Alba Botanica Fragrance-Free Facial Sunscreen SPF 20 : Safe Protection for Sensitive Skin

There are plenty of sunscreens out there, so finding the SPF level I want is easy. What's challenging is finding a sunscreen that will work with my sensitive skin.

Most important, I want a sunscreen that's fragrance-free. I'm allergic to all chemical fragrances, so I need sun protection that doesn't irritate my respiratory system or my skin.

Alba Botanica's Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin (SPF 20) has been working really well for me. The first time I applied the lotion, which is thick and creamy in consistency, I was happy not to smell anything flowery or synthetic. It just smelled like lotion.

I covered my face, neck, and shoulders, and went off into the sun. Two hours later, I was home after a super sweaty, intense power walk. It's not like the burn time in Seattle is very high, but it's good to know that even during a late afternoon walk, I've got UVA/UVB protection. No red skin from overexposure or from an allergic reaction.

Another super important benefit for me: this sunscreen didn't leave my face oily at all. I applied it after washing my face and applying my regular moisturizer, so I was sure my face would be shiny by the time I got him. Yet, here I am, almost five hours later, and my skin looks normal. No oil slick here.

I like that this formulation contains contains extracts of aloe, lavender, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, and green tea. The more natural ingredients, the better. Also available in SPF 15.

Bottom Line: I never used to understand why my face needed a separate sunscreen than my body. Now I get it. I can stay out in the sun as long as I want, as protected as I want, and never have a shiny face.--E.D. (Aug 09)

Price: $9.19 at drugstore.com, $8.99 at amazon.com .

Manufacturer's Site: www.albabotanica.com

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