POV: It's a hot, summer day and you're enjoying it laying out on the beach. So, just as you normally would, you reapply your sunscreen to make sure you're looking out for your skin in the midst of the high UV rays. But a couple minutes later, you catch a clips of your appearance in a mirror and realize your whole face looks like it's covered in white paint — that's called a white cast, and yes...it's extremely annoying.
Enter in our dilemma: why does sunscreen always leave a white cast? It seems like no matter how much we re-apply, it always leave a white-ish gray shadow on our skin. Instead of agonizing over this all summer, we've asked the skincare experts which sunscreen to grab and how to avoid this pesky problem! Keep reading for the scoop on the best sunscreens without white cast for your everyday use!
What is white cast?
Photo by RF._.studio/PEXELS
White cast is the annoying grayish, white color that some sunscreens leave behind after you've applied them. And sometimes no matter how much you rub them in or blend them, it simply will not go away. Tosin Eyikogbe, MSN and skin expert gave us the full explanation on this. She says, "The active ingredients in mineral sunscreen, zinc and titanium oxide, are large rough, white particles. Because of this, when applied to the skin, traditional mineral sunscreen tend to leave an unwanted, ashy, white or grayish appearance."
Dr. Praveen Guntipalli also weighed in on this topic by saying, "These ingredients are effective at blocking UV radiation but can leave a visible white residue on the skin, especially if the particles are not finely milled or if the formulation lacks certain tinting additives that help the product blend into various skin tones." So, essentially, these sunscreens are working, but they end up leaving particles behind on the skin, ultimately causing a white cast to appear.
How can I avoid white cast?
Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS
There are a few ways to avoid this problem. You can try a different formula, stay away from certain ingredients, or just try to blend it in as much as possible. A different formula or type of sunscreen will definitely help with this, as mineral sunscreens are more likely to cause the white cast, whereas chemical sunscreens don't. Eyikogbe says, "Chemical sunscreens, which contain organic compounds that are absorbed by the skin then convert UV rays to heat that is released, are offered in a variety of formats and are often paired with moisturizers to increase a light weight feel."
We love the sound of that! She adds, "These formulas typically don’t leave a white cast, however chemical sunscreens aren’t ideal for all skin types, as they can clog pores and irritate the skin, and compounds including oxybezone and octinoxate are harmful to marine animals and can damage fragile coral reef ecosystems."
What ingredients should you look for in your sunscreen to avoid white cast?
Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS
If you have sensitive skin like me, then you know you always have to double check labels and look into ingredients lists before buying products; especially when it comes to sun care. I'm very sensitive to certain ingredients and perfumes so I have to look carefully. We asked skincare experts what their thoughts were on what ingredients to keep an eye out for and this is what they had to say!
Eyikogbe says,"Mineral sunscreens, which typically contain inorganic compounds, titanium or zinc dioxide, can traditionally leave the notorious 'white cast' due to the reflection of the metal oxides on the skin. But there are newer formulas that have eradicated the old-school white cast and provide excellent mineral protection without a white cast."
Board certified dermatoligst Dr. Divya Sachdev says, "I highly recommend tinted zinc oxide-based pure mineral sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher. These sunscreens are not only effective at protecting against UV rays but also include antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, and raspberry seed oil that help combat free radicals from oxidative damage caused by sunlight."
What are some helpful tips for sunscreen?
Photo by Mikhail Nilov/PEXELS
If you're looking for something that will blend in seamlessly into your skin, and easily go into your daily routine then I'd really recommend tinted moisturizer with SPF or a CC cream. One of my favorites is the Tatcha SPF which really blends into the skin for a nice glow. I'd recommend using this daily!
Dr. Sachdev says, "Remember, it’s crucial to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when spending time in the sun, wear sun-protective clothing such as wide-brim hats and sunglasses, and maintain a diet rich in antioxidants to enhance your skin's defense against sun damage." Duly noted, doctor!
Best Sunscreens Without White Cast To Shop Right Now
Photo via Sephora
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen gives your skin the nicest glow, and it's the perfect base for your makeup. It's definitely a crowd favorite for good reason!
Blendability: 5/5 Doesn't pill and blends so nicely!
Underneath Makeup: 5/5 It's glowy perfection!
Protection: 4/5 It's lower in SPF, but still does the job!
EltaMD UV Elements
Dr. Divya Sachdev, "Favorites of mine include EltaMD UV Elements and Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen, which avoid any white cast. These tinted formulations also contain iron oxides that provide additional protection against UV damage and blue light exposure." I'm a big fan of the EltaMd sunscreen, and feel like it always makes my skin feel light and not too heavy with products!
Blendability: 5/5 I love how creamy it is!
Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Feels like a moisturizer!
Protection: 4/5 A higher SPF is always better, but this is still great!
Photo via Sephora
Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen
Another sunscreen that I looove is the Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen. Every time I let one of my friends use it, I never get it back because it is that good. Genuinely is so milky and smooth, and it looks amazing underneath makeup or other skincare products!
Blendability: 5/5 Blends beautifully!
Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Doesn't feel and works as a primer!
Protection: 3/5 It isn't as high in SPF as I would like, but it works nonetheless!
Innisfree Daily SPF Broad Specturm SPF 36
My personal favorite is the Innisfree Daily SPF, which blends in like moisturizer! It's genuinely so thin and creamy!
Blendability: 5/5 Blends into your skin within seconds.
Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Genuinely could be a primer for how well it sits.
Protection: 3/5 Wish it was higher SPF, but it's so thin, so it makes sense!
ColorScience Sunforgetabble Face Shield
We asked Tosin Eyikogbe, and she says, "My personal favorite at the moment is ColorScience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex SPF 50, which contains all mineral active ingredients and comes in four shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. It has a light weight feel and provides a luminous and even skin tone. A lot of patients have told me it has replaced their need for foundation!"
Blendability: 5/5 Melts into the skin!
Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Blends in with your foundation and base great!
Protection: 5/5 It's high in SPF so definitely a winner!
Looking for more skincare advice? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image via Sephora
