I am, without doubt, a big fan of REN Skincare. Their products work well for me, and I like their aesthetic, formulation and packaging. Naturally therefore, when I first heard, months ago, that a sunscreen was being released, I was quite excited.
We know how I feel about sunscreen right? Yep, all day, everyday, no exceptions!
When the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 sunscreen dropped, I was conflicted. On the one hand, I was excited to see new mineral sunscreen in the market.
On the other hand, I found myself thinking “SPF30? Only 30??”
REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 – No chemical UV filters, No Silicone
If you might be sensitive to silicone and chemical UV filters, which prevents you from using many of the sunscreens in the market, then the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 sunscreen might be the one for you!
REN formulated their sunscreen with 22% zinc oxide (non-nano mineral blockers). Zinc Oxide is well known to be a fairly inert ingredient (although I was sensitive to large amounts of it in the past) and a broad spectrum UV blocker, blocking both UVA and UVB rays. It sits on the top of your skin, protecting the skin from the damaging UV rays.
UVA is the aging ray, that basically causes your skin to break down and age more quickly, while UVB is the one that heats up your skin and causes you to burn and tan.
The REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 is also silicone free, which will be welcomed by those who may be sensitive to silicone. The formula therefore does not have a lot of slip to it, which is to be expected.
The additional point to highlight is the mattifying effect of the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30. It does go on smoothly, spreads fairly easily, and skin does feel and look mattified. A boon for those with oily skins who may be leery of wearing normal greasy formulations.
Ocean and Reef-friendly formula
Another thing REN thought about is how the formula will fare in the oceans. There is a real concern today about ingredients in sunscreen settling and destroying corals. REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 is ocean and reef-friendly, so it is safe to use when you head out to the beach and the sea.
Finally, the formula is vegan and the packaging is made from post-consumer recycled plastic. All very Earth friendly and something I think is admirable because there aren’t many major brands taking this stance yet.
While it looks wonderful on paper, there is a much bigger question at hand.
Did I like it?
I know the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 is getting a lot of love from people, users and influencers alike, but I’m going to be the spoilsport here and say this “No, I am not a fan of the REN sunscreen.”
White Cast on skin
The problem with using a high zinc oxide content in sunscreen is well-documented. Zinc Oxide is white, and in an untinted formula (as opposed to a tinted one like Suntegrity or Murad) the risk of a white cast on skin is very high.
This is true in the case of the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30.
On very fair skin, and even on a skin tone like mine (which is very light by South East Asian standards) the white cast is not very noticeable. But on anyone with a skin tone deeper than mine, you will definitely notice the cast on your skin.
If that doesn’t bug you, and you are confident that you can cover it up with makeup, then that’s perfectly fine. But if you intend to wear this sunscreen out, bare-faced, you risk your skin looking ashy and/or dull.
This is an aesthetic point, but one worth noting.
Mattifying formula feels dry and drying on my skin
Please note that I have dry skin, so I don’t go anywhere near mattifying products. Again, I was not surprised that the formula was mattifying. If you put 22% of zinc oxide into any formula, it will be a little drying.
Personally, I found that it was not comfortable for me to wear the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 daily. My skin felt parched at the end of each day, and I found myself struggling to deal with drier skin.
I can imagine that someone with oily skin will appreciate this formula, for it does mattify skin quite nicely. Makeup goes on nicely too, and it isn’t uncomfortable. Perhaps I’m just a little sensitive.
Thick formula spreads easily but may result in less product used
The formula is quite thick, but does spread quite easily. It takes a little while to work into the skin, but it isn’t that hard to use.
The problem I feel, is because it is fairly thick, most people will take the position that “less is more”. While this is a position I take when wearing makeup, it is NOT a position I take with my sunscreen.
I am very generous with my sunscreen application, which is, for me, measured by using 1 finger’s length from palm to tip, for each section of my face. When I tried it with this REN sunscreen, it was just too uncomfortable.
I found it too drying and my skin felt dry and taut. Using less is far more comfortable, but to me, defeats the purpose of wearing a sunscreen. Aside from wearing sunscreen, you must wear SUFFICIENT sunscreen.
With a formula this thick, I find it too uncomfortable to wear sufficient product to protect my skin.
Which brings me to my final peeve.
Only SPF30
I will preface this by saying that if you live in a temperate country on a higher latitude, that does not get a lot of sun all year round, perhaps then an SPF30 product for daily use might fit the bill.
I live near the equator, with copious amounts of sun daily and lots of damaging UV rays. For me, with the amount of sun and UV exposure we get, SPF30 is insufficient. I wear SPF50 at minimum, only slipping to an SPF30 to try products like this one.
How do I tell? The most obvious was when I wore this REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 and spent a day out. I was alternating between being indoors and driving under the afternoon sun. What I noticed most significantly, was how quickly my skin felt heated by the sun.
This isn’t the direct heat from the sun rays. It is that heat that I feel on my skin from within. When I wear my usual SPF50 sunscreens, I don’t experience this unless I spend hours walking in the sun.
Hyperpigmentation on skin happens not only from exposure to the UV rays, but can also be caused by the skin heating up. For someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation like me, I do not run risks like this, hence my preference for SPF50 sunscreen at minimum. I’ll take every little increment in skin protection I can get! 😛
I will say that I am more sensitive than most when it comes to sunscreen, because I am particular about it, to the point of being anal. My sunscreen of choice for now, remains the Kanebo Allie sunscreen, and I will not be changing for a long time.
Sorry REN, I tried to like this sunscreen, but it is nowhere near the elegance and efficacy of formula and execution found in many Japanese brands, even those found in the drugstore or pharmacy.
IN A NUTSHELL
The REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 sunscreen is free of silicone and chemical UV filters. The main UV blocker is 22% zinc oxide which is a very high content and blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It is also ocean and reef-friendly, in that the ingredients will not damage the coral reefs if you wear this in the ocean. While it spreads fairly easily, I find the texture a little thick, drying and leaves a white cast on skin. The last will be most apparent on light-medium to deep skin tones, unless you do not care, or you wear makeup over. The thick, drying texture also precludes me from using sufficient product, as it can feel uncomfortable. Finally, I personally find the SPF30 rating insufficient for my purposes. I do feel my skin heating up after little sun exposure, which does not happen with my usual sunscreens. I personally wear SPF50 at minimum, as I find that it offers me the most protection. Personally, as much as I love using REN products, I struggle to enjoy this product.
PROS:
High zinc oxide content
Mattifying effect
Safe for use in the oceans and will not damage coral reefsCONS:
Pricey
SPF30 is not sufficient for my needs
Thick texture feels heavy on skin
Drying
Leaves a white cast on skinWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a silicone-free, mineral based sunscreen that is ocean and reef-friendly and does not mind reapplying often
PRICE: RM169 | £30 for 50ml
WHERE TO BUY: Ken’s Apothecary stores and online, REN website, Cult Beauty
For those interested, this is the ingredients list for the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 sunscreen.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Oryza Sativa Starch, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Chloride, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalloliferum (Ho Wood) Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Glucose, Parfum* (Fragrance), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosmary) Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Have you tried this REN sunscreen? Is it something you’re interested in?
While I’d stick my neck out to say that SPF30 is better than none at all, I still personally recommend using SPF50 at minimum especially in Summer, and if you live where it’s hot, or at a high altitude. Well, if you’re serious about UV protection, at any rate 🙂
Paris B
Disclosure: Featured service was a media trial by the brand for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.
Dear Paris, thanks so much for reviewing this sunscreen. I was thrilled to see your post. I have been considering this but the SPF30 was the one major thing that held me back, the rest being mineral and mattifying. Like you I also have dry skin so finding the right sunscreen is very challenging, also in part because I prefer mineral ones. Unfortunately my skin can’t tolerate Shiseido ones so I’m still sticking to Murad and Kate Somerville ones.
The Murad mineral sunscreen is good! My wallet hates it however LOL! But it is a good pick. I found this REN one too drying for my skin unfortunately, so it wasn’t too comfortable if used for a long period of time.
I have no idea why chemical sunscreens have such a bad reputation, and neither does Dr. Marko Lens… Google “Lab Muffin” and “chemical vs. physical sunscreens”, and “sunscreen coral reefs”… Her articles are evidence based and deflate most online discussions on this topic.
I’m looking forward to using Allie which I bought based on your recommendation! 🙂
I think a lot has to do with greenwashing and scare tactics to sell things. I personally don’t lay too much score by these, but they are the talking points unfortunately. I personally prefer a formula that is a mix of physical blockers and chemical filters, for best results. I therefore look for either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in the formula as well, as it protects my skin better than just pure chemical filters. I’d read that those of us with hyperpigmentation problems shouldn’t use sunscreen that are purely chemical filters, as it can potentially make the problem worse, as it operates by absorbing and filtering the UV rays rather than blocking. I thought it was interesting! I do hope the Allie sunscreen works for you. I love it!
I love silicone based sunscreen as they don’t leave a white cast and doesn’t budge when perspiring compared to most sunscreens. As much as I love the environment, I don’t swim in the sea on a daily basis. Therefore I’m happy sticking to Glowbiotics Tinted Sunscreen SPF30.
Also I noticed that only Japanese or Korean brands market their sunscreen more than SPF30 compared to many western brands.
Actually, silicone makes the formula feel more elegant and comfortable on skin. The white cast usually comes from the content of the UV blockers, whether it be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. But ultimately, I feel that no matter how ‘good’ a sunscreen is, the most important part is how it feels on the skin and whether that makes us want to keep using it. I’m glad you found a sunscreen to enjoy using, and that you are happy to use daily. That is most important! Many Western brands now sell SPF50 sunscreen. It’s the new standard 🙂
Thank you so much for your reply!
By the way, what do you use for reapplying sunscreen over make up?
*whispers* I don’t LOL! 😛 Usually, I’m indoors most of the day. If I’m outside a lot, it will usually be on a beach and I won’t wear makeup. If it’s in a city, I might clean off my makeup, reapply sunscreen and then touch up.
I don’t think I’d love this one either then… The more hydration the better please! The Invisible Zinc Shed Defence Sunscreen SPF 50+ (an Australian brand and sunscreen I reviewed not long ago) is sort of the same, as in, the more you apply, the more of a white cast you get. You can’t get away from that fact unless they somehow find out how to make zinc oxide particles invisible LOL! But it does contain an SPF of 50+ and isn’t drying.
I like using physical sunscreens on days when I need instant protection (no need to wait 20 minutes or so for the ingredients to ‘activate’) even though they aren’t the most ‘sophisticated’ cosmetically speaking formulas… Sheer Defence isn’t really sheer, but it’s not a paste, so maybe that’s what they mean by the name LOL
The problem I find with zinc oxide sunscreens is always the same – white cast and very drying. And you are absolutely right about the white cast being a predominant factor. I understand therefore why brands like Murad or Suntegrity put a tint in theirs. It just makes it look better on skin and prevents people from using too little product. Physical sunscreen has its place I agree. On a beach, it’s actually much better, I believe! At least you know it’s there LOL! I’ve heard a lot about Invisible Zinc sunscreen and at one time, I remember a very popular Blue Lizard sunscreen too from Australia! But then, you guys know your sunscreens too 😀
Yes, they are better for the beach! I use a Invisible Zinc body sunscreen for that and it’s so white and thick, you can see exactly where you have applied it and where you haven’t LOL the white cast does fade a bit with time, but even when in the water, you can see how it repels water (the water droplets kinda sit on the sunscreen and you can tell that there’s a barrier on your skin!). So it really does a good job if used properly.
And good point about why zinc oxide sunscreens are tinted… I never thought about that somehow!
Blue Lizzard sunscreen huh… I haven’t heard of that one! Now I feel very un-Australian lol! I’ll do some Googling…
The next time I plan a beach holiday, I shall have to look up Invisible Zinc. I don’t mind the white cast – I’d rather my skin be well protected! 😀
Thank you for this post. Recently most of my emails from REN have been about this sunscreen, or deals that include this sunscreen. Because of my darker skin color, white cast is the one thing I absolutely won’t stand for in a sunscreen, so this will have to be a pass.
The supposed difference between 30 SPF and 50 is interesting to me. Currently I’m using two Japanese sunscreens, the Hadauru Matsuyama UV Cream (SPF 30) and the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV (SPF 50+ PA++++), and I’m finding that the Canmake is doing much more poorly on my skin. It made my face feel really greasy, and now that I’m putting it on my arms and legs instead I actually feel the sun on my skin more. Meanwhile the Matsuyama is moisturizing and my face isn’t getting appreciably darker even with the LA sun. It makes me feel very confused about the meaning of SPF and the PA rating, but at least I found a sunscreen I can rely on even if it’s only 60g.
Hi Kelly, if you have a deeper skin tone, this one’s definitely not for you due to the white cast. It’s quite pronounced! But if you don’t mind mixing in a little foundation (for the face) then perhaps you can make it work 🙂 As for the difference in SPF30 and 50, I sometimes think it’s also to do with the formula. While I’m unfamiliar with the sunscreens you’ve mentioned, sometimes, I find that a heavier or greasier product will mean that people use less of it. So, we may not enjoy the full benefits of the SPF50 protection. That is my perception however, but as far as I’m concerned, some sun protection is better than none! So, use whichever product suits your skin best – just wear it daily 😀