There is a dearth of naturally formulated sun protection products available for us folks in Singapore. A few local readers have asked me for recommendations of natural sunscreens that are not greasy and also are readily available in our market. Well, there are two that I’ve come across recently and today, I’m going to review one of them – Living Nature Daily Defence With SPF15.
Non-greasy and leaves no white cast
Apart from Zinc Oxide, the formulation of this product contains Manuka honey for its humectant qualities, Totora Extract for its strong antioxidant properties, and Harakeke for its soothing and hydrating qualities. It comes out as a thick cream but the texture is actually quite lightweight and the best part is that it’s non-greasy. Immediately upon application, the cream looks white but it absorbs very quickly into the skin when rubbed on and thereafter, leaving no whitecast or stickiness.
Distinct cinnamon-like scent
The most distinct feature of this product is the smell. It has a rather strong cinnamon-like scent and although is not unpleasant, does linger on for awhile. The Living Nature Daily Defence With SPF15 is said to be suitable for all skin types and recommended to be applied over your moisturiser and under your makeup.
Ingredient listing
This naturally formulated product contains the following ingredients: Aqua (water), Zinc oxide, Simmondsia chinensis oil (jojoba oil), Cetearyl wheatstraw glycosides & cetearyl alcohol (wheatstraw extract), Persea gratissima oil (avocado oil), Sclerotium gum, Citrus grandis seed extract (grapefruit seed extract), Phormium tenax leaf juice (NZ flax gel), Mel (manuka honey), Citrus aurantium amara oil (bitter orange oil), Pogostemon cablin oil (patchouli oil), Cistus ladaniferus oil (cistus oil), Tocopherol (vitamin E), Leptospermum scoparium oil (manuka oil), Melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil), Totarol (totara extract), Backhousia citriodora oil (lemon myrtle oil), Limonene*, Eugenol*, Linalool.* *Component of natural essential oils. **certified organic.
Good for those who want some protection indoors
Actually, I’m not quite sure how to place this product. It isn’t exactly a sunscreen and it isn’t a moisturizer with SPF either. The active sun protection ingredient is Zinc Oxide but I understand that the percentage is not as high so I definitely wouldn’t recommend using this product if you’re going under the hot sun for a prolonged period. This is probably best for those who want some protection while staying indoors most of the time, or absolutely hates the greasy texture of most sunscreens but need to get some amount of protection against casual sun exposure.
Protects well for my neck region
Personally, I use this somedays when I’m indoors most of the time as it’s not greasy, even over a moisturizing oil on my face. In fact, my skin still feels somewhat dry and so I prefer to use this on my neck particularly because the Marie-Veronique Organics Creme de Jour and Creme de Soleil leave a tad of white cast and make application harder for my neck region. This one has no such issues and still offers me some level of protection against the sun which I’m happy with.
Availability and price
Living Nature Daily Defence With SPF15 is available locally at Sephora, The World of Organic Skincare at #02-187 Marina Square or 468 River Valley Road and retails for S$115. Those outside of Singapore can purchase this online via Amazon for US$71. The 50ml is small for that price point but the advantage is that you can’t keep this for too long as naturally formulated products expires sooner than most products.
Blovet Beauty
20 Aug 2009 at 3:03 pmoohh.. sounds like a very natural product but the price is a little steep me… are there any cheaper but natural sunblocks??
sesame
20 Aug 2009 at 6:05 pmThere are a number in the market and you might want to read my post http://www.vivawoman.net/2009/06/05/seven-natural-mineral-sunscreens-compared/ for some ideas.
Andrea
21 Aug 2010 at 4:59 amI highly recommend 100% Pure. My skin has improved so much since switching and they are much cheaper then this brand!
http://www.100percentpure.com/ORGANIC-POMEGRANATE-ANTIOXIDANT-HYDRATION-SPF20-s/235.htm
sesame
21 Aug 2010 at 9:23 amThanks for sharing! I’ll have a look at their product. I’m thinking of trying some stuff in their body range.
Joanna
20 Aug 2009 at 5:03 pmit’s even more expensive than MV… i actually received my first MV Creme de jour today…. i was excited but also disappointed that they didn’t include me a sample of the tinted version which i was told by the sales representative to ask for when i place my order so i can compare the colour… not very happy!!><
sesame
20 Aug 2009 at 6:07 pmYou know, I didn’t even compare the prices until you mentioned it because I was thinking in terms of Sin$ but yes, it’s a big difference in US$.
How come no samples if you’ve specifically requested it? You might want to write to them to comment about this and hopefully, they can take note and compensate you in your next order.
Raelynn
20 Aug 2009 at 6:25 pm… $115 is really steep! *jaw drop*
i hope MV comes to singapore soon though, haven been able to get around ordering it yet.
sesame
20 Aug 2009 at 7:35 pmIt is! Even the distributor here acknowledges that. Although they say it’s all because of good ingredients made for sensitive skin, I think they need to improve the positioning. Either increase the sunscreen protection or increase the moisturizing component.
I was actually hoping someone efficient would organize an MV spree.
Raelynn
20 Aug 2009 at 7:44 pmi recall a few entries back a lady posted her mail regarding MV spree i think.
and i agree about the repositioning point of argument. but i would rather that the sunscreen protection is improved rather than moisturizing capabilities, but that’s my personal preference because i would use it as a sunscreen, not a moisturizer. oh oh, i think the brand itself is undergoing new formulation (i’m on a holiday in aussie and the SA said that the brand is undergoing reformulation), perhaps you can check with the distributor whether the formula you are reviewing is the new or old formula.
and viva, as a quick question, i’m quite confused about some sunscreen terms and ratings. what is the interpretation of a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum. SPF 30+” ? does it mean that it covers both UVA and UVB but only has protection ability of one “+”?
sesame
21 Aug 2009 at 12:16 amThere was a post on a spree? Can’t remember seeing that.
For the sunscreen, I remember reading that the + comes from the SPF calculation – that it exceeds 30 slightly or something. It’s unlike the Japanese PA system with the +, ++ or +++.
Florence
20 Aug 2009 at 8:51 pmHi sesame, sorry that my comments is not related to your story.I just like to share with you that, Phyto organic had moved to stamford house #02-07 & Lavera stuff all 70% off.I just went today to buy some cleansing gel for my girl.Still remember laste time we paid $7 each, now I paid $5.70 each…orginial price is $19.If you need, do stk up…..Yeah!
sesame
21 Aug 2009 at 12:17 amHey Florence: Thanks for telling me this! I was just thinking when Lavera is going to have their promo cos thinking of getting some bath and body products again. This is so timely and I’ll definitely check out the promo soon! Thanks again! 🙂
Michelle
21 Aug 2009 at 10:34 amTry Mukti Tinted Moisturiser with Sunscreen… you can get it from http://www.bodybarskincare.com if you are in Singapore. Or if you are in KL, you can get it from Bodybar outlets.
It’s basically a tinted moisturiser with zinc oxide providing SPF 15-20. Good enough for daily use but if you are swimming, sweating or going to be exposed to the sun extensively… then it may not be sufficient without reapplication.
sesame
21 Aug 2009 at 9:39 pmI’ve seen Mukti but never thought of getting the brand. Maybe I’ll check if they have sunscreen here and what’s the active ingredients. Thanks for highlighting!
knockingknees
21 Aug 2009 at 12:09 pmI have been using the 50ml bot for 2 months now and I have no problems with the lack of protection whatsoever. I use it intially on top of a moisterizer but found that my face gets greasy at the end of the day. I then skipped the moisterizer as used it directly after a HA serum and it works fine. I would say it is not just indoors use only; walking around outside, going to the bus stop, driving etc is fine. I did not have darkening of spots, nothing like that. I do agree though that if you are going to the beach, it will probably not be suitable.
It is definately the best suncreen I have used that doesn’t break me out. I will purchase the 100ml, but will do so Aussie or NZ online store where the price is around USD$45-50 including shipping.
sesame
21 Aug 2009 at 9:46 pmHey that’s great to know that you’ve had success using this product! I think it’s okay for casual sun exposure and I do like the texture. Actually better than my MV because it does not even leave any whitecast. But I do wish the zinc oxide content is as high as MV’s at 20%
They have a 100ml? And the price in Aust or NZ is definitely much more appealing.
Jojo
23 Aug 2009 at 10:19 amHi sesame,
I have tried for the first time my MV Creme de Jour.. i actually was a bit put off by the smell of it, it smells like the herbal chinese medicine… which lingers on for a while…. however not much white cast tho… does the creme de soleil smell more pleasant?
Also, I reading one of the comments above regarding Mukti sunscreen. I actually had them sent a sample to me not long ago.. i really liked it, smells good, no white cast, non-greasy.. perfect! And only zinc oxide used, not sure on the percentage tho.. however it’s only SPF 15, that’s why i didn’t get it…
sesame
23 Aug 2009 at 2:13 pmThe smell is very similar. De Jour is a bit sweeter to me with the almond. If you don’t like de Jour, you won’t like de Soleil either.
For Mukti, it sounds like the Living Nature Daily Defense. Same SPF level and also zinc oxide used. But Living Nature has a cinnamon-like smell though.