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Sunscreen plays a vital role in shielding our skin from harmful rays that could lead to skin cancer, as well as from the aging effects such as wrinkles and skin thickening. However, the greasy, sometimes sticky feeling it leaves behind, especially on the face, often leaves us searching for an alternative. Powder sunscreens offer a potential solution, but do they actually deliver?
What exactly is powder sunscreen?
While most sunscreens are found in lotion or spray forms, powder sunscreens are an alternative option. These products usually come with a built-in brush, resembling a large, soft foundation brush, and tend to be pricier than traditional sunscreen options.
Some powder sunscreens are marketed alongside makeup, offering the added benefit of SPF as a setting powder. Others are targeted at parents with young children, providing an easier option than getting little ones to stay still for the usual lotion or spray application.
The ingredients in powder sunscreens are still legitimate, typically mineral-based, with zinc oxide being a common active ingredient.
Powder sunscreens alone don't offer full protection.
The main issue with all sunscreen forms is that you need to apply a generous amount to achieve the protection advertised on the label—and to maintain it, reapplication is necessary, usually every two hours. Sunscreen lotions are the easiest way to ensure proper coverage, even though many of us fall short of applying the recommended amount. (Thankfully, if the SPF is high enough, we still get sufficient protection.)
This leads to the issue with nontraditional sunscreens. Can you really apply enough of it for it to work as intended? This is especially questionable with combination products. Will you apply a thick enough layer of sunscreen-infused bug spray every two hours? What about a substantial layer of SPF-containing foundation?
You can probably guess where this is heading. Are you really going to apply enough powdered sunscreen to achieve the protection you're hoping for, and then reapply it when needed? It's not likely, especially if powder sunscreen is your primary option. Below, you'll see a video where chemist Michelle Wong applies sunscreen powder to her hand, demonstrating the amount required to reach the labeled SPF.
When it's appropriate to use powder sunscreens
If you can’t get the proper protection with a reasonable layer of powder, does that mean sunscreen powder is ineffective? Here's where we must revisit a crucial guideline in sun protection: The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use. Powder sunscreens are a decent option for reapplying sunscreen over makeup, and many people will skip reapplication if they don’t have a solution that works on top of their makeup.
Dermatologists suggest applying a regular (cream) sunscreen first, followed by your makeup; think of powder as a touch-up tool. Unfortunately, it can’t serve as a substitute for your primary sunscreen.
Similarly, for children, if powder is truly the only way to apply any sunscreen to your restless toddler, then it’s better than nothing. However, there are other methods to make sunscreen application easier for little ones—so don’t just grab a bottle of powder and think the problem is solved.
