Sunscreen: it’s both a skincare essential and a healthcare essential, if you ask us. If you ask the folks over at Altruist, the dermatologist-developed (and super affordable) sunscreen brand that’s taking the world by storm, we suspect they’ll tell you the same thing. Quality sunscreen is more than just a skincare product you can use to prevent photoaging; it’s, along with responsible sun exposure, your best weapon in the prevention of skin cancer.
Here at Care to Beauty, we’re all about sunscreen: we love wearing it, we love testing it, and we love helping you figure out which products suit your needs the best. Accordingly, today we’re taking a good hard look at five of the best sunscreens that Altruist has to offer. You may be surprised at some of the products you’re about to see!
On this post:
Altruist: The Brand in Review
| Country of Origin | UK |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Brand Type | Sun Care |
| Our Best Selling Product | Altruist Sunscreen SPF50 |
| Author’s Favorite | Altruist Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF50 |
| 3 Reasons To Buy | – Affordable sunscreen products in multiple textures – Extremely high PPD ratings (as high as 52) – The chance to buy a one-liter bottle of sunscreen! |
Top 5 Altruist Sunscreens
Before we get into specific products, there are a few things you need to know about Altruist sunscreens. First, they’re all fragrance-free, which is great news if your skin tends to react to fragranced products. Second, you’ll like to know that every sunscreen on this list is water-resistant; you’ll still need to reapply it to ensure good coverage after swimming or sweating (say, during outdoor sports), but you won’t have to stress out as much. Third, every sunscreen here is vegan-friendly; Altruist products are free from animal-derived ingredients, so you can incorporate them into your vegan skincare routine without harm.
So, now that the housekeeping’s done, shall we get to the products?
Altruist Sunscreen SPF50
The hard-working cream sunscreen
Altruist Sunscreen SPF50
What it is: a sunscreen with a creamy texture, as nourishing and easy to apply as a moisturizer. The formula features a combination of photostable UV filters (take notes: Avobenzone, Ensulizole, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Tinosorb S, Titanium Dioxide, and Uvinul T 150) for broad spectrum protection. Last, but not least, the UVA protection is extremely high: a whopping PPD 52!
Why we like it: in this day and age of ultralight sunscreens, it’s getting harder and harder to find sunscreens with a good old creamy texture. This one fits the bill, with a rich texture that is nonetheless pretty easy to apply (and quick to absorb). The high PPD is also impressive, and a huge selling point for those prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation (like the author of this post!).
Altruist Sunscreen SPF30
The versatile sunscreen that never runs out
Altruist Sunscreen SPF30
What it is: a 1-liter bottle of broad spectrum sunscreen that combines a whopping number of photostable UV filters (here it goes: Avobenzone, Ensulizole, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Tinosorb A2B). Tinosorb A2B, the latest addition to the Tinosorb range of sun filters, is particularly good at covering a very specific spot in the UVA radiation range that the other filters can’t quite cover–for this reason, it helps ensure broad spectrum protection. PPD is once again pretty high: PPD 39.
Why we like it: this sunscreen is also available in a 200ml tube, but we’re a little obsessed with this 1-liter bottle. Can you imagine how long it’ll take you to run out of sunscreen if you get this? And (before you think we only like the bottle) the formula inside is pretty good too. Use it on your face, use it on your arms and shoulders during a day out, use it all over during a beach day–the sky’s the limit!
Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50
The ideal choice for a family vacation
Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50
What it is: a super practical, spray-on sunscreen suitable for entire family–including babies and children 6 months and up. Included in this family-friendly formula are 7 sun filters (Avobenzone, Ensulizole, Octisalate, Tinosorb S, Uvasorb HEB, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150) and absolutely no fragrance–in order to make this sunscreen as inclusive as possible. This sunscreen delivers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation, with SPF50 and PPD 48.
Why we like it: here at Care to Beauty, we’re huge fans of trigger spray sunscreens. The bottles are easy to handle, which makes the sunscreen itself easy to apply on adults and kids alike, and the formulas tend to be pretty lightweight too. All of these things are, of course, essentials when trying to pick a sunscreen to take on a family vacation. With this one, you have nothing to worry about: spray it on, rub it in, and enjoy the sun (responsibly, of course)!
Altruist Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF50
The antioxidant facial sunscreen
Altruist Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF50
What it is: a fluid sunscreen created especially for use on the face. The formula combines a series of sun filters (see: Avobenzone, Ensulizole, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Tinosorb S, Titanium Dioxide, Uvinul T 150) and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent free radical damage. Because it’s designed for use on the face, this sunscreen also features very high UVA protection: PPD 52!
Why we like it: we love a sunscreen with a couple of added skincare benefits, and this sunscreen delivers on that front. With SPF50 and PPD 52, it provides all the UVB and UVA protection we could possibly want, along with the antioxidant benefits of our beloved vitamin E. What’s not to love? The texture is super pleasant, too: a fluid cream texture that isn’t too fluid–not liquid, not runny, and therefore very easy to apply. The finish is a little radiant, perfect for fans of a dewier finish!
Altruist Invisible Sunspray SPF50
The mess-free body sunscreen
Altruist Invisible Sunspray SPF50
What it is: a very high protection sunscreen mist, perfect for quick and easy application all over the body. Designed with mess-free application in mind, this spray sunscreen goes on the skin in a super fine mist. It’s suitable for adults and children alike, and it offers broad spectrum protection against UVB and UVA radiation; you get SPF50 and PPD 42! As for the sun filters, here’s what’s inside the bottle: Avobenzone, Ensulizole, Octisalate, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, and Uvinul T 150.
Why we like it: beach-goers love a sunscreen mist, and we’re no different. A couple of sprays, a couple of rubs, and you’ve got your sun protection needs covered (ok, maybe you’ll need more than a couple of sprays if you want to ensure adequate coverage with any sunscreen mist, but the point stands!) We like this one for its very high PPD rating, and for the incredibly lightweight finish: not only is it invisible, it’s pretty much “unfeelable”, with no sticky residue left behind on the skin.
We’ve looked at five of our favorite Altruist sunscreens, and they just about cover all your sun care needs! No matter which one you choose, remember to practice safe and responsible sun exposure. And while you’re at it, make sure to explore our full selection of Altruist products in the shop: there’s a lot to look at!
