Where I got it: I got this from my local supermarket for $17.99. I think you can easily find this in most supermarkets, Farmers, pharmacies, etc.
What I got: This is a 175ml bottle of the Cancer Society Invisible Protection Sun Gel SPF50.
From the website:
- SPF 50+ UVA and UVB Broad Spectrum Protection
- Transparent, moisturising clear sun gel – fresh and quickly absorbed
- Coconut Fragrance
- Dermatologically tested – so suitable for sensitive skin
Active ingredients:
- Homosalate 50mg/g
- Octyl Salicylate 50mg/g
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 40mg/g
- Octocrylene 80mg/g
Cancer Society Invisible Protection Sun Gel SPF50
Cancer Society Invisible Protection Sun Gel SPF50
How I find it: This is a chemical sunscreen which means it contains chemicals filters that absorbs UV rays instead of reflecting it (refer to this post for more information about sunscreens). Unlike physical sunscreens with zinc or titanium oxides which tends to be thick, white and opaque, chemical sunscreen can be fluid, clear and mattifying. This “sun gel” comes in a squeezy bottle so it is easy to dispense. The sun gel is clear and has a rather fluid texture. It has a strong smell of alcohol and it spreads easily and is “absorbed” quickly (almost like evaporated) leaving the skin fresh and dry to the touch. The strong coconut scent tends to linger on for quite a while which might be a bit too much for some people.
Cancer Society Invisible Protection Sun Gel SPF50
This is the sunscreen I used for the whole family during this Christmas (we are in the southern hemisphere so we have our Christmas in summer). We were to the beach on Christmas day and New Years day and of course we applied sunscreen at least 20mins before going outdoors and be sure to wear a hat and some sunnies. We avoided baking in the direct sun as much as possible but at least when we are in the sun, I know we are protected. My toddler is pretty picky when it comes to sunscreen. He doesn’t really like the traditional thick, creamy sunscreen (physical sunscreen) so I have been in the search for something that is suitable for him and is not too thick and sticky. I introduced this to him by showing him how I apply it and telling him that it smells like coconuts. He got a little interested and asked me to give him some on his hands. He quickly spread it between his hands and started sniffing it. He then applied it to his legs and arms by himself and I helped him out a little around the shoulders, feet and neck. I still applied a physical sunscreen to his face though (I used a Mustela one), because this one has quite a high alcohol content which can dry out his baby-soft face.
Cancer Society Invisible Protection Sun Gel SPF50
Overall: Pretty good sunscreen to be used during a hot and potentially humid summer. My hubby hates putting anything on his skin that is remotely greasy, slippery, oily or sticky (it was hard to persuade him to use a moisturiser, I need to get him something oil-free and absorbs quickly AND fragrance-free). I think overall, the whole family liked this sunscreen and with the amount of time we spent in the sun, this sunscreen did give us good protection and we did not get any sun burn, redness or irritations. I love how it dries down quickly, but it still leaves a bit of a slipper/greasy layer on the skin for a good 5-10 minutes before fading. It smells strongly of coconuts and alcohol so I would steer away from using it on my face.
There are many new sunscreen formulations out there now that are oil-free, dries down matte, transparent so it doesn’t give a white cast, super lightweight and provides at least SPF30. No matter what, having some sunscreen is better than none. I would rather feel sticky and greasy on the skin than risk having skin cancer or sun burn. Just take a shower and wash it all off when you get home. I think it might be a good idea for a post on the importance of removing sunscreen and how to do it properly.
Follow me on Instagram (@kittiemui), Pinterest (@kittiemui), Facebook and Snapchat (@kittiemui)!
