As dermatologists will always assure you, wearing sunscreen every day is the best thing you can do to protect against skin cancer, in addition to preventing fine lines (which, while not remotely life-threatening, is something that is perfectly OK to want to address). Enter: Beautycounter’s Countersun Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, a face and body sunscreen lotion that contains broad-spectrum protection, meaning you're shielded from both UVA and UVB rays.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which feature ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone, mineral — also known as physical — formulas work by using zinc or titanium oxide to physically (hence the name) block UV rays from hitting your skin. Beautycounter’s untinted lotion (a 2018 Best of Beauty award-winner) features a 19 percent concentration of non-nano zinc oxide, making it gentler on coral reefs. Other good-for-your-skin ingredients include California poppy and various fruit extracts for a boost of antioxidants.
When it comes to sunscreen, I really just need it to do two things, and do them well: Prevent me from getting a sunburn, and not make me look like I'm auditioning for a Casper the Friendly Ghost reboot. I've got oily, acne-prone skin with olive undertones, so a lot of mineral formulas sadly give me a chalky pallor — not exactly the look I'm going for. Beautycounter's formula is admittedly thicker than ones I usually use for my face (about the color and consistency of sour cream with a very slightly granular texture), but in the name of quality journalism, I went ahead and squeezed a generous amount from the tube and slathered it on my cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.
