more reviews by BeckyJSacto

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is THE HG of daily sunscreens for me. I've invested a lot of $$ in my skin with Obagi and Retin-A over the years, and this is protecting that investment.

It lightly moisturizes without using petrolatum or mineral oil (as found in other moisturizing sunscreens.)

I touch up during the day with the Colorescience sunscreen brush, and that helps keep oiliness at bay.

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cadbury on 1/2/2009 8:45:00 PM more reviews by cadbury

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I find it very difficult to find a sunscreen that i can wear, because:
a) it must be oil-free b) it must have no titanium dioxide c) it must be suitable for harsh NZ sun d) it is very hard to access brands here, so even if I find something that can be shipped internationally, it is very expensive.

I bought the small size of this for something like $56 NZD. I think that is reasonable for a good product, although there seems to be very little inside the tube. (Not sure if that's normal).

I specifically bought this because it is SPF 30, oil-free and the actives are zinc oxide and octinoxate. I was very hopeful it would not break me out!

It does smell like sunscreen, and it is thick, but spreadable.
It does give a white cast, and makes my face shiny. Foundation can be applied on top, but this sunscreen isn't the best base. If I am going out I will always wear makeup, so powder can tone down the shine easily.

I haven't worn this consecutively, so I don't know if it would break me out if worn on a daily basis. I do get a few whiteheads from it, but I can live with that.

The other day I wore this on my face and neck before going outside. After walking around (in the shade whenever possible, and some direct sunlight) my neck had new freckles where there were previously none, just like previous reviewer "hoku" mentioned below.

Despite the downsides, i am not completely dissatisfied with this product, so I chose yes to purchase again - but I will definitely be on the lookout for something better. If you have any recs, mua mail me :)

EDIT - I have noticed a few freckles near my eyes and my face is definitely tanner. [I really don't understand this as I dont freckle *that* easily and wasnt really in the sun.. can i blame global warming? :P So have changed repurchase to NO. Will use it til I find something better (have been searching!!) I don't hate this sunscreen though, and will definitely work for others - it just cant stand up to the weather here I guess. I wouldn't dare wear it in Australia or anywhere with a similar climate.

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Marella on 10/1/2008 12:22:00 AM more reviews by Marella

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

This is the highest rating that I've ever given a sunscreen and I like it very much. I does have an initial white cast, but it disappers quickly on me, I'm fair, but it does turn greasy afterwards. Most sunscreens IMO do that which is why a gave it a 4 instead of 5. It isn't a problem if I'm going to put makeup on over it because then it isn't a problem, but if I'm not doing makeup, it is very shiny an obviously a bit greasy. However, it seems like a pretty good sunscreen and most importantly IT DOES NOT BURN MY EYES. I swear that is a miracle in a sunscreen and the reason that I can't wear even the supposedly gently ones and a huge factor in my book. So many times I've had to take a a sunscreen right back off because it burned my eyes and immediately turned them red and made them water. I'll put up with shiny quality for that miracle. I can always use a little powder over it if I have to. Also though chemical sunscreens are supposed to give better coverage, I usually can't wear them well, but I can wear this one just fine. The best that I've found so far.

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ClickHerePlz on 4/21/2008 4:08:00 PM more reviews by ClickHerePlz

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

This sunscreen is definitely best for those with dry, pale skin because it is very moisturizing and can leave a white cast. Luckily for me, I have dry, pale skin, so I love this stuff. It is very effective and makes my skin feel nice. In the summer I use this in place of moisturizer. One tip for usage: try it with a foundation that is one shade darker than you usually wear. That kind of offsets the white cast.

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ujinyoon on 3/30/2008 4:28:00 PM more reviews by ujinyoon

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

My HG sunscreen! I do look slightly greasy and pale, but it's not as bad as other sunscreens. The shimmer actually makes my skin tone slighty more even. doesn't make me break out and does its job. that's enough for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* hoku on 3/20/2008 11:26:00 PM more reviews by hoku

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Overall: 3 (EDIT may 2008)

Price: 3

Packaging: 3

Buy again: Yes (EDIT: No)

----


EDIT May 2008: I changed my overall from a 5 to a 3, because it's getting too heavy for spring/summer, AND I'm finding that I still get freckles while using this! I'm using La Roche Posay Anthelios Face and Body High Protection UVA-UVB SPF45 right now, and it's working well. I do still like SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense, but I think it's more suited for winter. Original review below.




I am a self-proclaimed sunscreen addict, and I wear sunscreen religiously with at least an SPF of 30. I'm super anal about it because not only do I want to prevent premature aging, I want to prevent my chances of getting skin cancer (Cancer tends to run in my dad's side of the family, so I'm not taking chances!)


I actually bought mine on ebay since it was the only place I could buy it from - all other online retailers don't ship to Canada for some reason. I was able to purchase mine for $24 CAN, so I think it was a great deal! (It retails for $36 USD normally) For 90 ml of sunscreen that I use exclusively on my face it's definitely economical, since I use about a mid pea-sized amount for my face (I'm using Olay complete Defense SPF30 on my ears and neck).


I really like the formulation of this sunscreen-- it's thick in texture, totally smooth and creamy, and when evenly dispersed and rubbed into the skin, it leaves a matte finish. If you're not careful it will leave a white cast since it has 7% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% octinoxate (it provides TRUE Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection!). It also moisturizes nicely too without being overbearing at all. I have combination/acne-prone skin, and this doesn't cause breakouts for me, and actually helps control my oil. To avoid the white cast, I dispense a pea-sized amount on my finger tip, then dot it all over my face before rubbing in and blending well. This stuff is gentle enough to be used around the eyes without any burning or stinging-- bonus, it helps make my dark circles less noticeable so I don't have to wear as much makeup! For users with more colouring, you could easily add in a little bit of foundation to this so it won't leave a white finish on you-- just a drop will do. I find I don't really wear foundation after putting this on, as it does tend to even out my skin tone a bit because of the whitish tint (I'm quite fair, about NC20-25).


I like that once it soaks in (like a minute or 2, if you apply the way I did above) it feels really lightweight on the skin and you won't notice it at all throughout the day. It won't make you greasy so don't be scared by it! It also leaves my skin feeling really soft, which is always nice.


As far as packaging goes, it's functional. It comes in a long plastic, silver tube with a flip-top cap. Since the sunscreen has a thick consistency, it doesn't run out of the opening as soon as you open it, which is nice. I would've preferred the tube to be stouter, as it can prove to be difficult to fit into my makeup bag.


Overall, I really think this sunscreen is worth the price. It is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen using a high % of zinc oxide (7.0%, actually) so it's a better choice over those containing avobenzone. I would definitely buy again!


EDIT: I squeezed the contents of this product into an empty, shorter 110g tube that I had from Biore's Shine Control clay mask. I washed it out and put all the skinceuticals sunscreen into it, so that the shorter bottle will fit into my makeup bag. :) Problem solved.


EDIT December 5, 2008: I don't really use this anymore, as it's a bit too greasy for me. I save it for really cold, blustery windy days to protect my skin, but otherwise, I don't use it. If it was more lightweight, I would!

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mcdlight177 on 1/14/2008 12:31:00 AM more reviews by mcdlight177

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I definitely do not like this as much as the SPF 20 version. This is a lot thicker and heavier. It also feels slightly greasy. It also doesn't go on as easily as the SPF 20. I will not repurchase the SPF 30...I will stick with the 20 since it is light enough to be worn under makeup. Don't get me wrong...it works great as a sunscreen; I just don't like the heaviness of it under makeup.

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*TOP REVIEWER* rugby on 12/15/2007 11:58:00 AM more reviews by rugby

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

This is seems heavy at first, but it is a very effective sunscreen. You do have to blend this product in but it actually gives skin a more even finish. It does not break me out which is a major plus only this and avon anew alternative have accomplished this feat so do I have a choice. Anyway I will continue to use this product even though its a little pricey. The ingredients are effective unlike others so i know its protecting my skin and not irritating it so its worth a little extra to me.

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oopsygirl on 9/8/2007 6:46:00 PM more reviews by oopsygirl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have to say that I don't care for this sunscreen at all. It feels greasy and heavy when I apply it. It also leaves my face looking really oily...gross!! I'm sure it's not supposed to break me out, but I just can't handle the way it feels on my face. I will use it, but for chest and shoulders only. I guess I have been spoiled....I prefer neutrogena's ultra sheer dry touch.

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jayejoseph on 8/20/2007 11:16:00 AM more reviews by jayejoseph

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this for a while now, and I absolutely love it. I use it under my make-up and then put Laura Mercier's foundation primer on. It makes for the perfect combo for me under my foundation and offers great protection without being at all greasy.

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tiger21 on 7/11/2007 4:47:00 PM more reviews by tiger21

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Felt heavy and greasy on my combo/sensitive face. Also, stay away from chemical blocks! Research what's going onto your skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* joyelle on 7/3/2007 1:53:00 PM more reviews by joyelle

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

HG sunscreen! This has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is PABA-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free. It is a white cream that is neither too thick nor too runny.

It melts into my skin immediately and does not leave a white cast (I am very PPP, so most s/s do not leave a white cast). It doesn't dry my skin nor does it feel greasy...it's absolutely weightless on my skin. I can hardly feel it on me which is so unusual for a s/s--usually they are a sticky mess. I do not experience any reactions (I have very sensitive skin. Ironically, the Skinceuticals all physical s/s burned my skin).

I wore this in the cooler Spring and am now wearing it in the hot summer and it is absolutely great in both types of temps. If I wear MMU over it, it doesn't feel like I have anything under it...it feels so light. I bought a 3 oz. tube for $35. It is sooo worth it! Love this! ,p.





INGREDIENTS: Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5% (SUNCAPS), Zinc Oxide - 7.0% (Z-Cote HP1)- Water, cyclomethicone, diisopropyl adipate, synthetic beeswax, hexylene glycol, PEG-40 stearate, c12-15 alkyl benzoaate, glycerin, aluminum starch, octenylsuccinate, polyacrylamide, c13-14 isoparaffin, beeswax, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, PEG-20, carnauba wax, dimethicone copolyol, PVP/eicosene copolymer, sorbitan tristearate, propylene glycol, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl dilaurate, cetearyl alcohol, stearoxytrimethylsilane, steareth-100, PEG-100 stearate, laureth-7, methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben

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damnblondy on 5/3/2007 11:26:00 PM more reviews by damnblondy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Made me breakout- not goof for acne-prone skin...The Z-cote is too irritating!

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*TOP REVIEWER* joy2uandme on 4/25/2007 12:59:00 PM more reviews by joy2uandme

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I was hoping this would work for me and my rosacea. I can use Spf 15 formulations with chem/physical so I thought to give this a try but it made my face burn. Also was not impressed with the metal tube. A bust.

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ravenshimmer on 4/2/2007 3:01:00 PM more reviews by ravenshimmer

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Wow, I honestly am very surprised by all the positive reviews on this. I tried it for the first time yesterday and absolutely HATED it. It was the greasiest sunscreen I have tried in a very long time. It looks very white on my face, and it felt like I had a layer of industrial gear grase slathered on all day. My skin is actually quite dry, so I can't imagine what this is like on oily skin. I also woke up to white bumps today, too. Hopefully it protects better than most other sunscreens, because this stuff just sucks. I've had much better feeling/looking sunscreens by Neutogena and Coppertone from the drugstore for $8. At over $30, I am not pleased that I bought this and will never purchase again.

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