Dawn Siler

It happens. Every. Single. Time.

Whenever I review a Vitamin C serum, inevitably someone asks, “how does it compare to Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum?”

Short answer: it’s great dupe for pricier options like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and Paula’s Choice C15 Booster. But the super high Vitamin C content makes me think twice before recommending it to everyone.

Long answer: read the review below.

Key Ingredients In Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure form of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that:

If you’re serious about antiaging, you need this baby in your skincare routine. But be careful! L-Ascorbic Acid has a couple of side effects you should be aware of:

• Unstable: It goes bad quickly when exposed to light and air. Timeless guarantees its effectiveness for only 3 months. Buy it only when you’re ready to use it daily. If the serum has turned brown, it’s too late. It’s useless. Throw it away!
• Irritation: High concentrations of L-Ascorbic Acid – especially at the low pH (below 3) it needs to work its magic – can irritate skin, especially if it’s sensitive.

Irritation is the reason why I don’t recommend Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum to just anyone. I have clients who can use 15% Vitamin C without problems, but the second they up their dose, their skin turns into a red, flaky mess.

The trick to using Vitamin C is to start small. Begin with a 10% concentration, move on to 15% and then upgrade to 20+% doses. Even then, if your skin is sensitive, it may not like anything above 10-15%.

Both Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and Paula’s Choice C15 Booster use 15% Ascorbic Acid. For most people, that’s more than enough. But if your skin can take the extra load and you’d like to save some $$$, Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum is a great step forward.

P.S. Timeless has packaged the serum in a blue dark bottle that keeps it safe from light. But air can still get through and spoil the formula whenever you open the bottle (it has a pump dispenser). Unfortunately, it’s rare to find a Vitamin C serum that doesn’t use this type of packaging, so use yours quickly!

Related: My Vitamin C Serum Has Turned Brown! Can I Still Use It?

VITAMIN E AND FERULIC ACID

Vitamin C is an antiaging superstar, but that doesn’t mean it should play alone. Studies show it works even better when paired with fellow antioxidants Vitamin E and Ferulic acid.

Ferulic acid itself is an antioxidant on steroids. While most antioxidants only destroy one type of free radicals (that’s why I always say, the more the merrier), ferulic acid fights THREE different types on its own! How cool is that?

But it’s when paired with Vitamin C that Ferulic acid (and Vitamin E) really shines. Here’s what they do together:

1. They boost one another’s effectiveness (they don’t become ineffective as quickly as they would on their own)
2. They enhance your sunscreen’s protection, helping you fight sun damage and premature wrinkles

Whatever Vitamin C serum you go for, make sure these two are in it, too.

Related: Why You Should Add Ferulic Acid To Your Skincare Routine

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of Hyaluronic Acid, a moisture magnet on steroids.

Hyaluronic Acid attracts moisture into the skin and binds it there. It’s so powerful, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!

All that extra moisture plumps up your skin, makes it softer and gives it a dewy glow.

Related: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic VS Timeless 20% Vitamin C Serum: Which One Is Better?

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum has a lightweight liquidy, slightly oily (blame it on the Vitamin E) texture that sinks in almost immediately.

The scent isn’t the best. Timeless didn’t add any fragrance, so what you’re smelling is the ingredients. Let’s just say Ferulic acid doesn’t exactly smell of roses! But if you can get past that, the results are worth it.

Let’s be honest here: even the best antiaging ingredients won’t boost your collagen or fade away your dark spots overnight. That’s why I’ve been using Vitamin C every day in my skincare routine for the past 10 years.

As my skin is used to Vitamin C, Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum simply maintained the status quo. It keeps my skin firmer and my complexion glowing.

If you’re newer to Vitamin C, you’ll see a bigger improvement – at least in terms of brightness – fairly quickly. Keep using it consistently and it’ll improve the texture of your skin and help you age more slowly.

I can’t imagine doing without my daily fix now.

Available at: $25.95/£21.54 at Yes Style

Have you tried Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum? Share your experience in the comments below.

Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Alpha Tocopherol, Polysorbate 80, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzylalcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

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Can you get your Vitamin D fix from a cream?

Getting it from foods is hard. Barely any have it! The sun gives you plenty – together with wrinkles and dark spots. A supplement seems like the safest bet, but what if you don’t like to pop a pill?

It’s tempting to turn to the Vitamin D serums and oils that are popping up on the skincare aisles atm. But do they have what it takes to do the job?

Yes and no. Here’s how topical application of Vitamin D really benefits your skin:

How Does Vitamin D benefit skin?

Your body needs Vitamin D to stay healthy. This nutrient prevents rickets and osteoporosis, keeps your teeth in good condition, helps prevent cancer and may even have a role in metabolic syndrome and heart disease.

You won’t get any of those benefits from Vitamin D creams and serums. Here’s what they can do for you instead:

Not bad. But I expected a bit more from it, didn’t you?

Related: How To Get Your Vitamin D Fix Without Skipping Sunscreen

What Are The Best Skincare Products With Vitamin D?

Here’s where things gets tricky. Most skincare products with Vitamin D don’t really contain any Vitamin D. Here are a couple of examples:

• Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil ($72.00): It has 7-Dehydrocholestero, a form of provitamin D that’s converted into Vitamin D by sunlight. But it also has plenty of natural oils and antioxidants to keep skin soft and wrinkle-free for longer (that’s what makes it worth getting). Available at Dermstore, Sephora and Ulta.
• One Love Organics Vitamin D Moisture Mist ($39.00): It has Shiitake Mushroom, a source of Vitamin D. But we don’t know how much or if it’s enough to deliver its skincare benefits. Still, the mist has aloe vera and probiotics that can soothe skin. If you have sensitive skin, it may be worth a go. Available at Dermstore.
• Zelens Power D High Potency Provitamin D Treatment Drops (£115.00): It uses 7-Dehydrocholestero, a form of provitamin D that’s converted into Vitamin D by sunlight, and a bunch of mushrooms full of Vitamin D. We don’t know if these work just as well, but at least the rest of the formula is super moisturising. If you have dry skin and have an extra £100+ to spare, you may like this. Available at Cult Beauty.

There’s so little research on the benefits of Vitamin D when topically applied to the skin, we don’t know how well these forms of Vitamin D really work.

But hey, at least these products have enough other goodies to help moisturise your skin, fight wrinkles and soothe irritations.

Should You Use Skincare Products With Vitamin D?

I wouldn’t buy a cream or serum just because it has Vitamin D. But if the product is loaded with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturising ingredients that can help treat your skin woes, why hold the inclusion of Vitamin D against it?

Have you ever used skincare products with Vitamin D? Share your experience in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

You know how everybody says parabens are evil? I don’t agree with them. Me loves some parabens.

What Are Parabens?

Parabens is a family of ingredients based on parahydroxybenzoic acid. Its members, like in any other family, are closely related and have lots of stuff in common. But, each one of them also has its own personality (known in the scientific world as chemical and toxicological properties) that distinguishes them from the rest of the clan. So, it’s wrong to paint them all with the same, ugly brush.

The most common types of parabens used in cosmetics are:

• Butylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben

So, What Are Parabens Doing In My Cosmetics?

Parabens are powerful preservatives. They’re really good at killing both the fungi and bacteria that somehow find their way inside our makeup and skincare products (for example, when we swipe our dirty fingers into a jar of moisturizer) and give us some nasty infection.

It’s thanks to parabens if we can enjoy our fave products for years and years, without fear of ending up in the doctor’s office. Aren’t they awesome?

So, What’s The Problem With Parabens?

None, really, but you know scaremongers. They’re paranoid. They like to find fault with everything and spread nasty rumours around, sometimes so convincingly it’s easy to believe what they say if you haven’t checked out the scientific literature yourself (and who the heck has the time to do that?).

Critics accuse parabens of easily penetrating through the skin and:

1. harm our reproductive system (in particular, reduce sperm count)
2. cause breast cancer
3. cause premature aging
4. accumulate in the body till they reach a dangerous level that can cause all the issues above and more

Worrying stuff, huh? Don’t fret just yet. Let’s take a look at what the science say and debunk one controversy at a time, ok?

Controversy #1: Do Parabens Harm Our Reproductive System?

Critics accuse parabens of mimicking estrogen, causing all sorts of issues to our, and our men’s, reproductive system, including reducing sperm count. Their source is a 1998 study titled “Some Al kyl Hydroxy Benzoate Preservatives (Parabens) Are Estrogenic.” With a name like that, the case should be closed, right?

Wrong. Why?

1. The study was performed on rats. We’re nor rats (well, some of us are, but that’s another problem).

2. The rats either ate the parabens or were injected with them. We don’t eat cosmetics or inject them into our bodies (although parabens are used as preservatives in food, so we do eat some of them).

3. The dose of parabens given to the rats is 4000 higher than those used in cosmetics. Anything at a high enough dose will harm you.

The results?

Butylparaben and methylparaben showed NO estrogenic activity.

Other parabens showed a VERY weak estrogenic activity (100,000 weaker than the natural estrogens our bodies naturally produce).

And that at incredibly high doses. Only minuscule quantities of parabens are used in cosmetics. For example, less than 0.19% of butylparaben is present in a moisturizer, and only 4% of that penetrates the skin.

Do you know how many skincare products you’d have to apply every day to reach a level when parabens can harm you? Way more than even the most famous of beauty bloggers have in their homes!

Not convinced yet? Then, hear this. There are THREE studies (all reliable ones, this time) that claim parabens do NOT mimic estrogen! Three! And they’re all ignored in favour of the only one that’s flawed!

I guess that’s human nature, to completely ignore everything that doesn’t fit in with your theory. *sighs*

Should You Worry About Parabens Harming Your Reproductive System?

Nope. They don’t mimic estrogen, so there’s no reason to worry.

Controversy #2: Do Parabens Cause Breast Cancer?

Critics also accuse parabens of causing breast cancer. To prove their theory, they cite a 2004 study called “Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours.” 20 tissue samples were removed from human breast tumours and tested for parabens. Parabens were in almost all of them.

Terrified? Worry not, my beautiful smart friend. This study, like the previous one, is DEEPLY flawed.

1. Only 20 samples were tested. That’s way too low.

2. Patients’ history wasn’t recorded. We don’t know if they used products with parabens (not all of them have parabens, after all). But, parabens, are used as preservatives in some treatments for breast cancer. Maybe that’s how they ended there?

3. There was NO control. That means diseased tissued wasn’t compared to healthy tissue. If parabens were found in healthy tissue, as well, they obviously wouldn’t be the cause of cancer. Just because something is there, doesn’t mean it’s doing something nasty. Heck, water is present in cancerous breast tissue, too. Do we want to blame that as well?

4. Even the authors of the study stated in their conclusion that the presence of parabens didn’t prove they were the cause of cancer. Yet, everyone else assumes they are!

Should You Worry About Parabens Causing Breast Cancer?

Nope. And, you shouldn’t worry about them causing any other type of cancer, either.

Controversy #3: Do Parabens Cause Wrinkles?

Critics have recently started to blame parabens for premature aging, as well (they’re already so hated, so why not?). The study they picked this time is to support this theory is “Combined Activation of Methyl Paraben by Light Irradiation and Esterase Metabolism Toward Oxidative DNA Damage.” The study found that methylparaben can create reactive oxygen species (aka ROS, they’re a cause of premature aging and DNA damage) when exposed to sunlight.

There are a couple of things wrong with this study, too (you’d think that, by now, they’d have learn to read a scientific paper, but, nope).

1. The study was performed in vitro. How can we know if methylparaben has the same effect on animals or humans? It’s not automatic!

2. Methylparaben was in an acqueous solution. That increases the number of ROS created, because it exposes meythylparaben to a lot more sunlight. When applied on the skin, methylparaben is partly absorbed by the body and, after 6 hours, only 5% of it remains intact on the surface. 

Should You Worry About Parabens Causing Premature Aging?

Nope. There’s no proof that, when applied on the skin, parabens can cause wrinkles or damage DNA.

Controversy # 4: Do Parabens Accumulate In The Body?

If you’ve read the previous paragraph, you know the critics are right about one thing (well, that had to happen – it’s the law of probability): parabens can penetrate the skin. But, do they accumulate enough to harm us?

A 2007 French study asked the same question, and answered it, too. Researchers applied 0.45mg of parabes to the skin every 12 hours for 36 hours.

The scary part? Repeated application does increase the amount of parabens that can penetrate the skin for the first 24 hours. Makes sense, the more you apply, the more gets in, right?

The reassuring part? Parabens have no cumulative effect after 36 hours.

Here’s how it works: when parabens enter the body, enzymes in the skin break them down into other substances that are gotten rid of through urine.

Should YouI Worry About Parabens Accumulation?

Nope. Your body is amazing, and gets rid of them for you.

The real problem with parabens (That No One Is Talking About)

Preservatives aren’t really the nicest of ingredients. They’re killers, so they can’t be super gentle. That’s why, sometimes, parabens can cause irritations or even allergic reactions. But, these cases are very rare. Getting an infection from an improperly preserved (or not preserved at all) product is almost a certainty.

So, Are Parabens Safe?

Yep. After concerns about the safety of parabens were raised, the EU’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS), which is made of INDEPENDENT experts, investigated the case further. They concluded that parabens are SAFE for use in cosmetics at up the following concentrations:

• Ethylparaben: 0.4%
• Methylparaben: 0.4%
• Butylparaben + propylparaben: 0.19%
• Total paraben concentration (ie. a mix of them): 0.8%

P.S. These are the MAXIMUM concentrations allowed. In practice, any makeup or skincare products is unlikely to contain more than 0.5% of parabens. That’s far below the 0.8% safety limit.

But, Wait About Parabens Alternatives: Are They Safer?

Nope. Those that are as effective, like formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, are harsher and even more controversial. Those that are gentle, and even natural, either protect against bacteria OR fungi, not both. I don’t know about you, but I won’t be switching any time soon.

Isn’t it ironic, though, how the same people who claim are trying to make cosmetics safer are actually making them a lot less safe?

Related: Parabens Alternatives: Which Ones Are Safe And Effective?

Parabens won’t harm you. Improperly preserved products will.Click to Tweet

The Bottom Line

Wow, that was a lot of info, wasn’t it? Let’s recap:

1. Reputable science says that parabens are safe in the tiny amounts used in cosmetics.

2. All the studies used to prove parabens are bad are flawed, or can’t be applied to humans.

3. Your body naturally gets rid of all the parabens that manage to penetrate through the skin within 36 hours.

4. Paraben alternatives are either harsher or less effective.

5. Bonus: parabens are broken down naturally in the environment, so they don’t cause pollution, either!

If new information proving parabens are bad will come to light in the future, I will certainly let you know and change my opinion. But I highly doubt that will happen. Parabens are safe. There’s only one reason not to use them: if you develop a negative reaction, like a rash or allergy, to them. But, again, that’s very rare.

I hope that reassured you. Enjoy your products safely. You deserve it.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Learning how to take good care of our skin is hard enough. It gets even harder when we’re constantly bombarded by misleading advice and overblown marketing claims to make us splurge on products we don’t need and waste time with things that don’t work.

That’s why today we’re going to bust 4 of these common skincare myths. Ready? Here we go:

Myth #1: Skincare products with collagen firm skin and fight wrinkles

If only it were that easy!

It’s true our skin needs collagen. It’s this protein that gives our skin its texture and structure, and keeps it firm and supple. But, like everything else, it depletes with age. After we turn 21, we lose 1% a year. And, the more you lose, the more easily wrinkles form.

So, it’s easy to assume that a cream with collagen can replenish the collagen that we have naturally lost. Sadly, it doesn’t work this way.

You see, for collagen to work this way, it’d have to penetrate deep into the skin. But, it can’t. Collagen is too big to penetrate the skin. It stays on the surface, where it hydrates skin.

So, it’s not useless. But not even the miracle worker it is claimed to be.

If you’re really interested in replenishing lost collagen, here are some better ways to do it.

Related: 8 Science-Backed Ways To Rebuild Lost Collagen For Younger, Firmer Skin

Myth #2: You need a separate eye cream

Don’t get me wrong. You do need a cream. It just doesn’t need to be labelled eye cream. Any cream, as long as it is well-formulated and fragrance-free, will do the trick.

You see, there aren’t special ingredients just for the eye area. The moisturizing ingredients, sunscreen actives, antioxidants, etc that are used in facial moistuirzers are used in eye creams as well. Check out the ingredients of your eye and face creams, if you don’t believe me. They’re the same?

So, why are you spending twice as much money for a much smaller pot (those eye creams are quite expensive!)?

Because the eye area is delicate and thinner? True, but anything that irritates it, would irritate the rest of your face, too.

Or maybe because the eye area has specific concerns, like dark circles and undereye bags? True again. But, have you ever found a skincare product that makes them disappear? Me neither. So, why are you buying them?

What the undereye area needs is exactly what the rest of your face needs: a moisturizing cream rich with antioxidants and no fragrance. So, just find a good moisturizer and apply it everywhere. It works like a charm, and saves you money, too.

Related: Why You Don’t Need An Eye Cream (And What To Use Instead)

Myth #3: Drinking lots of water will keep skin hydrated

Water is pretty much the only thing I drink (that, and an orange juice or smoothie once in a while), and let me tell you, I still suffer from dry skin from time to time.

Fixing dry skin is not simply a matter of giving it more water. It’s a matter of helping skin retain water. Skin becomes dry when its protective barrier is damaged, allowing water to evaporate.

You could drink 20 glasses of water a day, but if you don’t repair this protective barrier, they won’t do nothing for you (they’ll just make you spend more time in the bathroom).

By all means, do drink water. Just don’t forget to apply an occlusive moisturizer to help skin retain moisture and stay hydrated.

Related: Why Drinking 8 Glasses Of Water A Day Won’t Fix Your Dry Skin

Myth #4: Skincare Products can eliminate cellulite, stretch marks, and wrinkles

We’re all looking for the magic potion that can get rid of all imperfections forever. But, if such a wonder existed, we’d know. We’d all rush to buy it, and no one would have cellulite, stretch marks, and wrinkles anymore.

Instead, we still have them, don’t we?

That’s not to say these products are completely useless. They often can improve the appearance of cellulite or wrinkles, so they look smaller. But, when their effects are over, the imperfections are still there, as big as before.

Some creams can also help prevent wrinkles. The very few that can get rid of them work extremely slowly, and they never eliminate them completely.

As for stretch marks, some creams can get rid of them, but only if they’re brand new.

So, don’t buy the hype. If something seems too good to be true, it usually doesn’t work.

Related: 5 Unnecessary Skincare Products You Should Stop Wasting Money On

Talking about skincare myths, there are many skincare claims that don’t mean what they imply. For a list of misleading marketing terms that mean nothing, click on the image below and download the “Misleading Skincare Claims Cheatsheet”:

What other skincare myths would you like to bust?

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Did you know? Astral Intensive Moisturiser Original is now available in a new flavour, Shea Butter.

I love this new version so much more. Don’t get me wrong. The original formula is still a trusted staple that keeps my drier-than-the-Sahara body skin soft and supple all day long.

But the Shea Butter version has a couple of things going for it that won over my heart. Here’s why:

Key Ingredients In Astral Intensive Moisturiser

Let’s start with the ingredients Astral Intensive Moisturiser Original and Astral Intensive Moisturiser With Shea Butter have in common, shall we?

Glycerin To Hydrate Skin

Glycerin is a moisture magnet. Literally.

Like a magnet, it attracts water from the air and dumps it into the skin. Your skin then uses the extra moisture for, well… everything.

It plumps up so fine lines and wrinkles look smaller. It gets softer to the touch. And it takes on a dewy glow.

Related: Why Is Glycerin In Every Skincare Product?

Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Paraffin & Petrolatum To Moisturise Skin

Wait, does Astral Intensive Moisturiser contains not one, but ALL 3, oil-derived nasties?!

Not so fast. These moisturizing ingredients aren’t as bad as you think. Yes, they’re derived from petroleum. But they’re NOT petroleum. Before they’re put into the cream, they undergo a strict purifying process to remove all toxins. So, no, they won’t give you cancer. 

They won’t clog your pores either. At least not when used alone. They work by creating a protective barrier on the skin that slows down water loss. 

It also traps any other ingredients that’s on your skin. So if you’re slathering on a cream or serum with comedogenic ingredients beforehand, you may get a pimple or two. Avoid those and your skin will be fine.

But why are they here anyway? Mineral oil, paraffin and petrolatum are super moisturising. The barrier they create strengthens your skin’s protective barrier, keeps moisture in and makes your skin soft and smooth for hours.

Related: 5 Myths About Mineral Oil You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

Lanolin To Protect And Moisturise Skin

Lanolin is another ingredient with an undeserved bad rep. Back in the day, it’d be contaminated with pesticides that gave people bad allergic reactions.

These days, things have changed. Lanolin undergoes a purification process that removes all pesticides and other impurities. Phew!

But what the heck is lanolin anyway? The greasy, yellow substance sheep naturally produce to protect themselves from harsh weather. (FYI, no sheep are hurt in the making of lanolin for skincare purposes).

Lanolin is another great moisturiser. It locks in moisture, preventing it from evaporating into thin air. Now forced into the skin, all that moisture makes even the driest of skin all soft and smooth.

Related: Is Lanolin Good For Skin?

Astral Intensive Moisturiser Original

Let’s start with the original version, shall we?

Astral Intensive Moisturiser Original is THICK. It takes a while to absorb even on dry skin. But when it does…

I’ve already told you my skin is super dry, right? It gets better in summer, but during the cold winter, I need to apply a heavy body butter every single day to keep it happy.

This one fits the bill. It’s super moisturising and keeps my skin soft and supple for hours. I put it on in the morning and when I go to bed at night, my skin’s still soft.

Astral says you can use it as a face moisturizer or makeup remover. I personally find it too thick for that, but that’s just personal preference.

If you have very dry skin on your face or like cleansing with heavy butters, this will do the job just fine.

One more thing: the Original version has a fresh, clean scent. I prefer my skincare products fragrance-free, but this one is pretty innocuous and pleasant.

Astral Intensive Moisturiser With Shea Butter

What makes Astral Intensive Moisturiser With Shea Butter different from the original?

For starters, it smells like shea butter. Duh! It’s such a small thing, but I’ve come to love the smell over the years. For me, this is more pleasant to use.

The texture’s just a smidgen less thick than the Original. It still takes a while to absorb, but again, if you have dry skin you’ll hardly mind that. It’s a sign of how moisturising it is.

This takes me to the formula. The main difference here is the addition of shea butter, one of the most moisturising substances on this planet. Studies show, it’s even more moisturising than mineral oil (which is here, too!).

It also has less fillers (think preservatives and thickeners) than the Original, so it’s less likely to cause irritations to sensitive skin.

I’m totally switching. What about you?

Available at: £9.99 at Amazon and Superdrug

Have you tried Astral Intensive Moisturiser In Original and With Shea Butter? Let me know which one is your fave below.

Astral Intensive Moisturiser Original Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Paraffin, Lanolin, Ozokerite, Lanolin Alcohol, Petrolatum, Isopropyl Myristate, Magnesium Sulfate, Parfum (Fragrance), Propylparaben, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Amyl Cinnamon, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool.

Astral Intensive Moisturiser With Shea Butter Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Paraffin, Lanolin, Ozokerite, Lanolin Alcohol, Petrolatum, Shea Butter, Isopropyl Myristate, Magnesium Sulfate, Parfum (Fragrance), Propylparaben, Hexyl Cinnamal, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Coumarin, Limonene.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Are you confused by EltaMD sunscreens?

The brand has a dozen formulas and they’re all so similar! For starters, all of them use zinc oxide, a mineral filter that provide gentle, broad spectrum protection from ALL UV rays – ON ITS OWN.

The catch? It’s thick and leaves a white cast behind. That’s why EltaMD never uses it alone. It pairs it with other UV filters so you can still get excellent protection without the unpleasant texture.

Question is, which combination is right for you? Here’s the complete guide to EltaMD sunscreens to help you pick the best formula for your skin type and needs:

Best For Acne Prone: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($35.00)

UV Filters: Part mineral, part synthetic, it has 9.0% Zinc oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate. Octinoxate helps to increase the SPF of the sunscreen without leaving a white cast behind.

Other ingredients: Niacinamide + hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates skin, while niacinamide does everything else: it shrinks pores, soothes irritations, strengthens the skin’s protective barrier and helps treat acne.

Texture: Oil-free, the lightweight texture dries to a slightly matte finish. It’s available in both a tinted and non-tinted version. The non-tinted version leaves a subtle white cast on the skin.

Water-resistant: No.

Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: What Are The Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin?

Best For Sensitive Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44 ($34.00)

UV Filters: An all mineral sunscreen, it has 10.0% Zinc oxide and 5.5% Titanium dioxide.

Other Ingredients: Silicone-based, this sunscreen has Hyaluronic Acid, a moisture magnet that attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Texture: Oily-free, the lightweight texture dries to a slightly matte finish and leaves no white cast behind.

Water-resistant: Up to 40 minutes.

Best For: Sensitive oily skin that needs a basic, irritants-free formula.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: 9 Ways To Soothe Sensitive Skin

Best For Light Daily Exercise: EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($32.00)

UV Filters: An all-mineral sunscreen, it has 10.0% Zinc oxide and 5.5% Titanium dioxide.

Other Ingredients: Silicone-based, this sunscreen has Hyaluronic Acid, a moisture magnet that attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Texture: Oil-free, the lightweight texture leaves a white cast on the skin.

Water-resistant: Up to 40 minutes.

Best For: Light daily exercise, all skin types.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: Why Does My Skin Look White In Photos?

Best For Rosacea: EltaMD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41 ($31.00)

UV Filters: An all mineral sunscreen, it has 9.0% Zinc oxide and 7.0% Titanium dioxide.

Other Ingredients: Linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Texture: Oil-free, tinted and fairly thick.

Water-resistant: Up to 40 minutes.

Best For: Sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: How To Deal With Rosacea

Best For Dry Skin: EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($28.50)

UV Filters: 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate. This hybrid sunscreen uses both synthetic and mineral UV filters to provide maximum protection without the grease factor.

Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid adds moisture to the skin, while petrolatum seals it in and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.

Texture: Rich and emollient. Available in tinted and non-tinted version. The non-tinted version leaves a white cast behind.

Water-resistant: No.

Best For: Dry skin.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Best For Sports (Dry Skin): EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 ($24.50)

UV Ingredients: A hybrid sunscreen with both mineral and synthetic UV filters, it has 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.50% Octinoxate and 5.0% Octisalate to provide broad-spectrum sunscreen in a water-resistant, long-lasting texture.

Other Ingredients: Beeswax + silicones to allow the sunscreen to better adhere to the skin and provide sun protection that lasts.

Texture: Heavy, feels greasy on the skin.

Water-resistant: Up to 80 minutes.

Best For: Girls with dry skin not prone to breakouts who spend a long time exercising outdoors.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: Is Octinoxate In Sunscreen Dangerous?

Best For Active Outdoor Days (Normal & Oily Skin): Elta MD Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 ($25.00)

UV Ingredients: An all mineral sunscreen with 10.0% Zinc oxide and 5.5% Titanium dioxide.

Other Ingredients: Silicone-based, it has a couple of antioxidants (Vitamin C and E) to help fight wrinkles.

Texture: Silky with a dry finish. Leaves a subtle white cast behind.

Water-resistant: Up to 80 minutes.

Best For: Girls with normal and oily skin who spend a lot of time exercising outdoors.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: 6 Things To Look For When Buying Sunscreen

Best For Touch-Ups (Normal & Oily Skin): EltaMD UV Spray Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($31.50)

UV Ingredients: Part mineral, part synthetic, it has 9.3% Zinc oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate. Octinoxate helps to increase the SPF of the sunscreen without leaving a white cast behind.

Other Ingredients: Silicones to give the texture a silky feeling and a matte finish.

Texture: Oily free, silky and lightweight. It doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin.

Water-resistant: Up to 80 minutes.

Best For: Girls with normal and oily skin who want to touch up their sunscreen during the day without ruining their makeup.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: How To Reapply Sunscreen Without Ruining Your Makeup

Best For Normal To Dry: EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 ($26.00)

UV Ingredients: Part mineral, part synthetic, it has 9.0% Zinc oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate. Octinoxate helps to increase the SPF of the sunscreen without leaving a white cast behind.

Other Ingredients: Isopropyl Palmitate and Cetearyl Alcohol, two moiturizing ingredients that make skin softer and smoother.

Texture: Oil-free and smooth, with a dewy finish.

Water-resistant: No.

Best For: Normal to dry skin.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: How To Care For Normal Skin

Best For Touch-Ups (Combination Skin): EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 ($32.50)

UV Filters: Part mineral, part synthetic, it has 9.3% Zinc oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate. Octinoxate helps to increase the SPF of the sunscreen without leaving a white cast behind.

Other Ingredients: Silicones to give the texture a silky feeling and a matte finish.

Texture: Oil-free, matte, leaves a subtle white cast behind (I personally think the Spray version is better).

Water-resistant: Up to 80 minutes.

Best For: Girls with combination skin who want to touch up their sunscreen during the day without ruining their makeup.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: How To Care For Combination Skin

Best For Dry Body Skin: EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ ($35.00)

UV Filters: Part mineral, part physical, it has 7.5% Octinoxate and 7.0% Zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast behind.

Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid adds moisture to the skin, while petrolatum seals it in and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.

Texture: Creamy and silky, it leaves a very subtle white cast on the skin.

Water-resistant: No.

Best For: Dry body skin.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Related: Is Zinc Oxide The Best UV Filter Ever?

What do you think is the best EltaMD sunscreen for you? Share your pick in the comments below.

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