Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50 250ml, White

I use this suncream on the kids every time we go abroad. It's a fantastic suncream. It's lightweight and non greasy, doesn't sting their eyes and is fast absorbing. Neither them nor I have ever been sunburnt whilst using this. It's very value for money and fantastic for those with sensitive skin.

I seldom write product reviews, but I was very pleased with this sun cream, and with the transparent (and altruistic) nature of the company/founders. I am very thankful that Altruist was able to offer this product at a very affordable price, so everyone can access sun protection and apply it at the correct densities every day to achieve the UV protection stated on the bottle (and re-apply throughout the day).The sun cream is a bit shiny, especially with re-application, but I enjoy wearing it at home, and while exercising. It is water-resistant which means it is great while exercising - and because it is very affordable, it can be used appropriately without guilt (e.g. adults need ~ 6 g per leg, ~ 3 g per arm + hand, ~ 6 g on torso, ~ 6 g on back, ~ 1,4 g on face + neck, to reach the SPF on the bottle). It is also great in the winter, especially where I live, when it can get down to -30 Celsius. It is also very friendly for sensitive skin - it is fragrance-free, uses a very gentle preservative system (although I must say using parabens would have been even more effective and gentle - contrary to media, there is no evidence of harm to human health at all, unless you have a confirmed allergy to parabens, as demonstrated by a confirmed patch test conducted by a certified allergist). There can be a slight flash-type cast due to the TiO2 for those with Fitzpatrick types III and beyond, but it is very minimal in my opinion. It does not sting the eyes (since octocrylene is only present at 5%), but could be different for extremely sensitive eyes.I just wanted to share a bit about UVA protection in hopes those not familiar with this find it helpful: UVA is immunosuppressive, causes premature aging, contributes to persistent hyperpigmentation, and exacerbates many skin diseases. The SPF only describes the UVB protection (which is only 5% of the UV dose - the rest is UVA), therefore not every SPF 50 offers the same UVA protection.The UVA 5-star of this cream only says that the sun cream UVA protection is at least 90% of the UVB protection (i.e. 90% of 98%, since it is SPF 50). However, it also has the UVA seal (which states that the UVA protection factor is at least 1/3 of the SPF), meaning this product offers a PPD of at least 17 (which is already quite effective). Although I do not know the exact PPD rating of this sun cream, I am pleased that Altruist decided to divulge the extinction profile of the cream, which shows it remains effective even in the very broad UVA1 range (beyond 380 nm). This is very important because not every broad-spectrum filter covers this area effectively. I appreciate that Altruist SPF 50 contains 8 UV filters: octocrylene (UVB+UVA2), octisalate (UVB), avobenzone (entire UVA1+UVA2), TiO2 (UVB+UVA2+someUVA1), ensulizole (UVB+slightUVA2), Uvinul T 150 (UVB+UVA2), Tinosorb S (UVB+UVA2+UVA1), and Tinosorb A2B (UVB+UVA2+UVA1) for truly comprehensive UV protection. Avobenzone offers most of the protection beyond 380 nm in this sunscreen, but Tinosorb A2B is also effective in this area (because it has a substantial tail after its second peak absorbance at ~ 340 nm) - and the avobenzone is very stable in the formulation because of the Tinosorbs and octocrylene (plus the other filters) so I am very confident in the UVA protection of this sun cream.Overall, a fantastic product. I tried it for the first time earlier this year and was immediately impressed. I now re-ordered 8 bottles.

This review is only about the SPF50. The SPF30 has some more / different cons.Use: I've used about 4 tubes already, applied everyday with recommended amounts (most people apply much less which reduces the SPF and UVA protection) about 6 times a day. Each tube lasts 1-1.5 weeks when applying to face (including ears, eye area and full neck) and both arms from shoulders to hands. Application on hands was more frequent, due to washing.Application (face): The SPF has medium thickness that easily spreads on the skin. It does not dry matte (I have combination-oily skin) which is excellent for those, like me, who suffer from dehydrated skin. The finish is, however, quite shiny. It does not go away with time and increases substantially with subsequent applications, to the point where my face ends up looking like it's washed in oil and grease. Because of this, it heavily increases (and worsens) the appearance of any imperfections, particularly lines and scars. Also - keep it away from the eyeballs, otherwise it will sting your eyes (not as bad as the SPF30 - that one is torture). Whenever I got stinging, the effects seemed to worsen in bright lighted environments. Don't know if this is just me or one of the ingredients that stings the eyes reacts painfully in bright light scenarios.Application (body): Fantastic for the arms, leaves a slight glow / shine that looks healthy, but does get very slightly sticky with subsequent applications, without staining clothes.Overall:Pros:- Very good UVA protection- Very cheap- 100ml size is not bad if you want to carry it in your pocket- With each purchase a part of the money is given to charityCons:- Very shiny, makes lines and scars appear way worse. -> Very disappointed about the finish on the face. I think the problem is the 3% glycerin and they should try a test by changing (or mixing it) with dimethicone and a bit of petrolatum for reducing TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss).- Stings the eyes -> applying under/over eyes is ok, just make sure you don't get it in by mistake- Slight infrequent pilling around the eye area (does not happen everyday and the sort of pilling that I can work around with)Verdict:- Will continue using on the body since it offers SPF50 for UVB and excellent UVA protection at a cheap price with moisturising features. For the face, I started alternating it with Biore Sunscreen UV Kids Milk SPF50 to reduce the shine.What to improve (if the creator sees this):- Reduce the shine without making the sunscreen drying. See the Biore sunscreen mentioned above or the Cerave Moisturising Cream for examples of nice finishes.- Try and reduce the stinging.- Add ceramides for barrier repair= Add iron oxides for protection from visible (blue) light

I have bought this product 3 times over the last 5 years or so for beach holidays. And over the years it has been improved in every level. The packaging is much better than it used to be and the actual sunscreen now has the perfect consistency. Its not very thick which makes it easy to spread. It doesn't have a strong fragrance (if at all) and doesn't leave a shine or makes you look greasy. But more importantly it is very fairly priced which admirable especially for a relatively small company. Also they give a portion of profits to charity from every sale (which might be a drop in a bucket) but hey at least they are helping while giant companies don't usually do that. Last but not least it ticks all the boxes that one would want from a sunscreen: Great packaging, great product, great price and it is SPF 50 and water resistant and has a 5 star UVA rating which I have not seen on Amazon. I have found 4 star ratings but not 5. My advice to you is that if you do like it that you use a generous amount as one should when it comes to sunscreen. Sunscreens are not cosmetic creams. You need to apply generously. And the price of this product allows you to do that more easily.

It’s not orange or tinted as a few have claimed but completely white. Thin enough to spread easily and no smell, perfume or odour. Not greasy like most other high street products. Huge quantity for excellent value.