Unlisted Brand • Vanicream for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 and SPF 60 • Sunscreen

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ohtobeinparis on 5/16/2013 9:58:00 AM more reviews by ohtobeinparis

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Silver, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I have sensitive combo oily skin in the summer, also experience photo sensitivity and am allergic to tree nut oils. Try getting a sunscreen to go with that! I've struggled for years, sometimes just settling for the cystic ance breakouts I'd get, or resign myself to always having a wide brim hat on. After trying a highly recommended product and breaking out all over, I was lucky enough to stumble on a review site praising Vanicream. For me, it's too good to be true, only it seems to be true. Not only is everything on the mend, but I haven't had any more breakouts. I can even use the sunroof on my car now! This stuff really delivers for ultra sensitive types. It comes out white but seems to blend into my skin completely.

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*TOP REVIEWER* deliazamir on 8/17/2012 3:49:00 AM more reviews by deliazamir

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

A fantastic sunscreen that does not break me out. I have no problem with its somewhat thick texture - every morning I draw a thin line of my palm, and then gently rub rub rub with two fingers until its texture melts to a creamy emollient consistency. I then apply all over my face and neck, every day. Very good for sensitive skin and it very much assists in preventing future breakouts or further discolouration of acne scars due to sun exposure.

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VAmom on 5/9/2012 8:38:00 PM more reviews by VAmom

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

Yes, it's thick. And not terribly cheap for a ss. But it really has a lot of protection without that white ss film on my face. This is the big selling point for me. It seems like a primer and ss in one product.

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violet27 on 4/19/2012 1:56:00 PM more reviews by violet27

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Didn't like this at all...like other reviewers stated, this product is SUPER GREASY. It takes forever to sink in and even then it's still tough to apply makeup over. It takes a lot of elbow grease to rub in, which isn't great for sensitive skin. I stopped using it a couple weeks ago, but am now dealing with clogged pores and pimples. I'll be trying the Josie Maran SPF next.

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ashleym04 on 3/7/2012 3:34:00 PM more reviews by ashleym04

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I have to wear sunscreen everyday and have really fair, sensitive, skin cancer prone skin. So I'm constantly on the search for a high SPF daily moisturizer. I have been given trial sizes of Vanicream products at my Derm's office but none this GREASY!! I know the product is a superior product for sun protection BUT it's simply WAY too greasy. I have really dry skin and it literally goes on your face like Crisco. I applied it for the first time 5 hours ago this morning and my skin is still greasy feeling. The ONLY bonus is that I didn't get the white cast that usually happens with all my other brands. I will go back to my all time favorite Eucerin Everyday Protection SPF30 in the pink bottle but will save this Vanicream for body.

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NightShift on 2/20/2012 9:37:00 PM more reviews by NightShift

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

*This review will be for the SPF 60 version. (I can't find the SPF 30 in the store and will have to special order it sometime).

Sunscreen is an absolute stable in my everyday skincare, and has been for years and years. I've tried a lot throughout that time, and I don't think anything has ever protected, yet damaged my skin more.

When I first started using sunscreen, I used a chemical sunscreen. I used that everyday for 9 years, and when I was a teenager it was my primary moisturizer. Then "one day" my skin went to hell; stinging, red, and so tight it would hurt to talk or smile. Try as I might, I realize now, *anytime* I use a product that contains either Oxybenzone or Avobenzone my skin howls in protest. (Even lip products, they make my lips tight and bright, stinging red)

This is how my search led me to Vanicream SPF 60.

Now I have to say, this is not my favorite sunscreen. As one reviewer said, it's a product you hate to love.

V. SPF 60 is very thick to apply, but on my thin skin is does not feel heavy. Having said that though, this is the greasiest, stickiest sunscreen I have ever used. While some had said it looks like sweat, on me it looks like I've dipped my face into Crisco or lard. Even to the point of my less-than-tactful father asking what the heck I had on my face. Also, heaven forbid there is dust or fuzz in the air, because it will fly right towards your face and never let go.
Many people miss their hairline when they apply sunscreen, and if you're not missing that important area, this will make your hair greasy. Your ears will also be ever so shiny too. On me, the shiny aspect lasts for a few hours, somewhere around four hours. (Crisco shiny in the morning, tolerable at lunchtime).

You may be wondering, why the heck am I giving this four lippies!? Because in bright, cold weather, this is fabulous. This feels like it really protects my dry, sensitive skin from the cold wind and sun, and "seals" my moisturizer in and adds to skin feeling less dry at the end of the day. And oddly, it's soothing to put on if my skin is feeling stingy to something in the air. -That affect does not last long I should note. It is very thick going on, but not goopy or clumpy (Neutrogena Sensitive, I'm looking at you). There is a bit of a smell, but it's not that typical sunscreen smell, and I find I don't notice it after a few minutes.

One of the things to remember (one of the things I have to remember) is that this sunscreen uses *physical* blockers. They work by sitting on the skin, hence the thick, greasy feeling. But, the fact that it does not irritate my skin and helps to protect my skin makes me want to try to love it. I'm not sure how it will work in hot, humid weather, but I am willing to wait and see.

Thanks for reading xx

Edit 22Apr12: We've had some very hot weather around here lately and I have found this sunscreen to be too heavy in that kind of weather. But in a blistering cold day in January, this would be perfect. Especially if you enjoy winter sports.

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*TOP REVIEWER* fivestar on 1/5/2012 8:51:00 AM more reviews by fivestar

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I'm using the spf 30.
I can't use anything on my face anymore without if becoming irritated.
I have a cabinet full of expensive skincare that my face all of sudden decided to hate.
I started using VaniCream and there Free and Clear products including this sunscreen. No problems!

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brooklynchick72 on 7/31/2011 8:09:00 AM more reviews by brooklynchick72

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

My dermatologist recommended this to me as a high-SPF face cream that wouldn't break out my skin. It was WAY too heavy for me. Would maybe be good for the beach, but not for every day.

However, I gave it to my mom (she is 63) and she loves it. Aside from age she has always had drier skin than I do (oilies come from my Dad). She loves this stuff, and the price is good for the quality. She said that in the sun the smell is pretty bad, which I never noticed.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Reservechic on 7/21/2011 4:36:00 PM more reviews by Reservechic

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I have tried both the SPF 30 and SPF 60 versions. Both are totally non-irritating to my skin. Also, they did protect my skin very well from teh sun as too. However, these are the only two pluses that I can actually give this product.

They both have caused minor breakouts for me every time that I have used them. Also, they make me feel like I am wearing a mask. They leave your face with this heavy feeling (which I truly do not like!).

Furthermore, they have the ability to make one's face look very shiny after a while. No one wants to walk around looking like they smeared bacon on their face! Therefore, I don't recommend them. And, I do not plan to ever use such again!!

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gingersnap on 7/19/2011 9:47:00 AM more reviews by gingersnap

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

Absolutely the best sunscreen I have ever used, and the only one I can put on my face. After Blue Lizard broke me out (due to a preservative they use) I was starting to despair. I used Ombrelle while I continued to look for the ideal sunscreen. Ombrelle was okay, but it stung when it went on. When I finally got the Vanicream spf60, I knew I'd found my HG sunscreen. Yes, it goes on a little greasy, but it's nothing that my powder can't fix. Once I've set it with powder, it has a very natural finish. It isn't too whitish either, so long as I work it in well (and I'm relatively tanned). I frequently have eczema on my face, so the fact that this went on (and stayed on) with no irritation whatsoever makes me a huge fan of this!

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Power on 8/3/2010 12:56:00 PM more reviews by Power

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I love Vanicream generally - the lotion and cream moisturizers are just about the only products on the market that my ridiculously sensitive facial skin can tolerate so I was hoping I would have the same result with their sunscreen. I'm familiar with the shine of the products so I was willing to put up with a little of it for a really good, non-irritating sunscreen. Be warned, though - this stuff is awful for your face. When I used this, I looked like I smeared a stick of butter or vegetable oil all over my face, and it never did sink in. The *only* plus is that it did not at all irritate my skin, but the grease is way, way too much. It might e better tolerated on the body, but with so many other choices on the market, I don't know that you'd want to deal with the sticky greasiness of it all over. Back it goes.

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*TOP REVIEWER* janet1028 on 7/27/2010 1:55:00 AM more reviews by janet1028

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I wrote my review in the other Vanicream SPF 30. I like it a lot. But I notice that lots of people are having trouble removing it. I use Free and Clear liquid cleanser by the same company. In fact I use that all over including my face. No redness and it cuts through this product as well as the Vanicreme Lite that I use on my body.

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*TOP REVIEWER* RollerGirl1978 on 6/22/2010 10:05:00 AM more reviews by RollerGirl1978

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I used Olay spf30 for sensitive skin for a few years until it was discontinued and ultimately reformulated with chemical sunscreens. Since then, I've been looking for a suitable replacement. I like the all mineral one from Paula's Choice but think that spf15 is too low for my pinky-pale skin, especially in the summer months. I am extremely sensitive to most chemical sunscreens, and have the strongest reaction to Avobenzone, which seems to have been put into everything in the drugstores nowadays.


I bought the Vanicream spf30 and spf60 on amazon, and was shocked at the giant tubes which only cost me like $11 apiece.


I have been wearing the spf30 on my face as my daily sunscreen, and keep the 60 in my bag for the beach/pool. I live in Baltimore and it is definitely summer here at the moment: Hazy, Hot and Humid. I have pretty normal skin that turns bright red at the slightest provocation, and has some red/flaky patches that never seem to go away no matter what.


I wash my face in the morning with an oil based cleanser, then put a nickel-sized dollop of the vanicream 30 in my hand. I dot it around my face and then slowly spread it over my face and neck until everything seemed covered.


Yes, this cream is thick. I move my fingers really slowly to spread it, so as not to tug my skin. Yes, it is greasy. My face is pale, so I don't notice a white cast, but I definitely have a dewy finish on my skin after I put this on. I don't mind it, though. I actually prefer a glowy finish to a matte one, and I don't wear much makeup in the summer daytime anyway, so it's not a problem for me.


At night, I use a foaming cleanser to remove the product, and have never had a problem getting it off. I have had no problems with this product melting off my skin in the humidity, and I like that I feel protected all day. I have not had a problem with breakouts or clogged pores with this (I gave it two weeks to make sure before writing the review).


My favorite thing about this sunscreen is that it is so gentle on my skin. I didn't know about the soothing properties of zinc, but between that and the ultra moisturizing nature of this, the flaky patch on my face is not there anymore, even after I wash off the sunscreen. Between that, and the fact that I can put it on my eyes with no stinging or redness, I think this will be a staple in my skin regimen.


Honestly, I can't wait to see how my face does with this stuff in the winter, when I actually need all the lovely emollients in this!

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cyndilou on 6/1/2010 12:44:00 AM more reviews by cyndilou

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I have been searching for YEARS for a sunscreen that doesn't break me out. I finally found it with Vanicream 60. Yes, it will leave your face a touch whiter and a bit shiny, but I'll take the tradeoff.

I find that it's actually improving my skin tone a bit, too, most likely from the zinc. I'm so relieved and happy to have found this product.

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surrealmeal on 5/3/2010 12:56:00 PM more reviews by surrealmeal

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Vanicream SPF 30


First off, I'll say that I totally understand why the rating is low. This stuff is THICK and would probably be greasy for most people.


But for my fair, dry, sensitive and very acne-prone skin, Vanicream SPF 30 is a godsend. I've had a hell of a time finding a sunscreen that works for me--I avoid chemical blockers, glycerin (in too high of amounts it is a breakout/ irritation trigger for me), and "ane" silicones (like cyclopentasiloxane, also breaks me out). Those preferences alone reduce my selection by probably 90%.


My experience with Vanicream was positive from the start. I contacted the parent company PSI (www.psico.com) and asked if I'd be able to try out samples of the sunblock. They were happy to help and within a week of contacting them, I received a generous package of samples of several of their products (including the cutest tiny box of their Vanicream cleansing bar, which is also great). It was nice being able to try it first before committing to buying a big tube and potentially wasting more money on what seemed like my never-ending sunscreen quest (I know many of you can probably relate!)


I have also seen Vanicream sunblock samples on ebay for very cheap so there are a couple ways to try before committing to a full-size tube.


Here's my routine for using the Vanicream SPF 30:
-cleanse
-moisturize (I use grapeseed, safflower or camellia oil and I find that moisturizing a little first helps the Vanicream spread a lot more easily.)
-smooth on a glob of the Vanicream
-wait 10 minutes or so to let it absorb, rub it in a little more and then lightly blot & apply makeup (I use Silk Naturals loose powder mineral makeup.)


The routine might sound involved with the waiting and blotting but I just do it while I'm getting ready and it doesn't seem to take any extra time out of my day.


Sometimes I'll mix in a few shakes of my loose powder foundation with the Vanicream and it makes an awesome tinted moisturizer! The Silk Naturals has zinc oxide & titanium dioxide too so I find the two products really complementary.


I'm thrilled to have found an all-physical sunblock that doesn't break me out or leave an awful white cast (it's called "Vani"-cream because it's supposed to "vanish.") I find it soothing (probably from the zinc oxide) and it has been especially helpful since I started using Retin-A.


In summary,
Pros:
-soothing
-great for dry, sensitive skin
-uses only zinc oxide & titanium dioxide
-doesn't leave a white cast
-doesn't break me out
-inexpensive (huge 4 oz tube for around $12...the other sunscreen I like (Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45) is only 1 oz for around $12


Cons (why I couldn't rate it a 5/5)
-thick, may be greasy for most people
-not widely available (I have to order mine online)

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*TOP REVIEWER* heathermrm on 3/15/2010 12:11:00 PM more reviews by heathermrm

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This is a preliminary review for the spf 60 which I PROMISE to update after usage, but I wanted to record this information now before I lost the email...


I have fair, rather sensitive skin w/ 3 melasma spots and subtype I rosecea (the blush). My dermo told me at a minimum, I must wear spf 15 on my face every day. I have been using Olay Sensitive Skin spf 30 (fragrance free) on my face for the past several months w/ great results/luck.


However, w/ the approaching spring/summer, I want a higher spf and PPD. I have spent hours reading up on SS - a lot of confusing info out there, but I digress.


Dermo recommended 2 different higher spf SS for me - Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch (spf 70 I think) and this Vanicream (spf 60). I am concerned that the Neutrogena's Helioplex may become unstable due to the mineral ingredients in my EM foundation, so I am opting for the Vanicream. However, I could not discern from all the info out there (and my dermo couldn't tell me) what the PPD for this SS is. Therefore, I contacted the parent company and received a sort-of helpful response from the resident chemist/Directof of Product Development, Dr. Akhter. Per his email, this product blocks 99.99% UVB and 90% UVA. He did not give me the specific PPD. I will do some addtl research to see if I can figure out what the 90% UVA blockage translates to as far as PPD and will add accordingly.


For now, just wanted to get the UVA blockage info out there.


03/22/10 - per very helpful gal on the sc board, PPD = 10.


04/14/10 - I have used 1 of my sample tubes up. It is VERY thick, VERY white (duh - look at the ingredients) and I have to rub rather hard to get it to absorb into my skin. I have only used on my chest, arms and neck. It does leave a temporary white cast which eventually (read 10 min) soaks in; the dewy finish takes about 20 minutes to soak in. I don't think I will ever use on my face only because I do not want to rub my face as hard as this product seems to require. I will use up my other sample tube on my body for which I like it were it not for the hard rubbing required.



It is not expensive, IMO, and even tho it appears you can only get online or at a dermo's office, due to the nice spf and PPD, I am uppping my rating to a 4 (taking 1 lippie off for the extra hard rubbing required = not an option for my face)

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thebonita on 11/4/2009 12:45:00 AM more reviews by thebonita

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This review is for the SPF 60 version.


My skintype: combination, sensitive, acne-prone.


In theory, this is a great sunscreen. Here's a piece from the product description:


"Vanicream SPF 60 is free of dyes, perfume, fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens, lanolin and formaldehyde, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. This unique chemical-free formula of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provides a light, elegant, transparent film with no white residue."


Yes, this product IS great for sensitive skin in that it does not sting, burn, irritate or cause any clogs. It's suitable for use around the eyes and on red and irritated skin, that, I can vouch for.


However, contrary to the product description, this is NOT light, elegant, or transparent! It comes out as a really thick, gooey, pasty white cream that is not easy to spread at all. I had to really rub and massage vigorously so as not to look like a geisha. Sunscreen is not meant to be rubbed or massaged, there has to be a uniform layer on the skin in order for it to be effective. This goes both for chemical AND physical sunscreens. This is quite whitening, you need to be quite fair for it not to look too obvious.


Secondly, it is greasy as hell. I have tried so many sunscreens and this is on the list of top 5 greasiest sunscreens I've tried. I looked like I had applied a thick layer of crisco on my skin. I thought, ok, no problem...nothing a dusting of powder can't fix. I always apply powder on top of my sunscreen, regardless of what s/s it is. This brings us to point 3....


This stuff is not just greasy, its gooey, and so when I tried to apply powder on top...I ended up with gooey stuff on my powder puff and the powder just glooped up on my face as if I had applied it to glue. I kept trying to apply a consistent layer on my face but ended up with patches and little balls of powder...ekh! If you do manage to get an even layer of powder you would probably need A LOT of powder to get the job done. Not very cost-effective.


Lastly, this is *really* hard to remove. I like to think that not all physical sunscreens need an oil to be removed, as I've had success in the past removing them with a regular cleanser. But with this stuff, you DO need an oil-based cleanser! I had a really hard time removing this stuff and I ended up irritating my sensitive skin consequently.


I got this for $17.95 from an online retailer. I think the price is really reasonable for a 4oz tube.


Active ingredients (SPF 60)

Titanium Dioxide 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 7.5%


Other ingredients:

Alumina, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate/triethoxycaprylylsilane Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Methylpropanediol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Purified Water, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Safin on 7/19/2009 11:13:00 AM more reviews by Safin

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

I have used the Vanicream SPF 30.
It is a very good sunscreen, no problems with irritation at all.
But unfortunately too heavy for my oily facial skin. Okay for the body.

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donna01010 on 7/18/2009 4:13:00 PM more reviews by donna01010

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the thickest cosmetic product I have ever tried to spread on my skin. Thick-like paste and very heavy. The worst part was trying to remove it. I had to scrub and scrub to remove it which defeated my purpose in buying a product for "sensitive" skin. I wound up irritating my skin with all the scrubbing! I will not re-purchase. I admit there was no stinging or burning and no white cast. But, why use a cosmetic product that is permanent? The company couldn't even recommend a product to me that would remove it.The company was oblivious to any complaints about removal and thickness but, I see several here...

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*TOP REVIEWER* joy2uandme on 6/30/2009 10:06:00 PM more reviews by joy2uandme

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

Well I hate to have to cave to this sunscreen but over this summer I have really had to deal with finding a sunscreen for my crazy rosacea again. Derm suggested this one and gave me several tubes to try. Well this has the consistency of school paste mixed with Crisco but it doesn't bother my rosacea. I have had to learn to put the pasty junk on my hands, warm the substance together and then apply to my face--if I don't it causes way too much tugging. I haven't stopped looking for something better but with some pressed powder over this it doesn't look awful. Definitely NOT for anyone with any natural face oils.

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