PSA: sunscreen powder exists and won’t spoil your makeup
An important note about the safety of sunscreen: The FDA is currently proposing major changes to sunscreen regulations, and only physical sunscreens with the active ingredients of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are currently recognized as safe. Until they come to a stronger conclusion in late 2020, The FDA advises, “Americans should continue to use sunscreen with other sunscreen measures as this important rule-making effort progresses.” Our GH Beauty Lab experts agree and test a variety of formulas (both mineral and chemical) that protect against sunburn.
Sunscreen in powder form? Yes, you read it right: Although SPF often comes in creamy lotions, clear sprays, or a nice white zinc oxide, now sunscreen and powder have officially bonded together to give you clutter-free protection, brightness control, and Sometimes a little coverage too.
Powder SPF can be used anywhere, but according to Marisa Garshick, MD, MDCS Dermatology Dermatologist in New York City, it is best used as a touch-up for the face, neck, chest, and hands, which are Day-prone areas Exposure to UV rays and for hard-to-reach or forgotten areas, such as the hairline and scalp. They may not be as practical for the whole body depending on the amount you would need to apply to ensure adequate coverage.
“Most powder formulations are made of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both, which are usually good options for people with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “Also, some powders have a mattifying effect, which is great for oily skin.” If you have melasma, look for one made with iron oxides for additional protection against blue light, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Here is what you need to know before applying sunscreen powder:
Are Powder Sunscreens Safe?
Yes, as long as the product has the appropriate labeling of the medicines. “According to the FDA guidelines, all sunscreens are considered medications and must undergo efficacy testing,” explains the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s beauty laboratory, Birnur Aral, Ph.D .. While there isn’t much research About this new sunscreen formula, Dr. Garshick considers them safe based on their active ingredients that “naturally exist as powders,” he explains.
But Aral adds a caveat: “Under the FDA’s proposed new rule on sunscreens, more information and data on sunscreen powders is needed before they can be included,” he says. “At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we are particularly interested in what the FDA’s decision would be regarding the allowed particle size in these types of sunscreens, as there is concern that nanometer-sized inhaled particles may be harmful to health”.
Are powdered sunscreens effective?
Yes, but not as your only form of sunscreen. “The effectiveness of sunscreen comes from the robust films that form on the skin that protect or absorb harmful sunrays,” says Aral. “It is more difficult to form such protective films on the skin using only powdered ingredients, and they could be limited to a lower SPF number or not provide broad-spectrum protection.”
Dr. Garshick agrees that powdered sunscreens should not be used as the only sunscreen to protect the skin, but he believes they offer a great additional layer of protection. “They complement liquid sunscreens well,” she says. Once absorbed, keep track of your cream or liquid sunscreens with powder.
When it comes to water resistance, some powdered SPFs are waterproof, but every product is different, so be sure to check the label before diving. “Powdered sunscreens can be washed more easily because they lack certain ingredients that stick to the skin and make lotion or spray formulas waterproof,” says Aral.
Now that you have 411 in everything to do with sunscreen powder, check out the best options from GH Beauty Lab, Dermatologist and Reviewer below and swipe!