May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, and I wanted to get my review of three of MyChelle Dermaceutricals’ sunscreen options in before June.
I went from being in the house almost full-time this winter to working in my yard and gardens for hours at a time as well as jogging outside instead of on the treadmill. Although it was important to wear sunscreen on my face when I was outside shoveling snow or snow-shoeing during the winter, it’s even more important to remember sunscreen now that I’m outside and not wearing layers of clothing.
Sun Protection Information
In addition to the sunscreen products that MyChelle sent me to try out, they shared a lot of information about photo-aging, sun exposure and how to protect your skin in the sun. Several pieces of information really stood out to me. Poshly.com, an online beauty site, reported some interesting findings from a study they recently conducted:
- only 27% of women in their research sample wear sunscreen everyday
- 57% believe the SPF in their makeup is sufficient for sun protection
- 54% of those using sunscreen daily don’t reapply it.
The information was so interesting to me because I am part of those statistics. I don’t always wear a separate sunscreen. Although I know that the SPF in my makeup and skincare products is insufficient, I go with it, and I often fail to reapply sunscreen to my face even when I’m at the beach. Pathetic.
MyChelle offers several tips to help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging and dangerous rays:
- Use lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen as a makeup primer to block UVA and UVB rays. They mention that many tinted moisturizers, BB/CC creams and foundations with SPF only protect against sunburn-causing UVB rays. I don’t think I knew that because I mostly didn’t look at the labels closely enough. I just assumed they protected against both types of rays as IT Cosmetics CC Cream does.
- Consider your makeup with SPF an extra layer of protection rather than your only layer of protection. Makeup with SPF of 15 or more applied over sunscreen adds to the protection provided by sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen around your eyes. Few people apply sunscreen to the eye area, yet sun damage and skin cancer can occur in the lash and lid area. I noticed that I have sun damage in my eye area, and I now use an eye cream with SPF 30. And don’t forget your neck and décolleté.
- Wear your skin protection in addition to using broad-spectrum sunscreen. Get a broad-brimmed sun hat that you love and wear it. I have several that I wear to the beach. Wear sunglasses that provide protection to your eyes. And now there is clothing with 30+UFP protection. I need to get one of those swimsuit coverups with sun protection.
MyChelle Sun Protection Products
As I mentioned earlier, MyChelle, a brand of natural skincare that I discovered several years ago in Whole Foods, sent me three of their sunscreens to try out. MyChelle sunscreens provide broad-specturm SPF/UV protections and are some of the highest rated sunscreens by the EWG, Environmental Working Group, that measures and rates makeup and skincare products for effectiveness and ingredient safety.
- Sun Shield Coconut Broad Spectrum SPF 28: Chemical-free protection with ZinClear and Titanium Dioxide
- Sun Shield Unscented Broad Spectrum SPF 28: Chemical-free protection with ZinClear and Titanium Dioxide
- Replenishing Solar Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30: Mineral-based, Titanium-Dioxide free sunscreen
All three are vegan friendly. They absorb quickly with no white look.
Sun Shield Sunscreens: Unscented SPF 28 and Coconut Scented SPF 28
Both MyChelle Sun Shield sunscreens contain Titanium Dioxide (0.67%) which provides a physical barrier from the sun’s UV rays and ZinClear (11.6%), a non-opaque Zinc Oxide (so you don’t get that white look) that gives natural broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB as well as aloe leaf juice powder to reduce inflammation and hydrate skin. I like both options, the unscented and the coconut scented. They both spread and absorb quickly and feel lightweight.
They both provide chemical-free, full spectrum sun protection. I use them interchangeably, though I more frequently use the coconut-scented version on my body rather than on my face even though I’m a big fan of coconut-scented anything.
Unscented Active Ingredients: 11.6% Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™), 0.67% Titanium Dioxide
Unscented Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Alumina, Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceteryl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Fructooligosaccharides (D-Beta), Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glyceryl Isostearate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Sorbate, Simethicone, Sodium Benzoate, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Trisodium Ethylenediamine, Xanthan Gum
Coconut Scent Active Ingredients: 11.6% Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™), 0.67% Titanium DioxideInactive
Coconut Scent Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Alumina, Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceteryl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Fragrance/Parfum (Natural), Fructooligosaccharides (D-Beta), Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glyceryl Isostearate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Sorbate, Simethicone, Sodium Benzoate, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Trisodium Ethylenediamine, Xanthan Gum
Price of both options: about $20/2.3 oz.
Replenishing Solar Defense
Replenishing Solar Defense contains a slightly higher percentage of ZinClear 13.5% to protect against both UVA and UVB rays as well as Red Algae Extract that contains natural UVA filters. It also contains Aleurites Molccana Seed Oil Porphyra, a component of Hawaiian Kukui and Macadamia oils, to moisturize and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. It does not contain Titanium Dioxide. I love this one for my face. It has no discernible scent, and it dries down to almost nothing so it’s wonderful for when I use makeup over it. MyChelle suggests applying it with serum and skipping moisturizer for an even more lightweight effect. I often do that when I’m using a BB or CC cream along with it.
Active Ingredients: 13.5% Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™)
Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Aqua (Water), Behenyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Ergothioneine (L), Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Lecithin, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Malic Acid (L), Phellodendrom Amurense Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Tocopherol (D-alpha), Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha)
Price about $31.25/2.3 oz.
Availability and News
MyChelle is available at Whole Foods and other natural retailers as well as through their website. Through June 2015, MyChelle is offering 15% off of these three sunscreens as well as on their Daily Defense Cream SPF 17.
MyChelle is cruelty-free and reef safe/non-toxic to water and ocean life and made in the U.S..
Have you tried MyChelle products yet? Do you have any special sun protection tips you’d like to share?
Scary statistics about sunscreen use! I have never tried anything from MyChelle, but have meant to for a very long time! As a huge fan of sunscreens, I clearly need to give these a try! I’m a big fan of coconut scented anything as well– so that one is a definite must-try for me!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Susan Thompson Cosmetics BB Cream in Light | Review
The coconut scent is divine, and I also recommend the Rapid Defense because it’s so lightweight and great under makeup!
I never knew that SPF in makeup was only UVB rays. Definitely being more adamant about sunscreen first!
Chelsea recently posted…Summer Style With Payless
Isn’t that important to know??!!
I tried small samples of MyChelle products, but never their sunscreen. You know I’m all about protecting the skin from the sun, so I totally commend you for spreading awareness! We need more sunscreen reviews!!
I have more sunscreen reviews to come, but in all honesty, I really like these because they use physical barriers and better for you ingredients. Plus they’re lightweight enough, especially Rapid Defense, to go under makeup
I’m not surprised by the sunscreen statistics, but I had no idea your makeup SPF didn’t provide more protection. I definitely apply sunscreen under my makeup more in the summer, and I load up all over in the summer since I have very sensitive skin. Thanks for a great review.
Cindy Ingalls recently posted…Introducing Beautiful Nutrition with a Giveaway!
You’re welcome. There was a lot of new news for me too
We now have a tiny Whole Foods in town, I’ll have to pop in and see if they carry this brand ans pick some up. I love my Neutrogena Pure Screen but I’m always on the lookout for good, chemical free sunscreens that feel more like elegant skincare. 😀
Erika recently posted…Soap and Glory Clean on Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel
I’m not sure that these feel exactly like elegant skincare since they are sunscreens and come in plastic tubes, but they are quite lightweight and I can wear them under makeup 🙂
I need to be better with my own sun protection as well. I usually wear my makeup with SPF alone, and if I do wear SPF I probably don’t apply it often enough! yikes :/
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…May Ipsy vs Birchbox | 2015
I’m just like you, Kristina! But I’m trying to be more consistent these days
I love MyChelle and have their products in my pro kit as well. I am using a few of these products and really enjoy them!
Heather recently posted…Christie Brinkley RECAPTURE 360 + IR Defense Day Cream Review
They are so nice, aren’t they? Prior to this, I had only used their serums, but I am broadening my horizons!
I’ve been wanting to try MyChelle products, and I’m running out of my sunscreen, so maybe I’ll give one of these a go!
Tess Galen recently posted…Aquolina Pink Sugar Perfume
I’m wearing the Replenishing Solar Defense right now over my CC cream. They are terrific sunscreens!
I think this statement is incorrect: “They mention that tinted moisturizers and foundations with SPF only protect against sunburn-causing UVB rays.”
I use IT Cosmetics CC cream daily and it is “paraben-free and SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, Physical Only, Non-Chemical Sunscreen.” Their website has a ton of detail on the product if you’re interested.
Lisa recently posted…Julep Maven: April 2015 – The Paradise Collection – Modern Beauty
Yes, you’re right, Lisa! IT CC Cream and I think also Dr. Jart BB Cream have high SPF with UVA/UVB protection, however, to get enough protection from them I know I could probably have to triple the amount of either of those two (that I both own and use frequently) for them to give me enough protection. So I mostly apply sunscreen first, and apply whichever BB/CC cream or foundation with SPF that I happen to be wearing that day.
I’m glad to read that you don’t get a white cast from the sunscreen, I know physical sunscreens have that problem!
Mai recently posted…Color Club Harp On It: Swatch and Review
Yes, I was surprised, Mai. These are quite natural-looking.
I love the tips they’ve provided. I will be honest, my neck and ears are two of the places I always forget to apply SPF. Great review.
Kim recently posted…Fragrance Friday: Essence of Beauty Luscious Peony Fine Fragrance Body Mist
What a good tip, Kim! I never remember to do my ears and the back of my neck when I wear a ponytail. Thank you!!
I always freaking forget about my ears =(
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Your Kid Probably Needs Glasses #ThinkAboutYourEyes
That’s what Kim just said too! I never remember them either those most of the time they’re covered by my hair.
You’ve got some great reminders in this post. I don’t think about my ears either but my hair covers them. I still need to be conscious of that though.
MarciaF recently posted…Eliminate Dark Circles and Puffiness with Derma MD – review and giveaway
same here, Marcia
If it’s one thing I’m adamant on, it’s wearing sunscreen everyday. I love Supergoop! Save Face because it doesn’t smell and it blends right in with my FAB daily face cream. I haven’t heard of this line though!
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I use the Supergoop eye cream with SPF and I love it. MyChelle is a natural brand with some organic products that’s sold in Whole Foods and other natural retailers. It’s a good one.
I have tried MyChelle face wash which was really good and I have been thinking about trying their sunscreens too.
Leelo R recently posted…Promote good health and weight loss with Skinny Teatox teas
Did you get it on iherb.com? I’ve like what I’ve tried from the brand so far.
I’ve never tried this brand but its definitely on my radar!
Consider it in the future!
These sound really nice! I wish they were higher SPF though.
Phyrra recently posted…Bright Lips or Bold Eyes?
I’m confused about the whole SPF number, these days. I always sought out higher numbers, but lately dermatologists have been telling me that anything 25+ is fine and the real key to protection is applying enough and reapplying. So who knows. I’ve been trying to apply more, but I still haven’t been great about reapplying. I’ll tackle that next.
My dermatologist that I see for my rosacea wants me wearing a minimum of SPF 30 in the winter and would prefer higher during the summer.
Phyrra recently posted…Bright Lips or Bold Eyes?
Go with his/her recco for sure
My biggest protection against the sun is that I just stay inside.. but I do need to remember the sunscreen more often! i’m more likely to use a non-‘sunscreen’ scented product.. the coconut one sounds nice!
In Florida, the summer weather is definitely brutal, so I can understand you staying indoors. I like the coconut scent for sunscreen too
Sunscreen is definitely really important no matter what skintone you are! Great info and review! <3
Shipra recently posted…KBShimmer Mani Shot Photos and Review
Thank you, Shipra! And you are right!
I like everything MyChelle makes, I have the SPF 28 and find it is so gentle and perfect for my skin.
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I’m glad to hear that you think highly of MyChelle, Norah, and that you’ve had good luck with the sunscreen too. As an MUA, you must get to try out a lot of these on yourself and your clients.
I’m currently over-run with sunscreen options, but I so want to try these- especially the coconut, because yay for coconut 😀
Bailey recently posted…Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup Vol. 38
I am too, Bailey, but I really like these because they’re not greasy. And yes, coconut!
Sunscreen is so important. I burn immediately so I never leave home without it. I’ll have to check out this brand for sure!
Jamie recently posted…My LA Bound Mani: Deborah Lippmann Glitter In The Air
That’s great that you’re so vigilant when it comes to sunscreen, Jamie! Hope you’re enjoying your trip 🙂
I haven’t tried anything from this brand and haven’t heard of it till now. I really want to check out that sun shield coconut. I use SPF daily because of my sensitive skin, this would be a great one to look into.
Honeygirlk recently posted…Fashion Friday – Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui
Do you have a Whole Foods near you, Honey? I know MyChelle is sold there and you can usually sample the products. I had used their serums and liked them a lot. And now I love the sunscreens too!
it’s a 30 minute drive away but I’ll definitely stop in and check it out the next time I’m in town 🙂
Honeygirlk recently posted…Fashion Friday – Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui
The nearest Whole Foods to me is 30 minutes away too, so I don’t go there that often. But they are building one in the next town, probably to open next year. I can only imagine the traffic there once it opens 😉