Australia is known for its stunning beaches, deadly wildlife and extreme UV radiation that will leave you with a sunburn quicker than you can throw shrimp on a barbie (that is not an Australian saying, they are called prawns!). So you’d think Australian Gold sunscreen must be top tier.
This is not exactly the case, sunscreen plays a critical role in preventing premature skin ageing and reducing the risk of UV-related skin damage particularly in countries with high UV exposure. Choosing the right sunscreen involves more than just the SPF rating and should take into account filter type, formulation, skin type and how the product performs in real-world conditions. Because the best sunscreen is the one you’ll consistently wear.
Why Sunscreen Choice Matters
- preventing premature ageing
- reducing pigmentation
- lowering skin cancer risk
- protecting collagen and elasticity
Key Ingredients
This sunscreen has mineral filters, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that physically block and scatter UV rays on the skin. These filters will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays and suitable for sensitive skin.
Mineral (physical) sunscreens work by sitting on the surface of the skin and reflect and scatter UV radiation which makes them a preferred option for sensitive or reactive skin types. However, their thicker texture can sometimes affect cosmetic elegance which is why formulation quality plays an important role in user experience and ease of re-application.
The other ingredients in this sunscreen are:
- Shea Butter: moisturisers and soothes dry skin
- Glycerin: attracts water to the skin keeping it hydrated and smooth
- Panthenol: soothes and supports skin barrier repair
- Aloe Vera: calms and cools
- Green tea extract and Tocopheryl: protects against oxidative stress
- Botanical Extracts: soothes and reduces irritation and protects against oxidative stress
The complete ingredient list: Titanium Dioxide 4% (Good), Zinc Oxide 4% (Good), Alumina (Neutral), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (Good), Caprylyl Glycol (Good), Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone (Neutral), Cyclopentasiloxane (Bad), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (Neutral), Disodium EDTA (Neutral), Disteardimonium Hectorite (Neutral), Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract (Good), Glycerin (Good), Hexyl Laurate (Good), Iron Oxides (Good), Panthenol (Good), PEG-10 Dimethicone (Neutral), Phenoxyethanol (Neutral), Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate (Neutral), Polymethylsilsesquioxane (Neutral), Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract (Good), Silica (Neutral), Squalane (Good), Stearic Acid (Good), Tocopheryl Acetate (Good), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Neutral), Water (Neutral)
Fragrance free and non-comedogenic.
Application
The sunscreen comes in a squeeze tube, that makes it easy to dispense the product. The sunscreen is THICC. Not surprising as it is a mineral sunscreen and it is marketed as a BB cream.
The sunscreen comes in three shades and I went with the lighter shade because I’m quite pale. Saying I’m a homebody is an understatement.
It is easy to apply on the skin, does need quite alot of rubbing to make sure it applies evenly.
Adequate application is essential for achieving the stated SPF protection as applying too little product can significantly reduce effectiveness. This is particularly important for thicker mineral sunscreens which may feel heavy when applied in sufficient amounts.
Results
Lets start with what I liked:
- It can definitely replace your foundation, hides imperfections well
- water resistant
What I didn’t like:
- the light shade was too dark for me. There is only 3 shades to choose from so it is unlikely to match everyone’s skin colour
- it is quite thick and you can feel it sitting on your skin
- it transfers onto your clothes with the softest of touches and is very noticeable
- collects in your eyebrows and hairline and if you have a beard than probably your beard as well
- reapplication doesn’t feel nice because you can still feel the sunscreen sitting on your skin from the previous application.
- drying, likely from the zinc oxide
While these drawbacks may affect everyday wear, they are common characteristics of tinted mineral sunscreens and may be less noticeable for individuals who prioritise coverage and water resistance over cosmetic feel.
Suitability
- spend long hours outdoors
- swim or sweat a lot
- prefer coverage like a BB cream
- have oily or redness-prone skin
- want mineral filters only
- want a lightweight “bare skin” feel
- need frequent reapplication
- are very dry or sensitive to thick textures
- struggle to find shade matches
- prefer elegant, invisible finishes
Use
When to use: In the morning and reapply throughout the day every 2 hours or as needed.
Do not mix it with other types of sunscreen as this will undermine the integrity of the sunscreen formula.
Final Thoughts
The sunscreen does what it is intended for, it will provide broad spectrum sun protection even when you are in the water. I would recommend using the sunscreen if you will be outside during peak UV hours and/or swimming.
However, for everyday use where you won’t be spending the day outside, there are better formulated physical sunscreens available. For example Korean sunscreens which I plan to discuss in my next Blog!
Other comments
Summary of the 1 star reviews from popular online retailers:
- drying
- difficult to blend/ does not match skin tone
- SPF50 claim misleading given difficulty in applying sufficient product on the face/ sunburnt while wearing the product
- difficult to wash off face
When comparing physical sunscreens on the market, factors such as shade range, texture and reapplication comfort can significantly impact daily compliance. For this reason, personal lifestyle and environment should be considered alongside formulation when selecting a sunscreen.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional dermatological advice. Individual skin responses may vary.