This sunscreen was my first Australian sunscreen, from an authentic Australian brand, not an American brand masquerading as Australian. Australia has strict sunscreen regulations, and, usually, Australian suncare offers high anti-UV protection. Unfortunately, this product was disappointing. 

I bought the product last autumn, without knowing what ingredients it contained, as they had not been listed on the website or the packaging. But thanks to yours truly, the ingredients list is now available on Solbari’s website. 

The formula is pretty simple, a mix of chemical filters offering SPF 50+ with the anti-UVA production of at least a third of the UVB protection level. The sunscreen’s vehicle contains beeswax, aloe vera juice, and vitamin E as soothing and moisturising ingredients. There is no fragrance or alcohol. It is suitable for all skin types.

I purchased the sunscreen persuaded by the abundance of positive reviews on the website; people seem to like the product. How come? I have tried this sunscreen on multiple occasions over the past few weeks, and all of my endeavours have ended in failure. The first time, I tried applying 2.5g of the product at one go, which resulted in a greasy, shiny face. The second time I used 1.25g, a quarter of a teaspoon, again an oily complexion. The last time, I didn’t measure the sunscreen just applied two thin layers, anew a glossy face, but considerably less compared to previous applications I admit. Where is the dry touch (or non-greasy) finish? I don’t wear sunscreens in scant quantities; I want the full protection, not a snippet.

The good thing is that this sunscreen leaves no white cast, even if applied in large amounts. However, it has irritated my eyes at times, as it tends to migrate. On top of that, it broke me out after each time I used it, something that I simply cannot tolerate. Also, it makes my skin slightly reddish, which, sometimes, happens with chemical-only sunscreens. It is about my skin’s reaction to certain ingredients. Honestly, I cannot recommend this sunscreen. 

 The product has five stars on Solbari’s website. And nobody complained that the product is greasy or makes skin shiny. Does it mean none of those people applied anything other than a pump or two of the product? Probably. It’s a no from me, but I highly recommend checking out Solbari’s anti-UV clothing and accessories they make pretty good stuff. 

Ingredients:

Active: 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 40mg/g, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 40mg/g, Octocrylene 40mg/g, Ethylhexyl Triazone 30mg/g

Inactive: Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cera Alba, PEG-15 Cocamine, Silica, PEG-40 Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (solbari.com).