Both tests are carried out to agreed British and International test standards. Any fails are subject to a repeat test with a fresh sample from a different bottle. In the interest of complete peace of mind for our customers, we have now tested the same batch of Skin Shade SPF30 Which? tested with two external independent ISO accredited labs, receiving results of SPF 32.3 and SPF 31. Our Skin Shade SPF30 has now been validated by three external independent labs, showing our commitment to ensuring the integrity of our formulas. Now, thanks to technological advances, most mineral sunscreens are so sophisticated you won’t even know you’re wearing them. And because they can be combined with hydrating ingredients, pigment and anti-ageing ingredients such as antioxidants without compromising their efficacy, SPF no longer even needs to be a separate layer in your skincare regime. Our independent lab tests reveal how well high street sunscreens protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, the types of ultraviolet light linked to skin cancer. UVA causes premature skin ageing and UVB causes sunburn. After retesting its product Tropic told us: ‘The safety of our customers is and has always been our number one priority. On receiving Which?’s results, we disagreed entirely with their findings. Our Skin Shade SPF30 had been tested multiple times, with the last test conducted in August 2021, achieving an SPF rating of 32.5.

The best sunscreen is the one you will use regularly and in the correct quantities.” Which is better, mineral or physical sunscreen? It's important to note that both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective at protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays, but some people may prefer one type over the other based on their skin type or personal preferences," adds Dr Ludmila. What are the benefits of using a mineral sunscreen? There’s no doubt that sunscreen and sun creams are absolutely essential for healthy skin; however, it can be hard work finding a sunscreen you’re totally satisfied with. They’re sometimes referred to as a physical sunscreens and work by absorbing and then deflecting or scattering the UV radiation, as well as absorbing the UV light and releasing it as heat. 1 Discover nine of our favourite mineral sunscreens here at H&B, as well as a little more information to help you decide if they could be a good choice for you in this article. Skip to:

HERE’S WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY

While chemical formulas tend to be a popular choice because they’re typically lighter in texture and easier to apply, mineral sunscreens are less likely to clog pores, making them better for sensitive, irritated and blemish-prone skin types.

Mineral sunscreens are a form of sun protection for our skin that use minerals instead of chemicals. However, mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave whitish ‘casts’ on the skin, so may not be suitable for people with darker skin tones (even though this is much less common now). Mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens differ in the way they protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun,” shares Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic. “Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.” Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's UV rays and converting the light to heat, which then dissipates from the skin. This chemical reaction is what gives chemical sunscreens their name. However, they can be problematic for sensitive skin, causing stinging or watery eyes upon application. Additionally, for those who have melasma (a skin condition that results in stubborn skin pigmentation, which is often exacerbated by the sun and heat), chemical sunscreens can sometimes make this worse, as the conversion of the light into heat can trigger pigmentation. Mineral sunscreens are also generally considered safe for most people, including those who are pregnant or have sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. However, Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, still recommends consulting with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist before using any skincare product.

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Suncream buying guide - SPF, UVA and UVB explained, how to choose, and the marketing jargon to watch out for Unlike chemical formulations, which take around 20 minutes to become effective, mineral sunscreens also get to work as soon as you apply them.