Though it’s been around for more than 40 years, I was only formally introduced to Replenix last summer during a virtual meeting with the brand where I was given the full rundown, and it was impressive. For the past four decades, the brand was only available at dermatologists’ offices, but with consumer demand for professional-quality products at an all-time high, the brand knew it needed to go mainstream and get its products into the hands of more skin-care obsessives like myself (and probably you if you’re reading this!). So, last year, it did just that. I’ve discovered several goodies in the brand’s lineup, but the Replenix Hydrating Oil-Free Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a standout. A good sunscreen for oily skin can be tough to find, and this one suits my combination complexion very well. Here’s what I like about it.
My Skin Type:
Combination. I’m drier in the cold-weather months and oilier in the warm-weather ones thanks to the high humidity on the East Coast.
The Benefits:
It’s not often that I see zinc oxide and octinoxate paired in a sunscreen by themselves without any other filters (usually octisalate and/or octocrylene are in the mix too). Maybe that plays in a role in the success of this formula, or perhaps not (I need to ping our go-to cosmetic chemists for more on that), but either way, it delivers the goods. Not only can it be used by both sensitive and acne-prone skin types, but it also suits those like me with combination skin who can get a tad bit oilier than we’d like during more humid months. However, this is one sunscreen I can use year-round.
It’s a true multitasker, too. Nowadays, we like our products to do more for us (time is precious and so is our skin!), and this formula also contains niacinamide to help brighten up dark spots, as well as gently exfoliating lactic acid to keep dullness at bay. Let’s also add hyaluronic acid to the roundup, which adds hydrating properties, and in my opinion, helps this SPF wear so nicely on the skin (it never feels too dry). I appreciate that the micronized zinc doesn’t leave me looking like Casper the friendly ghost either. Lastly, I’m giving points for the fact that it’s fragrance-free.
I also want to note is that it’s not sweatproof or water-resistant, so if you’re playing beach volleyball or swimming, this isn’t the best formula for you, but other than that, you can’t go wrong!
Key Ingredients:
Micronized zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid
Price/Where to Buy:
$35, replenix.com
*You can also try it (full-size) in this year’s Luxury Review Box, along with 37 other products!
