It’s pretty well-known that we should be wearing a facial sunscreen frequently, even throughout the colder months of the year. Well, I’m kind of bad about that! I either forget or just am too lazy to take the extra step. Which is why I was super excited to try a new, natural facial SPF by Blissoma, for a couple of reasons.
This blog post is sponsored by Blissoma, and this product was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. It contains affiliate links, which you can read more about here. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
It’s called “Photonic” and it’s a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 25. It acts as both a facial moisturizer and SPF in one, plus it’s naturally tinted!
Since I’m an ingredient nerd 🤓 and am super careful about which products I use, I was very impressed with the squeaky clean ingredient list:
Camellia sinensis* (black tea) leaf, Euphrasia officinalis* (eyebright), Centella asiatica (gotu kola) leaf and stem*, Vinca minor (periwinkle) leaf*, Hydrangea arborescens root*, Viola tricolor (violet) leaf, and Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seed*, Aloe barbadensis Juice*, Micronized (non nano) uncoated zinc oxide (12.5%), Leuconostoc/Radish root ferment filtrate, Sesamum indicum (sesame) Seed Oil*, Niacinamide, Argania spinosa (argan) Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides, Rubus ideaus (red raspberry) Seed Oil*, Squalane, Extracts of Olea europaea* (olive) leaf, Symphytum officinale* (comfrey) leaf and root, and Echinacea purpurea* root, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) Oil*, Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) Seed Oil*, Calophyllum tacamahaca (tamanu) Oil*, Gluconolactone, Grain Alcohol*+, Xanthan Gum (and) Lecithin (and) Sclerotium Gum (and) Pullulan, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, Astaxanthin, Bergamot FCF essential oil, Citric Acid [*organic]
More info about the product + brand:
- It’s designed for all skin types and ages, even sensitive skin
- Every product in Blissoma’s collection is cruelty-free, certified vegan, made in-house, and packed with certified organic botanicals, bioavailable vitamins, essential fatty acids, and skin-soothing seed oils
- All Blissoma products are produced at their vertically integrated herbal studio in St. Louis and they are extremely careful about their suppliers
- It’s a mineral sunscreen that uses ECOCERT and COSMOS certified uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide (read my blog about non-toxic sunscreen and zinc oxide here)
- The herbs in the formula actually help assist the capabilities of the SPF (such as milk thistle, gotu kola, and violet leaf)
- It contains niacinamide which helps skin retain moisture throughout the day, prevent breakouts, and modulate oil production
- Rather than using pigments, it’s naturally tinted with astaxanthin, which gives it a peachy hue. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant produced by red algae that prevents UV damage. Blissoma sources it from controlled growth tanks in Hawaii.
What I love about it:
- It rubs in and disappears into skin quickly and does not pill or rub unlike some other mineral sunscreens I’ve tried
- Doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin
- The ingredients are super clean, there aren’t any weird preservatives or silicones to carry the zinc
- My skin is semi-oily and dewy and this works well with keeping the oil under control (thanks to the niacinamide!)
- It’s super nourishing and makes my skin feel hydrated without feeling heavy
- Comes in a glass bottle and recyclable cardboard container 🌏
- The smell is really pleasant and subtle; I can’t place the scent exactly but maybe slightly earthy?
The only drawback:
Although it’s tinted, the tint doesn’t really provide any coverage and is still very sheer. I don’t think it’s designed to be a foundation and the tint is more to help prevent a white cast. This isn’t really a “con” but more of a personal preference. I’d be curious how the tint holds up on darker skin tones.
How I used it in my routine:
In the morning after rinsing with cold water and using a toner, I apply this pretty liberally before applying makeup. Sometimes I’ll apply an additional serum or moisturizer before applying Photonic (if my skin is feeling dry that day).
Overall, I’m definitely going to keep using this! Even though summer is long gone, it’s still good to use a sunscreen year round. If you’re interested in trying it yourself, it’s $52 and worth every penny 👍
Hi Becca,
I came across your blog looking for a review for this product. I’m curious about the tinting in the Photonic. I know it’s from the algae, but I’m wondering if it stains clothing. For example, if I’m putting sunscreen on my neck— and then wear a white shirt, will the product leave a stain on the shirt? I don’t wear foundation- so tinted products always worry me.
Hi Michelle! I haven’t noticed any transferring when using this. It is tinted, but only to cover up the white from the zinc oxide. It doesn’t provide much coverage and the tint blends in. I would suggest letting it absorb a couple of minutes before putting on the shirt too. Hope that helps!