I talk about using Sunscreen a lot. As a person living in the tropics with hyperpigmentation using sunscreen is non –negotiable. But there is a catch, not all sunscreens work well with dark skin due to the dreaded ‘’white cast’’ so I have made it my duty, neigh my mission to test out as many sunscreens as I can find and give you my feedback.
Let’s get started
What is it?
ALTRUIST is a broad spectrum dermatologist-tested SPF 30 sunscreen, it is fragrance-free, non-sticky. Broad-spectrum means it will protect your skin from both UVA (ageing rays ) and UVB ( burning rays ), SPF 30 means it will protect you from 97% of the UV rays.
Appearance and packaging
ALTURIST Sunscreen comes in a grey and white plastic tube. It does not come with any external or secondary packaging, which is great for the environment. The version I bought is the 200 ml version, which means it is huge in comparison to most other sunscreens. This sunscreen is also available as an SPF 50 100 ml tube, a sprays as well as a 1 litre SPF 30 jug, so there is something for everyone.
The sunscreen itself comes out in a thick white creamy consistency it’s not too runny which means it is unlikely to spill which can be an issue with other products applied and absorbs easily.
How to use
Everyone should have heard of the 2-finger sunscreen rule, right? If you haven’t well let me show you, for adequate sun protection to your face and neck you need to apply 2 fingers of sunscreen as in the picture below.
To apply, dot the sunscreen around your face making sure to get to all the quadrants and rub in carefully. You may need to do it in 2 phases to ensure it is all absorbed. Your sunscreen is the last skincare product you should apply before your make-up and do it at least 2 0 minutes before leaving the house.
Pros
- Zero white cast it absorbs beautifully into the skin
- Fragrance free which means it can use used by sensitive skin types
- Suitable for all skin types
- Affordable so is great value for money
- Broad spectrum so protects from both UVA & UVB rays
Cons
- It stings my eyes – this is something not many people talk about when it comes to sunscreen
- It pills when you reapply and doesnt aborb properly
- It is thick and can feel quite heavy
Who is it for
- Anyone who has skin
Cost
NGN 3,500 -7000 depending on the source
Rating
Performance
This is an okay sunscreen especially if you have darker skin, it absorbs easily without leaving a white cast. Unfortunately, it has a few cons, it stings if applied close to your eyes, which is an issue because the eye area needs sunscreen as well. It also ”pills ” when you reapply which means you will have tinny balls of product rolling off your skin which is not ideal. Sometimes the texture feels gritty – when reapplying.
Because it is quite thick and emollient you can use it instead of a moisturizer if you choose.
Quality
It is of good quality, is thick and may feel heavy on your skin
Value for money
It is extremely affordable and excellent value for money I got 2 bottles of 200 ml mine for $8.75 on amazon
Ease of use
It is easy to use and applies like a regular face cream or moisturizer.
Overall rating 3/5
Would I recommend this sunscreen? Let’s just say if it were my husband we would be getting a divorce. While it works and is inexpensive in principle I don’t like how it feels on my skin and the fact it pills when you reapply makes it almost pointless. It may work better for people with dry skin but for me its a no
Where to buy
Alternatives
- Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen
- Bondi Sands
To LEARN ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUN PROTECTION, THE DO’S, THE DON’TS, SPF VS PA+++ FACTOR, IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?.
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I have been using Funbact a cream for quite a while,it helps in smoothing my face,but gives me enzema, I have tried stopping it several times now but the side effects is horrible,my face itchy,it’s so rough ..and I really do want to stop now… I use aloe vera sunscreen cream now but,it’s not really helping, what else can I do, because this is depressing
Author
you have been using a damaging cream for some time and expect to stop without side effects? come on now. If you have read the article and i know you have i stated clearly that when you stop there will be a period you skin will cat up until it gets back to normal. Th longer you delay stopping it the worse the symptoms will be and let me tell you for free not only is it damaging you skin on the outside it is also causing organ damage. You are lucky your kidneys have not yet been affected. So better stop and deal with the side effects for a short time and move on
Hi, so in relation to this post, what non damaging body cream or lotion would you recommend?
Author
Hello any body cream from a reputable brand is non-damaging, if you want to get specific recommendations you can check out my ebook book younger longer https://selar.co/younger
Hello Beauty Harbour, I recently started using sunscreen for the first time in my life and I’m using Altruist sunscreen SPF 30 that comes in 200ml. I notice I sweat more any time I apply it and also leaves a shinny sort of cast on my skin. I’m chocolate colored Nigerian with combination skin.
Author
Hi and congratulations on starting using sunscreen! So when it comes to finding the right sunscreen it is all about trial and error, altruist may not work for you but another one might. You can experiment with using it and skipping your moisturizer (because of the heat ). I personally like Bondai sands but i try and use ALOT of different sunscreens, try the Korean ones like MISSHA or Innis free and see how it goes
Thank you very much, Dr. I sure would follow your advice.
I feel the altruist sunscreen makes me sweat a lot and makes my face look darker I dnt know if that’s the way it works
Author
I am not a fan of Altruist ,its a bit heavy i prefer Bondai Sands SPF 50
Hello,please i need a recommendation on what sunscreen I should use here in Nigeria.
I was using Dr rashel but it stays on my skin as white cast and makes me sweat alot after applying, also I was thinking of altriust but I’ve read alot of review saying it’s not really good,.
Thou I’ve a dry skin buty face is not too oily nor dry.kindly recommend anyone that won’t darken my skin and make me sweat.thank you
Author
Bondai sands is a good one or Innis free hyaluronic sunscreen
i am very happy with this sun screen but the sticky tape on the products packaging is not biodegradable and inserts are shiny paper which are also unnnecessary cut down of trees ( even managed ones) and look non biodegradable so it is not enviromentally friendly packagaing
Sorry
Thank you so much for this, I found it very helpful.
I’m just wondering what you have to say about Bioré UV Aqua Rich sunscreen? It’s a product I’m considering giving it a try since the other 2 you recommended are not within my reach.
Have you tried Bioré UV before? Do I have anything to worry about?
I have oily skin so I sweat a lot and I dread products that make me sweat. I was considering Altruist but after reading this post, I had to change my mind.