Our Beauty Editor’s Unfiltered Review of 3 ISDIN Sunscreens
Sunscreen is a skin care non-negotiable and the cornerstone of any well-rounded routine. But not all sunscreens are created equally, and when it comes to defending the skin from UV damage, layering on an effective formula that’s also highly recommended by dermatologists worldwide is always a safe bet. For years, Isdin sunscreen has earned a reputation as one of the most effective and cutting-edge sun care formulas fueled by more than half a century of European expertise. The brand remains Spain’s top sun care choice thanks to advanced formulations, innovative textures, and sunscreens that do much more than the standard. Our beauty editor, Elise Tabin, tried three of the brand’s most beloved sunscreens. Here, she shares her honest opinion on which ones are now staples in her daily skincare routine.
Meet the Expert:
- Dr. Ashley Magovern - Board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board
Editor Beauty Profile
- Skin Type: Oily and mature(ing)
- Skin Tone: Light
- Skin Concern(s): Discoloration, redness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne
About ISDIN
The Isdin story began in 1975 in Barcelona when two friends set out on a sailing trip. The goal: to take their families’ science and beauty legacies and evolve them into an advanced skincare product line driven by health and joy. Fast forward to today, and Isdin remains Spain’s top suncare choice, fueled by decades of passion and experience. With an international network of scientists on tap, the brand continues to innovate advanced formulas and unique textures that improve the sun’s impact on skin health. Today, Isdin remains the global benchmark in dermatological skincare with industry-forward technologies.
Quick Facts:
- Founders: Puig and Esteve
- Origin: Barcelona, Spain
- Known for: Renowned medical-grade skin care & sun care
- Derm-Recommended: Yes
Key Ingredients in ISDIN Sunscreen
One reason Isdin sunscreens are so beloved is that they fuse traditional sun protectants with dermatologically advanced skin-friendly ingredients for well-rounded products that do more than protect the skin from the sun. Key ingredients in Isdin sunscreens include:
Peptides: The addition of peptides in Isdin sunscreens helps improve the skin’s tone and texture while working to maintain the health of collagen and elastin for plump, youthful-looking skin. Antioxidants: Antioxidant-rich sunscreens help to minimize oxidative stress on the skin induced by the sun while reducing photoaging DNA Repairsomes: These specialized enzymes reduce UV-induced DNA damage to repair skin cell damage while preventing it. Algae extract: A natural UV filter, adding algae extract to sunscreens further enhances sun protection while minimizing the risk of sunburns and sun damage. Vitamin E: The antioxidant can absorb some UVB rays to reduce the incidence of sunburns and aid in skin protection. Hyaluronic acid: This moisture-binding agent helps prevent water loss from the skin, minimizing the effect of dry, rough skin.
Beauty Editor Review of ISDIN Sunscreen
ISDIN Fusion Water Magic
The newest release in the Isdin family of sunscreens, this works-year-round sun protectant is a lightweight formula that helps hydrate the skin without leaving behind a white cast or greasy finish. While sun protection is the main benefit of this high SPF formula, it also defends the skin from blue light, pollution, infrared damage, and free radical damage emitted from heat.
$38.00
Personal Review: “I’m a big believer in sunscreen and wear it daily no matter the weather or what my day consists of. I was excited to try this light cream, which spreads seamlessly into the skin and absorbs well. Some sunscreens leave my skin itchy or, worse yet, clog my pores, but this one didn’t at all. I also love that it doesn’t leave any white cast, shiny finish, or tacky feeling behind. Best of all, my skin felt good all day while wearing it, and I felt confident that it was well protected from anything that could damage it.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Mediterranean Algae Extract, Physalis Pubescens
The Texture: Light Cream
How to Apply: Apply two fingers length worth of the cream to the face at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Broad-Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
This mineral sunscreen is a must-have for all skin types, especially those trying to correct the signs of photodamage. Packed with DNA Reapirsomes to help undo the effects of the sun on the skin, the superlight formula safeguards the skin from the sun without making it feel dry or bogged down with the product.
$73.00
Personal Review: “For me, the lighter and more fluid the texture of a sunscreen is, the better. I hate nothing more than having to work an SPF into my skin, and this one is far from that. A little goes a long way, and the spreadability factor makes putting this sunscreen on enjoyable. I also give it bonus points for its fast-absorbing powers, but you’ll need to work fast so that it doesn’t drip down the face or start to dry down. I also like the light, fresh scent.”
Key Ingredients:
The Texture: Light Fluid
How to Apply: Shake well before applying the equivalent of two finger lengths on the face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply the sunscreen after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating or every two hours.
Isdin Eryofotona Ageless Mineral Broad-Spectrum Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50
This tinted face sunscreen, which protects against UV damage while repairing it thanks to a blend of zinc oxide, peptides, antioxidants, and DNA Repairsomes, is suitable for all skin types and tones. A quick-to-absorb formula, it also helps minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the skin’s overall tone, texture, and radiance.
$78.00
Personal Review: “A few years ago, I traded my everyday foundation for tinted sunscreen and never looked back. I ask for a lot in my tinted sunscreens, and with its innovative formula, this sheer tint provides a nice, smooth, even coverage with a natural glow that doesn’t read as the least bit shimmery or glittery. Whenever I wear this sunscreen, my skin boasts a healthy radiance and looks a little plumper, more hydrated, and better all-around than my normal go-to sunscreen. I also like that it blends in instantly and doesn’t require a makeup brush or sponge or lots of stippling to get an even finish.”
Key Ingredients:
The Texture: Ultra-lightweight
How to Apply: Shake well before applying the equivalent of two finger lengths on the face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply the sunscreen after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating or every two hours.
FAQs
Is ISDIN medical grade skin care?
Isdin is a medical-grade skincare line formulated by renowned doctors, scientists, and pharmacists. Each product in the line treats and corrects various skin concerns to improve the skin’s tone, texture, and health and minimize the appearance of photoaging and premature aging.
Do dermatologists recommend ISDIN sunscreen?
Is ISDIN sunscreen mineral or chemical?
Isdin sunscreens are mineral-based and rely on the UV-protecting powers of zinc oxide to defend the skin from potential sun damage.
Does ISDIN sunscreen clog pores?
No. Isdin sunscreens are noncomedogenic and will not clog the pores or instigate breakouts. They are safe to use by all skin types.
Where is ISDIN sunscreen manufactured?
Isdin sunscreens are manufactured in Spain.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreen and good skin go hand in hand, and if you’re looking for an SPF that goes beyond the basics, look no further than Isdin sunscreen. Whether you opt for a traditional sunscreen or an Isdin tinted sunscreen, they defend the skin while erasing signs of past damage. To amplify the sunscreens’ benefits, pair them with Isdin skin care products for a comprehensive skincare routine to keep the skin healthy and protected every day.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
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