Judicial Review: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense

Last October, I wrote about my visit with Austin dermatologist Dr. Steven Zimmet, who very generously gave me several SkinCeuticals products to try. Out of the four products, two weren’t a good fit for my regimen (Redness Neutralizer and Emollience), one lived up to the hype (CE Ferulic), and one was an absolute knockout. Let me introduce you to my new go-to sunscreen, SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense.

Way back when, I used a SkinCeuticals sunscreen, something akin to their current Daily Sun Defense. It came in a similar tube, was at least SPF 30, thick, and left a bit of a white cast, especially if your skin got wet while wearing it. These more recent SkinCeuticals sunscreens are nothing like that. Per the website, “This groundbreaking, weightless, 100% physical sunscreen provides water-resistant broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote®*).” 

The Good: If you’ve been reading Beautypendence a while, then you know I prefer physical sun protection over chemical sun protection on account of my sensitive skin and rosacea. However, with physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, you often have a thick, goopy substance that imparts a white cast to your skin when applied, due to the mineral ingredients that sit on top of the skin surface rather than being absorbed, like chemical ingredients.

In contrast, Physical Fusion UV Defense has a thin, liquidy consistency with a slight, skin-tone tint. Don’t worry, once you rub it in, this physical sunscreen is completely sheer. It works wonderfully under makeup, and did you notice that it has an SPF of 50 with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection? Impressive! And like any worthy sunscreen for your face, it’s paraben-free and non-comedogenic.

The Questionable: Physical Fusion UV Defense is not the cheapest sunscreen on the market at $34 for 1.7 oz. But as I tell everyone, there are three main things you can do to help maintain youthful skin: 1) Drink lots of water, 2) Get enough sleep, and 3) Wear sunscreen everyday.

Both 1 and 2 are free. If there’s one fountain of youth product we have, it’s sunscreen, so don’t let money stop you from buying a good product. Oh, and I should mention that I’m still squeezing out the last bits of that first tube I started using in the fall.

The Verdict: Physical Fusion UV Defense is the bomb! This is officially my sunscreen of choice. I wear foundation nearly every day, so having a sunscreen that is easy to apply and looks undetectable under makeup is a winner on all fronts. Plus, the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide guarantee instant sun protection (chemical sunscreens take about 20 minutes to activate) without the worry of possible skin irritation. I highly recommend this product.

Images: all author’s own