PRODUCT REVIEW: COCOKIND DAILY SPF MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 32 - BEST MINERAL SUNSCREEN FOR FACE, BEST SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
COCOKIND | DAILY SPF MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 32
This product review was originally part of my blog article titled, Three Amazing Sunscreens I Took with Me to Cabo from Supergoop, Cocokind and Cosrx. You can catch the full piece here.
__
As I had done on my trip to Cancun, I brought skincare with me that I could tell a fun-in-the-sun story around. This time, it was sunscreens. Plus, I was overdue for a piece on my latest sunscreens discoveries. I had last featured my finds of the best sunscreens for face on the blog in the summer of 2021 in an article titled, Surprisingly Light Sunscreens for a Hot Summer Day from Glossier, Supergoop! And Zitsticka. You can catch it here.
In the mid-summer article, I featured three of my favorite warm weather sunscreens, including one of the best sunscreens of all time: the Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Sunscreen Serum PA+++. If you haven’t yet had the chance to try this remarkably innovative, Vitamin-C powered brightening sunscreen, you’re really missing out.
I also featured Glossier’s Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ SPF 35 — one of the most lightweight sunscreens available. If you’re a makeup wearer or have oily skin, the Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ SPF 35 could be just what you’re looking for. It’s the best sunscreen for oily skin that I came across last year.
SURPRISINGLY LIGHT SUNSCREENS FROM GLOSSIER, SUPERGOOP! AND ZITSTICKA - BEST SUNSCREENS FOR OILY SKIN
Rounding out my picks was Zitsticka’s new MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Sunscreen Serum. Formulated especially for oily, acne-prone skin, it’s a perfectly legitimate sunscreen for the rest of us, too — particularly on a hot, humid summer day.
One of my favorite sunscreens of all time, and a staple for me in the summer or when traveling to a warm place, is the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk. I’ve included it in multiple blog articles, including one of my all-time faves, A Complete $100 Skincare Routine with The Inkey List, The Ordinary, Benton & More! (You can catch it here!)
I nearly always have my Skin Aqua Moisture Milk with me. It’s a light, slender bottle, making it perfect for your travel bag. And the formula itself is ridiculously lightweight. While I took it with me to sunny Palm Springs over Christmas weekend, I resisted taking it with me on the trip to Cabo.
PRODUCT REVIEW: SKIN AQUA SUPER MOISTURE MILK SPF 50 – ONE OF THE BEST SUNSCREENS FOR OILY SKIN
When I was working at Kiehl’s, my favorite of the brand’s many philosophies was that it’s essential to wear sunscreen even on cloudy, seemingly sunless days. Of course, the mistake so many people make is in thinking that they can somehow outsmart the sun; that they don’t need sun protection in winter or on a cloudy day. Truthfully, the sun’s rays always find a way to our skin.
It is essential to wear sunscreen even on cloudy seemingly sunless days.
While I make it a practice of consistently applying sunscreen every day, all year round, the one thing that isn’t consistent is the texture of the facial sunscreen product itself. Like most people, I prefer heavier skincare in the fall and winter, lighter skincare in spring and summer.
Of course, in a warmer climate like I was headed for in Mexico, a lighter sunscreen is more ideal. But it’s the dead of winter here in NYC and I need a heavier daily sunscreen. So I thought I’d mix it up on my trip. It’s been just over six months since I did a deep dive into sunscreens of any kind.
I thought it would be cool to take that deep dive in the waters off the coast of Cabo!
I packed three sunscreens, two of which are new and one more of a staple in my vast repertoire of facial sunscreen products. One is a straight up mineral sunscreen, one is a purely chemical sunscreen, and the third is a blend of mineral and chemical filters.
The newest of the three is the Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Sunscreen Oil PA+++. If it sounds familiar, it’s an extension of the original Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Sunscreen Serum PA+++. The new Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Sunscreen Oil is a rich oil, ideal for dry, low-humidity air and for a drier skin type. It’s been my go-to sunscreen over the last several weeks as the temperatures have dropped dramatically and my skin is in a constant battle to stay hydrated.
PRODUCT REVIEW: SUPERGOOP! MINERAL SHEERSCREEN SPF 30 PA+++ - BEST MINERAL SUNSCREEN FOR FACE FOR OILY SKIN
The second facial sunscreen I took with me to Cabo is the Cocokind Daily SPF Facial Sunscreen Lotion — the lone mineral sunscreen of the three. I’m a huge fan of Cocokind; it’s one of my favorite brand discoveries of 2021. Formulated with 21% Zinc Oxide, Daily SPF is relatively lightweight, with that bright white texture common to a mineral sunscreen made with Zinc Oxide.
Last is a personal favorite straight out of the Skincarma Vault, the floor-to-ceiling medicine cabinet which houses my regular and daily skincare stash. The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is the lightest of the three and a blend of both mineral and chemical sunscreens — including three Asian and European sun filter innovations: Amiloxate, Ensulizole and Tinosorb S.
I’m naturally drawn to sunscreen products from outside the US marketplace as they’re nearly always composed of the most innovative sun filter technologies, something we’re sorely lacking here.
Whether you use a sunscreen made with 1980s technology or one that’s straight out of a modern-day Japanese lab, what’s important is that you find a facial sunscreen you love to use so much that you wouldn’t even think of skipping it. That’s why I’m always talking about sunscreens. If I can get even one reader of this blog to find a facial sunscreen they love, I’d consider my mission accomplished!
With that, let’s take a deeper look at one of the best facial sunscreens I took with me on my trip to magical Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…
Cocokind | Daily SPF Mineral Sunscreen SPF 32
Cocokind is one of my favorite brand discoveries of the last year. I’ve been super intrigued by the clean, California-based brand and their firm commitment to sustainability. Notably, Cocokind has the most in-depth, product-specific information on a web page that I’ve ever seen.
In the early fall, I was super into the brand’s $19 Revitalizing Eye Cream. It’s a great formula with a dense, silky texture that makes it ideal for a seasonal drop in temperatures. It’s just thin enough to dispense from a tube. I love well-formulated eye creams that aren’t in jars! And it has one of those cooling metal applicator tips. It’s a real pleasure to use.
The Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser is a similarly pleasurable formula. If you’re not a fan of cleansing balms because they’re so rich and heavy on the skin, this one is super lightweight and has a light, milky texture when emulsified with warm water, making it surprisingly easy to wash off. I believe it to be most ideal for oily skin — something you rarely find in a cleansing balm.
You can catch my review of the Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser on the blog here.
PRODUCT REVIEW: COCOKIND OIL TO MILK CLEANSER - BEST CLEANSING BALM FOR OILY SKIN
The Cocokind Daily SPF Mineral Sunscreen SPF 32 is as much of a pleasure to use as the other Cocokind products I’ve experienced of late. Unlike the Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Sunscreen Oil PA+++, it’s a straight up mineral sunscreen.
Made with 21% non-nano Zinc Oxide, it has that white opaque texture you’d expect from a sunscreen with a high level of Zinc Oxide. And while I actually love its luxurious, velvety texture, what intrigues me most about it is the sustainability info on the product page for the Daily SPF at cocokind.com.
The Daily SPF tube is “40% sugarcane-derived LPDE 60% sugarcane-derived HDPE” and 100% recyclable. The product’s cap is made of virgin plastic, which is not recyclable. The box is 100% recyclable, consisting of “FSC paper with soy ink and water-based coating.”
I’ve never seen a similar level of transparency and detail from other skincare brands and hope they follow Cocokind’s lead. Have a look at this extraordinary product detail:
No Skincarma Blog review about sunscreen products and the importance of sun protection would be complete without mention of Jeanne and Susan, identical twin sisters.
Seriously, I can’t imagine a Skincarma Blog article about the best facial sunscreen products for the summer heat without an introduction to my friends Jeanne and Susan — identical twin sisters.
No, they're not my actual friends; in fact, we’ve never met. But I feel like I know them. As good friends would, they inspire me to be better — and to wear sunscreen every single day of the year. If you need proof of the very real effects of sun damage on your skin, look no further than these two ladies.
The sisters looked exactly alike growing up. But Susan has spent her life in Florida worshiping the sun (she’s also a heavy smoker!) while sister Jeanne lives in Ohio and has generally avoided overexposure to the sun (and smoking) throughout her life. While both were 61 when the adjacent photo was taken, a scientific study of Susan’s skin at Case Western Reserve University showed an 11-year age difference — Susan has extreme hyperpigmentation (sun spots), deeper wrinkles and degradation in skin elasticity.
Be a Jeanne, not a Susan!
What’s the Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens?
For some real insights, there’s an excellent article by the Paula’s Choice Research Team titled, Mineral vs. Synthetic Sunscreen Ingredients available here. In the piece, the experts explain the differences and benefits between mineral and chemical sunscreens — and even dispel a myth or two:
“The two types of sunscreen ingredients are mineral and synthetic [chemical], 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.
In addition to its anti-aging mineral sun filters, the Cocokind Daily SPF Mineral Sunscreen SPF 32 formula is infused with multiple pro-skin health actives. There are numerous non-fragrant plant oils that moisturize and replenish the skin. Among these are Argan Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil and Shea Butter.
There are several humectant, too, that help to prevent dehydrating trans-epidermal water loss, including high levels of Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice — at ingredient number five and six respectively.
Interestingly, the brand highlights the small amount of blue phytoplankton and microalgae in the formula. While they’re both replenishing and hydrating, they aren’t really included at high levels so let’s just say they’re nice to have.
What’s most important is the Daily SPF formula’s more powerful pro-skin health actives and its mineral sun filter, Zinc Oxide. And, it’s a pleasure to use, meaning you may just love it enough to get excited to apply a daily sunscreen!
What I like about it: The Cocokind Daily SPF Mineral Sunscreen SPF 32 is a straight up mineral sunscreen with a 21% level of Zinc Oxide. There are multiple moisturizing plant oils and humectants in the formula which give it an elegant texture and make it a pleasure to use. A sunscreen that’s such a pleasure to use means you’re more likely to use it.
What I don’t like about it: I wish it were an SPF 50. It also contains no highly effective UVA filters. These would, of course be chemical in nature. It’s always a trade off.
Who it’s for: All skin types, except very oily or acne-prone.
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Cocokind Daily SPF Mineral Sunscreen SPF 32 for $25 here.
The Best Sunscreens for Face
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
COOL CLEAN FACIAL SUNSCREENS TO KEEP US SAFE AND SMILING IN THE SUN!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
THE OPULUS BEAUTY LABS RETINOL SYSTEM – THE COOLEST RETINOL INNOVATION I’VE EVER SEEN
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
MY 2021 VITAMIN C PICKS + THE BEST VITAMIN C SERUMS TO BRIGHTEN UP THE COMPLEXION!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW OF
MY WINTER SKIN SAVIOR: SKINFIX BARRIER+ LIPID REPLENISHING SKINCARE
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
A COMPLETE K-BEAUTY ROUTINE WITH THE BEST FACIAL SKINCARE FROM PURITO, COSRX, MISSHA & MORE!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
THE YEAR’S BEST VITAMIN C SERUMS WITH PAULA'S CHOICE, SUNDAY RILEY, THE INKEY LIST AND MORE!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
THE BEST HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS FROM PAULA'S CHOICE, THE INKEY LIST, GHOST DEMOCRACY & MORE
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
The Ingredient List of the Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Sunscreen Oil PA++:
Avobenzone (2 percent), Homosalate (9 percent), Octisalate (5 percent), Octocrylene (10 percent), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polybutene, Ethyl Olivate, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Squalane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalene, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Ceramide NP (Ceramide III B), Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Phytosterols, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax.
The Ingredient List of the Cocokind Daily SPF:
sii|h 0 0, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice 
so|h, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil aox|emo, Tocopheryl Acetate aox 0 0, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil emo 0 0, Coco-Glucoside surf, Glyceryl Caprylate pres, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter emo|vc, Cetearyl Glucoside emu|surf, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside surf, Xanthan Gum vc, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate emo, Lecithin emo|emu, Polyhydroxystearic Acid emu, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate emu|vc, Isostearic Acid surf|emu, Oryza Sativa Starch vc, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate so|h, Bisabolol so, Caprylhydroxamic Acid chel, Sodium Phytate chel, Sclerotium Gum vc, Sucrose h|so, Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract h|so, Glucose h, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Tocopherol aox 0-3 0-3, C10 Alcohol emo|surf|vc, C8 Alcohol perfThe Ingredient List of the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++:
sii|h 0 0, Propylene Glycol h|solv|vc 0 0, Cyclopentasiloxane emo|solv, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid sunsc, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine sunsc, Dicaprylyl Carbonate emo, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate sunsc, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate emu|surf, Alcohol 
amic|solv|vc, Dimethicone emo 0 1, Butylene Glycol h|solv|vc 0 1, Glyceryl Stearate emo|emu 0 1-2, Titanium Dioxide sunsc|col, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 1 2, PEG-100 Stearate surf|emu 0 0, Triethanolamine buff 0 2, Silica vc, Sodium Hydroxide buff, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer vc, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside emu|surf, Aluminum Hydroxide emo|h|vc, Stearic Acid emo|vc 0 2-3, Fragrance perf, Caprylyl Glycol h|emo, Phenoxyethanol pres, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer vc, Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract(1,100 Ppm) h|so, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate so|h, Carbomer vc 0 1, Xanthan Gum vc, Limonene perf|solv, Tocopheryl Acetate aox 0 0, Disodium EDTA chel, Hexyl Cinnamal perf, Linalool perf, Benzyl Salicylate perf, Geraniol perf, Benzyl Alcohol pres|perf|solv|vc, Citronellol perf, Benzyl Benzoate solv|perf|amic, Citral perf
