Peter Thomas Roth • Instant Mineral SPF 30 • Sunscreen

Where To Buy?

cccb on 11/23/2012 4:17:00 PM more reviews by cccb

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

Has anyone noticed that this product is offered in two different sizes (.17 oz & .32 oz) at the same price ($30)? LovelySkin sells the .32 oz so I like to stock up there when they run a sale + buy through ebates. I like this for touch-ups over makeup, plus it adds a little color to my pale complexion. I always keep one in my ski jacket & reapply throughout the day on the mountain, keeps the raccoon eyes away.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tindra78 on 6/21/2012 3:47:00 PM more reviews by Tindra78

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Well.... I'm really, really pale and cool in my skin...my skin is almost completely white....BUT, this stuff is ORANGE!!!!!! On my skin this is orange!! Some kind of brownish orange colour, that is DARKER than my skin....this looks horrible, I can't walk out like this.... :-(

It takes time to get the summertan, and i won't be able to use this until than because it's darker ....but than I won't be able to use it because it has a WARM tone!!! Warm! My skin is cool, cool.... Oooh, I'm soo disappointed...I had sooo high expectations on this....

Well, the colour is a disaster. But the "formula" is ok, even if its extremely finely milled so it flyes everywhere when you open the lid.... On the skin it is matte in the start, but becomes oily after a while, so it does not work like a powder just because it looks like one...

I have only used it for 3 days, and havent had it in strong sun yet...

I have to find out how to solve the colour-problem, otherways i'll have to use this only on my body (or give it away/sell it). I guess i won't repurchase until PTR makes a lighter shade for us really pale ones here in the north (Sweden)....

:-(

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bluebirdmgc on 6/17/2012 4:42:00 PM more reviews by bluebirdmgc

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

My everyday sunscreen (since I don't spend much time outside) used on top of SPF 15 moisturizer.It's fragrance-free, mattifying (very, very slightly), goes on without messing up my makeup.

When I apply it, I always feel like there's nothing coming out but if I brush the brush applicator against dark jeans, I can see that there is powder being dispensed, it's just extremely fine.

No whiteness, no change in the color of my face/makeup. No shine, no oil, no irritation, no acne.

Great for on-the-go touchups, everyday use, or those days when you end up being outside longer than you thought (let's face it, the sunscreen you applied at 7am is pretty much useless by mid-afternoon).

No issues with breakage of the tube/packaging after carrying it in my purse for 3 months. The brush is a bit scratchy, but it doesn't mess up my makeup so I can get over it. Still, having this in a compact might be better...

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*TOP REVIEWER* signemarie on 6/16/2012 7:33:00 AM more reviews by signemarie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I don't understand why other companies haven't picked up on this concept. It's genious! It brushes on easily, does not leave any white cast, can actually downplay the shine from creamy sunscreens and is overall just a perfectly handy little touch up SPF to keep in your bag. I do think its a supplement to a good cream spf, though, I would not use it on its own.

PROs: No scent, no color, invisible on skin, does not break me out, protects well in combination with SPF base (be it moisturiser, foundation, MMU etc - it works well with all).

CONs: Brush is rubbish! Feels rough and hard on skin. Can be hard to dispense. Container is slightly flimsy (gives a clacking sound when you close it). Price and availability can be tricky in Europe as another reviewer mentioned.

Also DO NOT TWIST THAT BOTTOM! The thing will open and all the minerals will pour out.

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LilleHavfrue on 5/27/2012 8:59:00 AM more reviews by LilleHavfrue

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

When I first read about this product I thought it was a dream come true. I hate the feel of almost all sunscreens on my skin and sunscreen on my face is even worse. But since sunscreen is a must in order to keep my skin healthy the last few years I put up with the stickiness, greasiness and messiness.
I´ve used this sunscreen for about two month now and I don't want to live without it anymore. First I used it without any other sunscreen underneath but I feel like in the summer it is better to wear it over something else. So far I didn't get any sunburns and it is very easy to apply and reapply during the day.
I also really like the finish it leaves on my skin. It is mattifies the skin while making it still look skin-like (I hope you get what I'm trying to say).
So far I didn't have problems with breakouts from this. I do have oily and acne prone skin.
The downside to this product is the price (~ 30€) and availability here in Europe.
Lately I used this in combination with the Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer - SPF 30 and it works great for me.

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iwearfancypants on 1/20/2012 7:03:00 PM more reviews by iwearfancypants

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

I love this product! It's so easy to use when you're running out the door, it gives you no excuse to not protect your skin everyday.
To use: hold it upside down, gently shake it and apply generously to skin. I was skeptical at first that anything was coming out, but it is. You can see a puff of powder come from the bristle if you look closely when brushing your finger over the top (it helps to have a dark background).

This powder form of mineral spf is really convenient for daily use when you're going to be exposed to the sun. I used this everyday last summer and my extremely white skin didn't get a single burn or freckle. But I would use it IN ADDITION to something else, when you're exposed to a lot of sun for an extended period of time, like an afternoon at the beach. Although, I haven't tested it alone under extreme conditions like that, so I don't know for certain.

This is a great alternative to spf lotions in the summer, especially for people with oily skin like myself. It works immediately, no need to wait 30 minutes for it to sink in.
My only gripe is that it's pricey, but I have discovered that it'll last you. I've used the same one everyday for over 9 months and I still haven't finished it!

Other reviews complain about cracks in the packaging and powder getting loose. I have two of these that have lasted me many months and neither have cracked. Just be gentle and put it in a plastic bag if you want to keep it in your purse, just in case.

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*TOP REVIEWER* alison_k on 10/30/2011 9:12:00 PM more reviews by alison_k

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I find it difficult to get the product out of the tube and into the brush, but this is not really a dealbreaker for me. The powder is silky and works really well with my skin. I don't really spend a lot of time in the sun so I can't comment on whether this will prevent sunburn. I much prefer powder sunscreens to liquid ones, and I would buy this again. Sephora had this on sale for $12 but I'm not sure if I would pay full price for this. Great product and highly recommended.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* emmgill on 10/4/2011 9:12:00 PM more reviews by emmgill

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

I really really love this powder, it works really well as a mattifyer and offers some coverage. I hate the packaging though. I recommend buying a powder dispenser and putting it in that. Be careful when pulling off the end of the brush it can get messy so be careful. The brush is not good at all. Great powder product and the SPF 30 is a bonus for the Aussie hot summers. Great product!

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busyatdizzy on 9/28/2011 12:05:00 AM more reviews by busyatdizzy

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

I finally bought this and now have a love/hate relationship with it.

I love it for the matte powder it has for my oily skin, it covers well and keeps me looking shine free for hours.


The hate I have with it is I don't like the packaging. At first it was as though I had to beat the brush to death for the powder to release. Now that I have it releasing whenever I use it, I wonder how much I have left. I think that in and of itself is what bothers me most. Spending 30.00 on this is quite pricey if you don't know for sure how long it's going to last.

Another problem I have with it is no idea how often to reapply it.

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angelinuh on 8/22/2011 10:02:00 PM more reviews by angelinuh

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Horrible brush, terrible coverage, powder doesn't even come out. What a waste of a product.

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fiafiafia on 8/16/2011 2:32:00 AM more reviews by fiafiafia

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I just got this in the mail today, and I'm really glad I bought it. adequate sun protection, easy to use and slips easily into my bag for festivals! I'm uber-fair, and although I thought the product in the tube looked too dark, it blended in well with my pale skin. I didn't find the brush especially scratchy, like a lot of people here been whinged about. The only thing I dislike about this product is the packaging; if only it had a clear tube, so you could see how much product is left! other than that, i'm very pleased with my purchase.

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starlee2 on 8/10/2011 7:07:00 PM more reviews by starlee2

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This review is for the one in the blue packaging (for oily problem skin).
This is the best sunscreen I've ever used. I have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, and it's one of the few sunscreens I'm able to tolerate.
The brush is very scratchy and makes my face itch, so I bought a powder dispenser at Sephora for $4 and just pour the product in there and apply with a separate makeup brush. The bottom of the original packaging screws off, so if the packaging is ailing you, just put it in a different container.
It does have a tint to it. If you need light coverage, this should be perfect.
I thought it was a little bit expensive for so little amount of product, but it doesn't make me breakout or irritate my skin, so I'm glad.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kareneap on 8/3/2011 10:54:00 PM more reviews by kareneap

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

I love this mineral powder! Definitely a must-have in my handbag in the Australian summer sun - is incredibly light-weight and is fantastic for dusting over makeup to top up morning sunscreen routine. My only criticism is the packaging as you can't see how much you've used or have left. Would give it the full 5 lipsticks IF the tube was clear like the new bronzing mineral SPF powder they've brought out recently. Please fix this!

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*TOP REVIEWER* stephani99 on 5/23/2011 6:58:00 PM more reviews by stephani99

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Other, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I got this for $12 at Sephora recently who had a special on it, otherwise I'm not sure I'd have picked it up and that would have been a pity. Apparently, I have the tinted version (although I only saw one type which did not say tinted nor did it have a shade name or number, so I don't know what this used to be like or what else it comes in). Despite that, it's still sheer enough that it does not look tinted despite looking a bit orange against the white brush tube. It mattifies and seems to control oil really well which is great; I keep it in my makeup bag for on the go use. I recently read that titanium dioxide in powder form spreads better on the skin due to the molecules or something so it's more forgiving than its lotion version and covers a greater area with less product. I'm no scientist but I like the idea/theory. And although I'm not sure I'd rely on this for my SPF alone, it's great for applying over foundation throughout the day to touch up without getting cakey as well as add more SPF when needed. Love the vitamins and minerals in this as well, without the dreaded bismuth or other irritants my skin can't tolerate. I don't have an issue with the brush but I also don't buff it or press hard, I sweep so don't notice any scratchiness (plus for $12 I didn't expect a fancy brush but if I paid $30, I would have). Getting the powder started was a bit tricky and a little does leak out the bottom (granted, I might have accidentally twisted it when closing so we'll call that Operator Error) but overall I love the concept, it seems to work well and does what is promises so I will repurchase this when I run out.

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elf_107 on 4/1/2011 7:37:00 PM more reviews by elf_107

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I have to give this sunscreen props for being the only one I've been able to tolerate for years. My skin is hyper/photosensitive and therefore often keeps me trapped under hats, scarves and indoors. This sunscreen is very gentle and I can tolerate most of the summer, but not when I get dry cheek eczema in the dead of winter. Then, I can tolerate nothing but my moisturizer, typically.

Some people are complaining of the brush being scratchy. I don't personally buff it into my skin, I sweep it very gently, and therefore don't find it to be a problem despite having sensitive skin. I like that it's not a thick cream base, so it doesn't trap the heat of my rosacea, and I like being able to reapply quickly throughout the day. I also find that the mineral SPF does work (as opposed to not using it at all.) I do agree that a powder is not the IDEAL delivery system for reliable sunscreen, because it's easy to miss a spot. Since it's so incredibly simple to reapply, I would say that helps to make up for its shortcomings.

It's translucent with a very slight tint to prevent the chalkies. It works nicely to control oil actually, which is another reason it's ideal for summer. Unfortunately on me it sometimes oxidizes by the end of the day in hot climates, giving my face a darker ever so slightly orangey cast if I've piled it on. In actuality I am very very fair, so this tint will work for most average skintones and not appear chalky.

The only downside of course is that if they ever discontinue it I'll be really really really screwed. And also possibly that it contains a titch of vitamin A. The EWG has been fussing about vitamin A in sunscreens possibly accelerating sun damage, though I don't know if this is really true. It may be more ideal not to include vitamin A, but I am sure people use vitamin creams all the time and go in the sun unprotected, which definitely concerns me more.

I would suggest not breathing in the powder when you use it, because it does contain silica. Silica is popular in lots of face powders, but it has been associated with lung disease in occupational settings with larger doses.(Google "silicosis" if you want to know what I am talking about.) I don't see this as a reason not to use silica at all, but I do hold my breath and close my eyes when I apply to be on the safe side. (The eyes are so it doesn't get into my contacts!)

Personally I find that it helps me a great deal, and I've purchased it dozens of times, and will keep repurchasing. I would say this falls into the can't-live-without-it category.

Edit (Jul 2012): Having developed severe sun sensitivity and now discovering / requiring the strongest high PPD protection I can tolerate -- I can no longer in good conscience give any powder sunscreen 5 stars. Powder sunscreens cannot be used in 1/4 tsp quantities and therefore don't function as advertised. Furthermore since this is all-physical it cannot provide good UVA protection, even when used to excess. For this reason I have dropped this product to 4 stars, though it is still a very good powder product.

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arissamay on 2/10/2011 6:05:00 PM more reviews by arissamay

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I have the tinted version of this product and carry it around in my purse for times when I think I should use some extra coverage but have already applied my makeup for the day and don't want to ruin it with liquid sunscreen. I am very pale, but the tint is light enough that it doesn't make me look strange. It's great for the back of the neck, ears, decolletage, etc. My husband will also use it if we are out and about - it's really not noticeable on the skin at all. The packaging is also very unisex. It will take me a long time to use it all up, and I wouldn't depend on it for my every day sun protection, but it's a great supplementary source!

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thefitchick on 1/24/2011 11:24:00 AM more reviews by thefitchick

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

** I have the newer product that is TINTED (in 3 strengths)**
I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and I usually skip powder and SPF (If I can get away with it) b/c that's how bad my skin is. So, I would consider this a "bronzer" for me with ordinarily would be taboo...love it. You click the applicator to turn "off", "light" "medium" or "dark" and I find that it's very difficult to turn "off" so bare that in mind. It gives nice color and good coverage AND SPF. Since I keep my face out of the sun, even when on vacation, this helps me look NORMAL and not a different shade of white. It actually makes me look 'healthy' **gasp**. Winner!

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*TOP REVIEWER* gorbe on 11/6/2010 11:54:00 PM more reviews by gorbe

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is one of the coolest beauty products I've ever seen/used. To me the idea of mineral SPF is novel, I have never heard of it before. It feels like nothing on the skin, you dust it on using the brush applicator it comes with (I use it after I've done the rest of my makeup). I then just trust that the SPF is protecting me from the sun, I really have no way of judging that aspect of the product. Anyway, the one downside is that the brush it comes with is kind of scratchy. This product would just feel a lot nicer to put on if the brush was nicer. The way it was designed, you kind of have no choice but to use their brush... also due to the design of the product and that it is invisible on the skin, it's a bit difficult to tell how much you've put on. Otherwise, really cool! One lippie off for scratchy-brush.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ALBA on 10/6/2010 6:01:00 PM more reviews by ALBA

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I am editing this to say that this powder is far too coarse.

The brush is very harsh too.

I think the whole product design of this should be redesigned for a number of reasons.

1) When I apply this, the harshness of the brush is causing the powder to be uncontrollable and I can feel that I am breathing in the power and I can feel it in the back of my throat about half an hour later.

2) Ironically, whilst I'm applying it because I can't 'see' the powder in a pot, it's not reassuring and there may be a tendency to over apply.

3) After a couple of hours, the coarseness of the powder shows up on the face by making the area around the eyes look dry.

4) The feel of it on the face when touching my face is of a rough texture.

The shade however is fine and not at all orange, just a light beige.

I would prefer for them to try not to be too clever with the design.
A powder pot would be sufficient rather than this pen formula. A largish, shallow pot with a grinder to control the amount of powder that emerges would be great - like the YSL powder but longer and less deep so it can fit in any clutch bag. I like the action of opening a pot, seeing the powder there and then on the filaments of my own brush before applying it to my face. Everyone has their favourite brush for applying minerals so I think it would be better to give consumers more powder, better research and leave out the brush.


I would also really like to see more information about the level of protection, for example what PPD is it? Without knowing this, I can't really know how well it is protecting my skin and for how many hours. I would like to see some more research stats from Peter Thomas Roth showing what experiments were performed and on how many people to warrant SPF30 and whether or not it is broad spectrum UVA/UVB and photostable.

Until I have enough evidence, this is a complement rather than a substitute for my current sunscreen routine. Shame as I would love to just apply this and go!

Any PPD information on this product would be very gratefully received!

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*TOP REVIEWER* chikky on 9/20/2010 10:39:00 PM more reviews by chikky

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

I'm pretty OCD about suncare & always cover from the sun during lunchtimes knowing the sunscreen I've applied before my makeup this morning had worn off. I am too lazy to take all my makeup off then re-apply just for the sake for sun protection so I was always covering with a book or walking under the shade.


I was really excited hearing about a product that you can apply on top of your makeup during the day. Granted, it will not absorb into the skin & provide maximum protection but it's good enough being a physical bloker which grabs onto your natural/makeup oils when applied. It matten your skin & provide a protective layer to the sun yet still allow your makeup to show through nicely (not clumpy dry looking).


The brush is fine to sweep across your face during the day - not too soft to not allow buff enough coverage onto your skin, but not too hard to irritate the skin & disturb the makeup. The lid protects the brush from getting dirty. The pull down mechanism is genius. And the shape is so compact & versitile to throw into your bag. My only gripe about the packaging the white & yellow colour - kind of cheap looking. .


Great product idea. Will purchase again.

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