Quick Summary:
Date Tested: 01/31/2022
In this review, I test the Aveeno Positively Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF50 for sensitive skin sunscreen. The Aveeno SPF50 is an inorganic physical based sunscreen containing 21.6% zinc oxide. It has a decent consistency which is right in the middle of not being too thick nor too runny. Once it is dispensed, it does happen to spread somewhat thinly. My first impressions were that because it is a physical based sunscreen, and because it spreads easily and somewhat thinly, the results wouldn’t be very good. On the contrary, the results were exceptional. I found myself impressed.
This particular formulation was able to reduce the ultraviolet index (UVI) reaching the skin by 99.67%, reduced UVA irradiance by 99.82%, and reduced the UVB irradiance by 97.54%! These are fantastic scores for a physical based sunscreen.
The only other physical sunscreen that I have tested which comes close to these results is the Badger Broad Spectrum SPF30 for kids, but that sunscreen is really thick and user-UNfriendly. Its really just for kids in my own opinion.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF50 for sensitive skin ingredients
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (21.6%)
Inactive Ingredients:
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethyl Methicone, Silica, Cetyl Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Behenate, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Chlorphenesin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Manufacturers Website: www.aveeno.com
Aveeno Positively Mineral characteristics at a glance:
- Broad Spectrum (has an SPF50 but no specific UVA rating)
- Contains 21.6% zinc oxide
- Inorganic (physical) sunscreen classification
- Formulated specifically for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free
- Viscosity is decent (not too runny, not too thick)
Prepared slide ready for testing
The viscosity of the Aveeno SPF50 was decent (for lack of better words). It was almost like an Elmers glue like consistency. After applying the product to the slide, it then began to spread very easily and under the cover slip.
However, after 5 minutes in the magnetic vice, look how uniformly sexy the physical blocking particles dispersed!
Below are the results from 2 hours of testing in my UV testing station.
Aveeno Positively Mineral SPF50 UV blocking test results
Ultraviolet light quick reference:
UVA: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 315nm – 400nm. The “Aging UV light” – Causes wrinkles.
UVB: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 280nm – 315nm. The “Bad UV light” – Causes skin cancer.
UVI: The global sun UV index. The more a sunscreen can reduce the level of UVI, the better.
Aveeno Positively Mineral sunscreen test results:
Ultraviolet sensor readings:
| Before Sunscreen | After Sunscreen | % UV Blocked | |
| TEMP | 75.53 | 75.53 | |
| UVA | 25605 | 46.5 | 99.82% |
| UVB | 1342 | 33 | 97.54% |
| UVI | 15.1 | .05 | 99.67% |
Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.
Testing notes:
The Aveeno Positively Mineral performed fantastically. I would definitely recommend this sunscreen as its UVA, UVB, and UVI reducing properties rank exceptionally well against the other sunscreen I have tested. This Aveeno SPF50 spreads thinly but (as evidenced by the slide sample) shows the dispersion of the physical blocking particles to be consistent and even.
This is something that all physical (inorganic) sunscreens require in order to provide strong protection against UV irradiance. If a formulation allows the zinc or titanium dioxide particles to clump and leave gaps in the protective sunscreen layer (applied to the skin), ones protection from UV is minimized. When this happens the skin may exhibit a subtle mottled appearance, like an uneven blotchy tan. Fortunately, with this particular formulation you wont have worry about uneven protection but just the normal reapplication even two hours.
Aveeno is a brand that is recognizable and known for their high quality products. Unlike the Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF50, the Positively Mineral SPF50 lives up to the standard I would expect from a big brand name. I definitely recommend this sunscreen.
Want to try Aveeno Positively Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF50 sunscreen?
I highly recommend this sunscreen for its UV protection qualities. The physical blocking particles are spread consistently and evenly throughout the substrate and block UV rays like they are supposed to. I have no reservations in using this product on myself or my family.
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