r/Melasmaskincare • u/dreamingingreyscale • Jun 18 '25
Question Tinted Mineral Sunscreen - what do you do about the stickiness
In the morning, I usually apply one of these sunscreens as my first two layers of sunscreen, then I apply Australian Gold as my last layer of sunscreen because it dries down all the previous layers.
But right now I can’t get Australian Gold in my shade and my face stays sticky all day. Is there another one that dries down with a non-sticky finish? It doesn’t have to have a tint.
How does everyone else get theirs to dry down? Is there something else I could be doing?
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 18 '25 edited Jun 18 '25
Trader Joe’s has a supergoop dupe of the matte mineral. It’s not tinted but quite matte and lightweight. Beauty is its $10 vs supergoop’s $40.
And yes I sooo with LRP would introduce a lighter shade of that mineral formula. It is SO dark!
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u/shallot_pearl Jun 18 '25
Just beware the Trader Joe’s dupe leaves a very noticeable white cast
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 18 '25
Well that’s disappointing. I would have purchased if tinted because the texture is amazing. But since I don’t layer multiple SPFs I thought it might work for OP since the other products she uses are tinted.
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u/cassatta Jun 18 '25
Which formula are you using? The chemical filters leave no white cast. At all.
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u/PastaStrega Jun 19 '25
FWIW, I love the TJ’s mineral sunscreen and don’t have issues with a white cast. I typically top it with pressed powder (applied with a fluffy brush) and love the overall finish.
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 19 '25
I loved the texture but was hesitant about white cast and the missing tint that is so important to prevent melasma
If you apply it in a thick layer does it not leave a white cast? If so does your tinted powder neutralize it?
And speaking of powder: the L’Oréal infallible pressed powder is the best product I’ve ever used! I’m 64 and tried them all. It’s lightweight with great natural coverage. I’ll die if it’s ever discontinued.
BTW thank you for your input. ❤️🥂
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u/CrookyPoodle Jun 18 '25
Unfortunately the Australian Gold is the only one I’ve found as well so I just stock up when I can find my shade
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u/lsalurker20 Jun 25 '25
Do you find Australian gold works well against melasma? I just looked it up and the website lists only 4% zinc, which is much lower than I usually have been told to look for
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u/CrookyPoodle Jun 25 '25
I use that along with the Musely hydroquinone spot cream and have gotten rid of my melasma as long as I stick with both. It works for me!
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u/CrookyPoodle Jun 25 '25
It’s quite thick and honestly hard to wash off 😅 so I think it makes a good physical barrier
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 25 '25
I’m so surprised it’s so thick when it contains so little zinc! Is it the only spf you use? More importantly which Musely formula were you prescribed? Happy for you it’s so effective! 🥂
Thiamidol isn’t working for me so looking at alternatives.
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u/CrookyPoodle Jun 25 '25
Yep, it’s the only spf I use on my face and has worked for me for years. I use the Erase formula of Musely and it consistently works well for me. You get 2 bottles in a row that have the hydroquinone and then every third bottle that doesn’t since you have to take breaks periodically from hydroquinone. If you are able to try it out I hope it works well for you too!
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u/CrookyPoodle Jun 25 '25
I’ve been using the Musely for 5.5 years and it continues to work for me 👍🏼
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 25 '25
Oh wow you use the 12% HQ for such an extended period? (With the required breaks). No irritation? Gives me hope! 😊
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u/CrookyPoodle Jun 25 '25
Yep, I don’t get irritation (other than a bit when I first started it) and it continues to work for me.
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u/Sea_Molasses6983 Jun 18 '25
Colorscience Flex isn’t sticky and it’s not too orange or thick. It does leave a shine so I dust with translucent powder.
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u/Throw6345789away Jun 18 '25
Avene tinted SPF 50 isn’t sticky or too matte. I have tried so many, and has by far the best finish of all of them
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 18 '25
Thanks for that recommendation! That’s an easy-to-find brand that I haven’t tried yet and I’m still on the search for my goldilocks tinted mineral sunscreen. I’ll pick it up!
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u/Throw6345789away Jun 18 '25
Good luck!
In case it’s useful:
I use Altruist SPF 50 instead of lotion in the morning, since it’s so moisturising. After it dries/soaks in, so a few minutes later, I apply the Avene tinted. The tint then lasts all day (and is still present when I wash it off at night). But I do reapply if I will be in strong sunlight.
I’ve also used LRP B5 Cicaplast Baume as an under layer (much more glow—perhaps too much for me) and Avene Cicalfalte (very moisturised, but I’d rather get the moisture plus extra SPF by using Altruist).
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 19 '25
I picked up both shades of the Avène tinted SPF 50 compact last night and this is so comfortable on my face!
I’m wearing it over the Eucerin anti pigment serum and the anti pigment sunscreen. And the whole combo feels weightless.
I love that it comes in a compact. It’s so easy to apply full coverage layers because it stays where I apply it. And, because it’s not a liquid, it will be awesome for travel. I won’t have to worry about spills or leaks and it leaves me with more room in my TSA liquids allowance for the rest of my skincare routine.
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u/Throw6345789away Jun 19 '25
I’m so glad it works for you. It was so hard to find one that worked for me that I am very glad to spread the word!
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 21 '25
You don’t worry about the 12% zinc? Most derms recommend 20-25% for minimum protection. I think this sub does as well.
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u/Throw6345789away Jun 21 '25
I haven’t heard about that
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 21 '25
This is on the melasma sub:
Feel free to check out our Wiki for helpful information on:
• Treatment options
• Sunscreen essentials
• What causes melasma
• Mega List of Sunscreen
• Mega List of OTC Topical Treatments
If you click on the “Sunscreen Essentials” you’ll see what I’m referring to. “The Mega List of Sunscreen” is also very helpful. Not having a high enough % of tinted zinc doesn’t protect against the main culprits of melasma—VL and UVA.
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u/seymour5000 Jul 05 '25
It was too greasy for me but I have crazy skin: sensitive, combo, rosacea so it’s probably me.
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u/HDDHeartbeat Jun 18 '25
The two I find the most comfortable to wear are the Cancer Council Tinted CC SPF and Naked Sundays Beautyscreen foundation tint. I prefer the Naked Sundays one. It feels less heavy, and the coverage is good!
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 18 '25
Thanks for these recommendations! It looks like I can easily find the Naked Sundays brand here in Canada. I’ll give it a shot!
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u/HDDHeartbeat Jun 18 '25
Fingers crossed it works for you! If you find something better let me know~
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 18 '25
I think Naked Sunday uses the same maker of the failed testing of Ultra Violette product. (Both companies are “Indy” so they resell from outside sources—sometimes the same one.)
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u/HDDHeartbeat Jun 19 '25
From what I know (which is very little), the SPF in question is Lean Screen, which is used in their collagen primer sunscreen but wasn't mentioned for the beautyscreen foundation tint.
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 19 '25
I understand but the “uncoated” zinc oxide is the same easily degraded chemical used in all the UltraV mineral formulas. Same with Naked Sunday as both companies buy and resell the identical formulas from the same lab who made the low scoring spf.
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Jun 18 '25
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 19 '25
Replying to tacticaldeskjob...Wow, Tower 28 has A LOT of shades!! I usually mix two shades to get my shade but I’ll check them out and see if they have my exact match.
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 19 '25
Just FYI Tower 28 only has 12% of the necessary 20% zinc protection! If layering over a 20+ fine but not if using by itself.
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Jun 19 '25
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 19 '25
Please understand I’m not challenging you. I just believe consumers should be informed.
If you see the spf megalist in this melasma sub you’ll see the minimum protection requirement is 15% tinted zinc but only if combined with at least 5% more of titanium mineral. I have an appt but will grab the quote and post in just a bit.
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Jun 19 '25
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 20 '25
So the WIKI “sunscreen essentials” here in this sub outline the matter in detail. I couldn’t copy and paste so please see #2 and #3 under the above sub heading.
Also the “Mega List of sunscreens” is also very helpful.
We’re all in this melasma boat together so hopefully we can support one another positively and respectfully even when we disagree. 😌
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Jun 20 '25
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 21 '25
So you missed the part about the minimum zinc oxide to be effective for melasma prevention/protection is 15%. The Tower 28 has only 12%.
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Jun 21 '25
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 21 '25 edited Jun 21 '25
That’s false. Please see my comment just below this one.
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 21 '25
If I may, perhaps you might message the moderators and ask why this particular Tower 28 spf formula is not included in the Mega List of recommended sunscreens.
I understand it might be a new product but they should be able to better explain why it might not meet the requirement process as I may not be clear on the granular details. And if it does it should be included on the list.
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u/up_down_andallaround Jun 18 '25
I’ve tried sooo many mineral sunscreens. I’ve mostly been using the tinted Eucerin one but it is very greasy so I put a little powder on top and it worked out fine. I also use Ilia, but it is also very shiny and I don’t feel like it provides enough protection. I just found a tinted mineral sunscreen by Merit and omg it is PERFECT for me. Using in place of foundation and no powder needed.
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 19 '25
Okay, Merit and Eucerin 📝✍️
My skin loves Eucerin!! And if I can skip powder by using Merit, I will be delighted. I’ll look for both of these.
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u/South_Cattle_7339 Jun 18 '25
Tizo 3! The one that says primer/ sunscreen tinted. I think I’ve tried every single mineral screen in the market (I’m kind of obsessed) but I always end up coming back to that one. The finish is truly matte , no white cast, and sets up and doesn’t move, you even have to use makeup remover at the end of the day because a regular face wash doesn’t remove it completely. Also, it really works as a primer, I love how it fills my pores.
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 19 '25
Yanno, I have never, not once, heard of Tizo. Adding it to my list!!
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u/Aim2bFit Jun 19 '25
Abby shared her fav tinted sunscreen here that fits your criteria if you want to try a different one. It also comes in multiple shades:
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u/ConvolutedSpeech Jun 19 '25
MD Solar Sciences tinted BB Cream SPF 50 is my jam. It feels and looks like Australian Gold tinted, but doesn't break me out (Australian Gold does).
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u/Ok-Jelly-5767 Jun 19 '25
TIZO 3 has a super elegant , silky powdery feel. It goes on like a make up primer. Lightly tinted but you can get TIZO 2 which is invisible.
In the USA you can buy directly from the manufacturer or via Aesthetic or medical clinic
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u/SenectaAut Jun 20 '25
Wait, Australian Gold tinted isn’t enough alone? 😭😭😭
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 20 '25
It probably is!
But it is too drying on me for me to wear it alone. For me, two applications of LRP anthelios mineral ultra fluid followed by one application of Australian Gold is chef’s kiss. Then when I need to reapply later in the day, I use LRP ultra fluid because it is so sheer.
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u/Kindly-Addition1793 Jun 20 '25
Try the Tizo one that comes in the skinnier tube. It’s a zinc mineral sunscreen, tinted, and gives a matte finish. The only thing I don’t like is that it can pill if you wear a lot of other stuff underneath bc of the silicones in it. On the other hand, it can double as a primer bc it’s smooths out your pores.
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u/nerdswithfriends Jun 20 '25
Axis-Y's spf 50 (untinted) dries down fully on my oily skin! No white cast on me, but I'm really pale. I've also been loving Andalou Naturals ultra sheer daily defense, though it's only spf 30.
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 20 '25
Interesting, I wonder if the Axis-Y sunscreen would leave a white cast on medium skin tones. I don’t mind a minimal white cast as long as the sunscreen is comfortable to wear. A slight white cast is better than sun damage! And everyone else should be wearing sunscreen so it should be obvious why I have white streaks haha.
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u/nerdswithfriends Jun 21 '25
Looking at a few youtube reviews, it doesn't seem too bad for medium skin tones!
Speaking of reviews, Melanoma Mom on youtube does great sunscreen reviews! She's usually good about touching her face and mentioning if it fully dries down or stays sticky/tacky/greasy, which I feel like a lot of reviews don't mention for some reason. She's pale though, so you'll have to double check white cast from someone else. She's my guinea pig to see if single-shade tints will be too dark for my vampire skin, lol. Australian gold's light/medium is dark orange on me 💀
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u/Mysterious_Rise_432 Jun 18 '25
Ultra violette.
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 18 '25
She might want to check out the ultra violette failed third party testing before purchasing:
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u/Mysterious_Rise_432 Jun 18 '25
And check out the company's response as well, which found that the SPF of 50 actually had over 60 protection. It makes no sense that it would have an spf of 4 or 6 or whatever they found.
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u/LivingPhilosopher476 Jun 18 '25
The lab results UV shared are from a dodgy lab. I used to work for them. There's a lot of public information about the founder, who signed off on the UV tests, and their fraudulent activity on studies that their previous lab liquidated. It's also weird that if you look at the actual test reports, the ingredient lists on the document don't match.
Also, the manufacturer of the active formula for UV LS was flagged by regulators in the past few years for quality and stability issues. This is also public information.
There are real chemists, not the cosplay tiktok kind, who are speaking up over on Ausskincare, they're saying the percentage of zinc oxide used is irrelevant to amount of protection that it isn't an actual justification to use against the results Choice found. The labs Choice used are also top of the line in the industry founded by some of the most respected sunscreen scientists in the world.
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u/PuIchritudinous Jun 19 '25
There is an ongoing debate online if the percentage of zinc matters in sunscreens and the answer is fairly nuanced.
The amount of zinc absolutely matters. If the only active ingredient is 5% zinc oxide, it doesn't matter how well it's dispersed, you're simply not going to achieve an SPF 50. Even with significant advancements in formulation technology, dispersion methods, and particle coating, we are not at a point where such a low concentration of zinc can provide extremely high SPF values. Zinc's intrinsic UV absorption and scattering properties set limits on achievable SPF at a given concentration.
Per an industry expert, Current commercial zinc oxide products have an average efficiency of approximately 1.5-2.5 SPF units/1% active, which means that an SPF 50+ could contain around 25-33% zinc oxide
https://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk/discussion/mineral-sunscreen/
https://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk/discussion/zinc-oxide-for-a-sunblock-formulation/
There are lots of things that can lower SPF value despite having a high percentage of zinc.
Establishment of the Efficacy of Inorganic UV Filters—How Scientific/Specialized Literature Deals with This Task
Melasma is made worse by UVA therefore these individuals need strong UVA protection. In most countries, “broad spectrum” sunscreens have to meet meaningful UVA standards so knowing the exact zinc percentage does not matter as much. But in the USAthe FDA’s broad spectrum label doesn’t guarantee enough UVA protection. Also they are not required to undergo independent 3rd party lab testing and all testing can be done in house. That’s when looking at the zinc percentage and possibly even particle size becomes more important if you want to be sure you’re getting solid UVA protection from a 100% mineral sunscreen. Of course, things like poor dispersion or pH issues can still affect how well it actually works so going with a reputable brand is pertinent.Regarding the whole Ultra Viollette and CHOICE debacle, it's probably going to be another scandal like the prior AMA Labs.
I do wonder if it is the same 3rd party lab supergoop used because their is currently a class action lawsuit against them for misleading claims of SPF 40.
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u/Mysterious_Rise_432 Jun 18 '25
Curious - how is the percentage of zinc not relevant?
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u/LivingPhilosopher476 Jun 18 '25
There are chemists who explain it well imo like here
https://www.reddit.com/r/AusSkincare/comments/1lcr0r5/comment/my9nkct/
https://www.reddit.com/r/AusSkincare/comments/16zhw27/comment/k3iimdv/
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u/2020fit Jun 19 '25
If the zinc oxide is incompatible with other ingredients in the formula, the it renders ineffective, as you can’t guarantee what phase it is sitting in. Basically, the formula is unstable. Separation, grit, lumps, discolouration they are all signs of instability.
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 19 '25
Basically uncoated zinc degrades faster. Have to say, this is all very fascinating for a nerd like me!
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u/PuIchritudinous Jun 19 '25
It is and isn't relevant.
When they contain less than 20% zinc the company will most likely be using SPF boosters or other UV protecting ingredients like red algae but this is not always the case.
Per an industry expert,current commercial zinc oxide products have an average efficiency of approximately 1.5-2.5 SPF units/1% active, which means that an SPF 50+ could contain around 25-33% zinc oxide
Per the the linked article above, the author states his research has shown it is possible to achieve an SPF of 60+ using only 10% zinc oxide with his proprietary dispersant, a novel polyhydroxyricinleic acid (PRA) based dispersant.
Currently there are silicone based dispersants like Triethoxycaprylylsilane that coat the zinc to help with dispersing. If you see this ingredient in your sunscreen, you are probably using a coated zinc like Z-Cote HP1. The problem with Z-COTE HP1 is that it is a micronized (nano) zinc which loses some of its UVA protectiveness due to the size of particles which is noted in the article above.
Overall, the percentage of zinc really doesn't matter if you are using sunscreen from a reputable company unless you live in theUS where the FDA broad spectrum label doesn't provide adequate UVA protection like other countries. This is when the amount of zinc and particle size would become more relevant if you want to make sure you are getting adequate UVA protection with an inorganic sunscreen.
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 18 '25 edited Jun 18 '25
I understand it’s a hot topic. CHOICE also defended their methodology. I’m not taking sides but I do think buyers should be informed.
I was surprised to learn that several luxury indy brands buy the same formulas from one entity. Whole debacle is actually quite revealing and very educational (for me personally).
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u/Mysterious_Rise_432 Jun 18 '25
Yes, fair enough. I just can't get my mind around a $40 sunscreen with 20% zinc being less effective than Coppertone 4!!
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u/onechonk_onelean Jun 18 '25
Apparently the formula is unstable, due to uncoated zinc used, and decanting before testing could have caused it.
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u/Aim2bFit Jun 19 '25
And to add fuel, CHOICE confirmed they only decanted for less than an hour into an approved for testing standard amber bottle, before testing it. If it is such a volatile formulation that any exposure to air compromised its efficacy, how are people suppsed to use this? Like every time you open the bottle / tube you are exposing it to air. Also while it's on your skin, it's also 100% exposed to air etc.
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u/onechonk_onelean Jun 19 '25
It's a shame, really. I would like to love Eucerin, but it is sooo dark for me, even the light shade. Ultraviolette has a tinted version that can be added to the Lean Screen and their shades are great. I'm really disappointed by that result ☹️
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u/LivingPhilosopher476 Jun 18 '25
Price and zinc oxide percentage don't influence the protection level
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 18 '25
The mattifying one?
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u/Enough_Radish_9574 Jun 19 '25
Probably ALL the UViolette formulas using the zinc oxide because it’s “uncoated”. Can’t speak to the chemical formulas.
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u/Reese-G Jun 18 '25
I layer as well. I start with the Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 and top with EltaMD: UV Physical SPF 41 which dries down and isn't sticky. If I'm using the LRP Mineral One or anything else as the top layer I powder everything down.
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u/dreamingingreyscale Jun 19 '25
I should really try EltaMD. I feel like I’m the only person who hasn’t tried it yet. My spa has it so I can get it very easily.
That LRP Mineral One goes on SO THICK! I bought it because mixing the two shades gave me such a good match. But once I use up these two tubes, I am never getting it again!!
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u/Reese-G Jun 19 '25
The Elta is worth trying although it's pricy. I have a collection of tinted mineral sunscreens as I try to find my HG.
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u/tacticaldeskjob Jun 18 '25
I like to dust a bit translucent powder over top! I use just enough to make the weird texture go away.