Dr Dennis Gross all-physical lightweight wrinkle defense broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30
To start with, it’s a physical broad-spectrum SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, protecting against UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens work like a shield, sitting on the surface of the skin and deflecting and absorbing rays, as opposed to traditional chemical ones that absorb the light.
It contains 16 per cent active transparent zinc oxide, which is considered safe by the FDA and dermatologists, and is recommended for those with sensitive skin. The transparent formula means there shouldn’t be any chalky white wash or greasiness left behind, and it’s free from fragrance and oil too.
This SPF is also equipped with potent antioxidants like bearberry, sea buckthorn, lingonberry and ferulic acid, helping to prevent damage from free radicals while also working to minimise the appearance of fine lines. So, it aims to perfect the skin while protecting it at the same time.
The ingredients list also shows polyglutamic acid – a serious hydrator, which can hold five times more moisture than hyaluronic acid, which already holds 1,000 times its own weight in water.
Polyglutamic acid is also a peptide, meaning it can help prevent water loss, and encourages natural moisturising processes, in turn plumping fine lines.
What does it feel like?It’s an ultra-light, sheer cream texture that feels barely detectable once applied. With the correct amount of sunscreen you’re supposed to apply, sometimes sunscreens can leave you feeling a bit stiff, but this leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
To get technical, you need 2mg of sunscreen per square centimetre to achieve the SPF written on the label. So, about a teaspoon sized amount, or double the amount of moisturiser you use.
It’s definitely not tacky, instead gliding on smoothly and, as suggested, rubs in easily to an invisible finish. It dispenses like a cream and totally absorbs into the skin, pronto, therefore passing all the tests so far.
How does it look?This suited our oily combination skin especially well, leaving us feeling hydrated without looking sticky or causing any breakouts. And true to its word, it left us with zero white cast. We’ve not tested it on other skin colours, but it disappeared instantly on our pale skin with little effort.
We used it directly under IT Cosmetics’s your skin but better CC+ cream (£32.50, Cult Beauty ) and the smoothing finish meant it doubled up well as a primer, not at all affecting the staying power of our make-up, or causing our base to oxidise come lunch time.
The result visually is a refined, silky and evened-out complexion – whether you’re applying make-up afterwards or not – giving a subtle soft focus finish, which is always welcome in our book.
The verdict: Dr Dennis Gross all-physical lightweight wrinkle defense broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30This is ideal for all skin types, with its moisturising qualities and non-comedogenic formula making it a great fit for anyone.
We loved the healthy look it instantly gave to the skin, and that it didn’t require a primer on top when wearing make-up. So effortless, even the person who “hates” wearing sunscreen could find little fault wearing this.
From the first test-drives, the key standouts to us are the sheer finish, texture smoothing, hit of hydration and the weightless feel.
The only criticism would be the price, when there are other great sunscreens out there for less. However, you ultimately get what you pay for. Dr Dennis Gross is known for high performance formulas that noticeably deliver – and this is no exception.
Dr Dennis Gross is renowned for his skincare expertise and research, so while we can’t speak to the wrinkle-busting benefits just yet, we trust its longer-term claims.