Epicuren Discovery • Zinc Block SPF 20 • Sunscreen

parahp on 6/24/2012 6:05:00 PM more reviews by parahp

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This is a great sunscreen! One of the only sunscreen that has a texture and finish I actually like. No white cast, leaves my skin matte yet slightly moisturized. Also I love that this is a physical block with no parabens.

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eaj1234 on 2/28/2012 10:46:00 AM more reviews by eaj1234

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is best physical sunscreen I've found. I love it.

Sensitivity/irritation: It does not irritate my rosacea skin. Other zinc sunscreens and even sensitive skin moisturizers do- prettso this is saying a lot. If you have sensitive skin and burnout isn't working, try this. It's lightly moisturizing, but not as heavy as a typical moisturizer.

Cosmetically: the best I've tried. Silky, transparent. It is less drying and mattifying than neutrogena ultra-sheer, and burnout ocean-tested. Does not leave a whitish tint. I would wear this on a date because it's invisible.


Sun Protection: I haven't been in heavy sun yet. Can't say

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raissanina on 7/30/2011 4:24:00 PM more reviews by raissanina

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is the ONLY sunscreen that neither irritates nor breaks out my sensitive skin. I tested more than 10 sunscreens this year, based on Skinboard recommendations, and while this could be more protective (I wouldn't rely on it for intense, all-day exposure--under those conditions I also wear a hat), this is the most comfortable sunscreen I've ever tried. The texture is that of a rich gel that disappears completely upon application (the zinc is nano-sized, in case you're wondering). It hydrates so well that I no longer need a separate moisturizer. Silicone free! I also feel that this has improved the tone and texture of my skin--maybe there is something to Epicuren's claims about enzymes.

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feverdoll on 4/29/2010 3:02:00 AM more reviews by feverdoll

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I think this stuff is good for my skin above and beyond the sun protection it offers. I bought the big tube and it motivates me to use a generous amount which has added to its effectiveness,

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dingomate on 4/18/2010 12:31:00 AM more reviews by dingomate

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this stuff! I have tried so many zinc oxide sunscreens I can't even tell you. I have dry, sensitive skin and have had no problems with irritation or breakouts with this stuff. It's lightweight and sinks right into the skin without that heavy, sticky feeling that so many of the other physical sunscreens have. Also, many complained about the smell, but it doesn't bother me at all? In fact, I haven't even really noticed any odor. It is a bit expensive, but there are many physical sunscreens out there that are more expensive that I didn't like at all. I would definitely recommend this for dry, normal or oily skin types!

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avmanion on 2/28/2010 10:28:00 AM more reviews by avmanion

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

HG sunscreen. It sinks right in, doesn't leave a film or smell like sunscreen and I swear that when I use it regularly it helps clear up my skin. Sometime chemical sunscreens sting my face a bit (my skin's very sensitive and acne-prone) but I find this to be soothing and even calms redness. Before I found this sunscreen using sunblock everyday felt gross, but now I can do it. I think that if I have a long day sometimes it does get into my eyes and sting a bit, but it's not a deal-breaker. If I forget to wear it for a few days and start up again afterwards, I think there's an adjustment period and I get little breakouts, but it always settles within a week.

Also, I have an olive complexion, and sunscreens that leave a white cast or that are tinted (sometimes mineral sunscreens have a weird tint to them) show up ashy and chalky on my skin. I love this because it blends right in and doesn't leave a white-cast. It's so light too that I can wear it both under foundation primer and loose powder and it still feels like I barely have anything on.

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*TOP REVIEWER* reikigoddess on 2/15/2009 2:09:00 AM more reviews by reikigoddess

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

The BEST sunscreen for my sensitive skin. No chemicals, no white cast, no greasy feeling at all & zero breakouts. I put this on after my moisturizer and it feels soothing and I swear it helps lock some moisture into my skin. I decided to order the larger 8 oz. size since I go though the 2.5 oz. tubes pretty fast. It's not cheap ($34 for the small tube & $80 for the 8 oz. tub) yet it works and to me it's completely worth it. They always say sunscreen is the most important thing for preserving your face. I can't use chemical sunscreens and I'd caution others who can & do to be wary...they're now coming out w/some findings that suggest that some chemical sunscreens can be potentially harmful. UPDATE 8/2011: THIS HAS BEEN REFORMULATED! Just bought another tube- same pkg., no mention on the tube of any reformulation but when I used it I knew immediately. It is richer and has more of a lotion feel vs. the whipped like texture before. There's beeswax as an ingredient that I'm pretty sure was not in there before (and no I didn't get their other sunscreen that has beeswax-that one also has chemicals). There's no mention of the zinc being micronized so I'm assuming they made the reformulation based on issues w/micronized zinc. I don't like this new formulation as much & I really think they should have some notation on the tube that the product has been reformulated. Dropping a lippie.

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*TOP REVIEWER* summertan on 10/24/2008 7:52:00 PM more reviews by summertan

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Black    

This is the best micronized zinc I've seen compared to Devita Daily Moisturizer 30, Solar Rx SPF 30, Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics SPF40, Shiseido cream SPF 36, Elta MD SPF 45, Sofina Perfect UV , DHC White and Suncut, and Fancl. As you can see I've tried a lot and Epicuren is my only choice! It's easy to spread like a normal cream, dries without obvious whiteness just brightens the complexion slightly, actually makes my skin look better than it is, is very soothing and non-irritable even around the eyes up to the eyelashes. The texture is amazing, neither too dryish and chalky like most of the overrated asian sunscreens, nor it is shiny and greasy, yet my face feels soft and moisturized. It imparts not a dry matte but a slight soft glow, the skin looks smooth and polished, and I am unwilling to use mattifying gel on top of it which is a first unlike other sunscreens, ex. Solar Rx or Devita, that were claimed matte but weren't good enough for me. I have oily skin and Epicuren manages to cover it up, it doesn't look oilier at the end of the day so I recommend for oily skin. The sunscreen smells like zinc oxide since it doesn't contain artificial perfumes which I applaud. I asked the company and they told me it contains 17% ZnO of particle size below 50nm, which explains the lack of whiteness. I can't spread it well over beard - gives whitish powdery tint there since it collects around the hairs instead of spreading uniformly but that is a common problem to all physical sunscreens and I won't take points for that. The only thing I don't like is the price.


My Epicuren came in an orange 2.5 oz tube. INGREDIENTS:
water, glycerin, collagen amino acids, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, hydrolized elastin, panthenol, magnesium aluminum silicate, beeswax, xanthan gum, rose canina fruite oil, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbyl palmitate, aloe barbadensis leaf, retinol palmitate, ergocalciferol, cinnamomum cassia extract, grapefruit seed extract, arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract.
Active ingredient: zinc oxide


UPDATE(Nov 13, 2008): The EltaMD Physical SPF 41 looks like a foundation so for now I am sticking with Epicuren.


UPDATE(Dec 12, 2008): As many other sunscreens before it, I found out this sunscreen makes my forehead bumpy. Don't know which ingredient causes it but suspects are glycerin, rose canina fruite oil (rosehip oil) and retinol palmitate. I've used rosehip oil before and it is irritable.


UPDATE(May 03, 2009): I recently used Epicuren Zunc again and in a few days ended up with the flesh colored bumps on my forehead so there is definitely something amongst the quite a few ingredients that is causing this. I succeeded making my own zinc suncreen with limited number of ingredients which is almost as invisible as Epicuren and it doesn't cause any bumps anywhere so I am not going to repurchase Epicuren in the future. If Epicuren doesn't give you bumps, it is a good choice although high priced. My own sunscreen beats the hell out of it though ... :)

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

asark on 7/20/2008 1:02:00 AM more reviews by asark

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

Best sunscreen. I use it every day. Im oily and have looked for a long time to find something that doesnt look greasy or cause acne. I wish they made another version with higher SPF as well.

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perl on 6/11/2008 5:04:00 PM more reviews by perl

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

update** i've ordered the professional sized tube and noticed that all of the formulas are different. the jar ones are the best since it is thicker (more zinc) although the smell isn't great. the samples are good and smells better, and the tubes have more of a gel consistancy. the companies website says that it has the same percentage of zinc, but it doesn't have that 'zincy' feel. and on the label, it says "helps prevent sunburn." Well, if has what it says it has, it should do way more than just protect against sunburn. it should have a broad uva and uvb protection...! that turned me off the product a bit. i still kinda hoping it was just some kind of print error of sorts....oh well.....I've emailed the company to find out, but no response yet.
i've ordered Grahams spf 30 and it seems very good. smells nice and has 26% zinc oxide!

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*TOP REVIEWER* hippodeem on 4/14/2008 3:21:00 AM more reviews by hippodeem

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Apart from the bad smell of this product, it is great. I love that it is so natural and it does protect the sun well as it is quite thick. it is somewhat similar to Fancl sunblock, less liquidity and thicker and does leave abit of white caste. again, it is expected due to its natural ingredients. despite that, it is great. i will re purchase. not recommended for oily skin type.

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chocoRERE on 1/30/2008 2:32:00 AM more reviews by chocoRERE

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

One of my fav sunblocks in addition to the Japanese liquid-like sunblocks. This has a great SPF and physical sunscreen and provides a nice base for makeup. Also has good for skin ingredients and the size is great for travel. Loving the whole line overall.
*UPDATE*still lovin this and although the smell is whatever , its nice to know that there are no synthetic dyes or fragrances in this. I actually have oily skin but the surface is dry and its compatible with my skin. Can't rave enough about Epicuren.

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tparker14 on 1/28/2008 6:08:00 PM more reviews by tparker14

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I think this is a great product. It gave good protection and didn't have a greasy feel or residue on my skin. I put this product on before my moisturizer. I let the block set in my skin 10minutes before applying my moisturizer so that it fully absorbed and was effective. This is my favorite facial sunblock!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Zedar on 1/6/2008 10:31:00 PM more reviews by Zedar

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I wish this had a higher SPF and I wonder how well it blocks UVA rays. However, I have been using this on my face as part of my new skin care regime, which is working really well, so I will probably repurchase.

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FunnyValentine on 5/31/2007 2:29:00 PM more reviews by FunnyValentine

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

This is the least-irritating sunblock I've tried that I can actually wear without looking like a greaseball. So far, it has not caused me to break out (knock on wood) and the ingredients don't seem harmful to the skin. I wish it were more invisible and had a higher SPF, but for now this will have to do. When I exercise, the whiteness of the zinc becomes visible, so I haven't figured out what to use on days when I'll be sweating. Maybe Colorescience powder SPF 20. Also, it's pricey, but this is one of those times where you actually do get what you pay for. I haven't been out in direct sunlight while wearing it (I try to avoid it--I know, annoying to plan my walks around the shady side of the street ;-).
But for anyone who is acne-prone like me, I recommend this product.
Update (nearly two years and countless sunscreens later): This is still the gentlest and most natural ss I have found that doesn't break me out or make me look like Casper the friendly ghost. However, yesterday I ran around in the sun, wearing this ss, Jane Iredale powder ss, and a sun hat, and today my hubby told me that I looked "nice and tan" (not the effect I was going for). So I'm demoting this ss to 4 stars from 5.

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Rainbow_Phoenix on 5/8/2007 10:07:00 PM more reviews by Rainbow_Phoenix

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I absolutely love this as a daytime moisturizer/SPF/treatment product. It definitely has a nice texture, sinks in easily, and contains Epicuren's signature enzyme complex which stimulates cellular metabolism. In a humid area this may be too rich for extremely oily skin types, but it really absorbs well and gives great physical sun protection.

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supercuts56 on 4/26/2007 4:54:00 AM more reviews by supercuts56

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

This product is very gentle on my sensitive skin. I love that's it's a pure physical sunscreen and isn't greasy. But lately I've been on a sunscreen search and I've found a few products that I think are better. Namely, I tried Obagi's physical block SPF 32 and it's even lovelier than this. It feels so soothing to put on my skin (like the Epicuren) but has even more zinc oxide - 18.5% for more UVA protection. By the way, the reviews stating that Epicuren is 19% zinc oxide are incorrect. When I emailed the company very recently they told me that it has no more than 17% zinc oxide. Not a great difference, but I thought I'd just correct the misinformation.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ghoo on 1/15/2007 7:12:00 PM more reviews by ghoo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I am extremely impressed with this sunscreen, it is now my HG. I was paying around $65 for Jurlique sunscreen because I could not find anything that had such a light, fluid consistency, did not make me shiny or cause my makeup to slip off, and did not aggravate my extremely acne-prone skin. This Epicuren suscreen has surpassed even that. The texture is actually more of a gel-cream. I have had no breakouts even with the enzyme complex, and the finish is even less greasy than the Jurlique. Everyone should give this a try.

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Kybele on 6/10/2006 1:51:00 AM more reviews by Kybele

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I'm nearly done with one tube of this, which is saying something, ya know? I use this when my skin is irritated or when I'm afraid to try one of the Euro s/s. It doesn't seem to break me out or aggravate dryness, but I think it's pretty darn expensive!

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jelink on 5/20/2006 11:42:00 AM more reviews by jelink

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

I use this daily - Highly recommended!

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