PRODUCT REVIEW: INVISIBLE LIGHTWEIGHT DAILY FACE SUNSCREEN SPF 33 - THE BEST CLEAN MINERAL SUNSCREEN FOR FACE
GHOST DEMOCRACY | INVISIBLE LIGHTWEIGHT DAILY FACE SUNSCREEN SPF 33
This review was originally part of my blog article titled, New Sunscreens I'm Crushing on for Fall - Best Mineral Sunscreens for Face from Farmacy, Purito and More! You can catch the full article here.
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I first reviewed the clean indie brand Ghost Democracy early this year on my blog soon after the brand launched with a big, clean beauty splash!
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I think the brand’s Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum is one of my all-time favorites — and the benchmark for what I want from an oil-based Vitamin C treatment. High Vitamin C content, replenishing non-fragrant plant oils, soothing actives — and a clean, toxin-free formula. The stuff is, as I said, “nirvana in a bottle.”
So, I was super excited when Ghost Democracy introduced a clean mineral sunscreen last month. The Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 33 has been my go-to daily sunscreen off and on over the last two weeks or so. I’ve been juggling between this one and two others — and have looked forward to the Ghost Democracy sunscreen most.
It’s gonna be the perfect daily sunscreen during the chilly fall months. Why is that? Because it’s got just the right texture – not too light, not too thick. That’s what I want in my transitional skincare as the hot AF summer months cool down here in NYC.
What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
There’s an excellent article by the experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team titled, Mineral vs. Synthetic Sunscreen Ingredients available in the brand’s website here.
The two types of sunscreen ingredients are mineral and synthetic, and both are equally protective. Further reassuring is that each can be included in formulas created for every skin type. For example, if you have normal to oily skin, there are weightless, non-greasy options; if you have normal to dry skin, it’s possible to find skin-smoothing, hydrating SPF products.
What’s the Difference Between Mineral and Synthetic Sunscreen Ingredients?
The differences aren't about which type is more effective; rather, it comes down to personal preference and how sensitive your skin is—mineral sunscreens are considered the most gentle options.
Mineral sunscreens: There are only two mineral sunscreen ingredients: titanium dioxideand zinc oxide. They work in skin's uppermost layers to both absorb and, to a lesser extent, deflect and scatter the sun’s harmful rays. These mineral ingredients are sometimes referred to as physical sunscreens or physical blockers, although that’s not a factual representation of how they work.
Synthetic sunscreens: There are over 30 synthetic sunscreen ingredients, all of which absorb into the top layers of skin, where they work similar to mineral sunscreens: by scattering and deflecting the sun’s harmful rays, and by converting UV rays into heat and “deactivating” them. (Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing.) Common synthetic sunscreen ingredients include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone. These are sometimes labeled “chemical sunscreens,” which is both misleading and false. All skin care ingredients, even water, are chemicals.
Like all of Ghost Democracy’s formulas, it’s free of any toxic substances including drying alcohol, fragrance and fragrant plant oils. Instead, Ghost Democracy infused it with lots of goodness, the kind of stuff skin loves. Like 4.0% Niacinamide to clear out pores. And antioxidants like Artichoke Leaf Extract and Turmeric Extract that protects skin from environmental damage and works with the Niacinamide to brighten the complexion.
Of course, what counts most is the 20.0% Zinc Oxide and the fact that Invisible Lightweight sunscreen is indeed invisible! As with most mineral sunscreens, it takes a minute to settle into the skin. But once it does, you’re good to go.
It works well for all skin types in my estimation. If you’re oily, you can actually use just this. It doesn’t contain any plant oils but does contain Caprylic/capric triglyceride — a derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that’s both emollient replenishing without being excessively oily on the skin.
And at just over $30, it doesn’t get much better!
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 33 for $33 here.
The Ingredient List of the the Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 33:
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20.0%
Inactive Ingredients:Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose Palmitate-Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Sucrose Laurate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Benzyl Alcohol, DehydroaceticAcid, Sodium Phytate
