A Non-Consultant’s Beautycounter Face Sunscreen Review

This Beautycounter face sunscreen review details why I’m so happy I tried the Countersun Daily Sheer Defense For Face.

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Finding a good mineral sunscreen for your face is like finding a needle in a haystack.

I can’t count how many times I’ve almost purchased a chemical sunscreen out of sheer desperation because the mineral ones were so disappointing. But I soldiered on and finally found a zinc oxide sunscreen that works.

Beautycounter’s Countersun Daily Sheer Defense For Face is the best mineral sunscreen for your face that I’ve tried.

So in this Beautycounter face sunscreen review, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of this facial SPF and hopefully answer all of your questions!

**I am not a Beautycounter consultant, but this post does contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Read my affiliate disclosure for more info.**

Pros of Countersun Daily Sheer Defense For Face

Below are some things I love about Beautycounter face sunscreen. But don’t just take my word for it: At the time of writing, the Countersun Daily Sheer Defense For Face has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from nearly 1700 reviews.

1. No White Cast

There’s no white cast on my light-colored white skin. If you have darker skin, you might find it a teensy-bit white, but still a lot less than other brands.

And to be honest, I don’t think you’re going to find a completely sheer zinc oxide sunscreen. It’s the nature of the beast.

2. Not Greasy or Oily

It’s not matte, but it’s not greasy or oily, either. I’d call it a bit more dewy, but not so much that my skin looks greasy. I always apply setting powder on top because I prefer a matte look.

3. Layers Well Under Makeup

I’m not an expert makeup artist by any means, but the Countersun Daily Sheer Defense For Face looks nice even with my average makeup skills. I use NU Evolution’s Complete Coverage Foundation and then I apply a setting powder on top.

4. Protects Against the Sun

I haven’t burned my face when I’ve worn it this sunscreen and been out in the sun.

5. Protects Against Blue Light

This sunscreen contains zinc oxide, which protects against blue light rays that can age our skin. We’re exposed to blue light, also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light, when we use our smart phones and computers.

6. Reef Safe

Beautycounter sunscreen is reef safe and does not contain octinoxate or oxybenzone.

7. Fragrance Free

If there is a scent, I can’t smell it (and my nose is pretty sensitive).

8. EWG Verified

If you check product ratings in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database, you’ll be happy to know that the Beautycounter face sunscreen is EWG Certified.

Cons of the Beautycounter Face Sunscreen

Like I said earlier, this sunscreen isn’t perfect. Here’s what I don’t like about it.

1. Contains Phenoxyethanol

I typically try to avoid phenoxyethanol, which can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations in some people. It’s also thought to cause central nervous system damage in infants.

But ultimately I decided I would use this product for a couple of reasons:

1. I try to avoid phenoxyethanol in other products, so I’m not concerned about using “too much” of it from multiple products.
2. I am not pregnant or breastfeeding, and I don’t have very young children at home. (But I may re-consider using it on my kids, who still are young at 7 and 4 years old.)
3. I’d rather use a product with phenoxyethanol than one with harmful preservatives or one without adequate preservatives.

2. Expensive (Kinda)

Well, it’s expensive but it isn’t. If you’re comparing it to a chemical sunscreen from Target, then yes, it’s more expensive. But if you’re comparing it to other clean beauty mineral sunscreens for the face, then its price is right on par.

There are less expensive clean formulas with effective sun protection, but they are thick, greasy, and leave a white cast.

3. Only Sold Online and in a Few Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Unfortunately, you’re not going to find this sunscreen at Target or on Amazon. Beautycounter products are only available online and in four brick-and-mortar locations.

Beautycounter has three permanent stores in Los Angeles, Denver, and New York City, and they have a seasonal store on Nantucket during the summer.

How To Use Beautycounter Daily Sheer Defense

Use it daily! Apply it on top of your moisturizer, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every two hours.

This sunscreen is NOT water-resistant, so you’ll need to use a different sunscreen on your face if you’re swimming or sweating.

What is in the Beautycounter Face Sunscreen?

Below is the full list of ingredients from Beautycounter’s website:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 14.96%
Other Ingredients: Water, Coco-Caprylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coconut Alkanes, Arachidyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Xanthan Gum, Arachidyl Glucoside, Phytic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate.

*Organic

Other Beautycounter Sunscreen Products

The other Beautycounter sunscreen product for the face is the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer.

If you need SPF for the body, Beautycounter offers sunscreen in mist, lotion, and stick form. You can shop all the Countersun body sunscreen here.

• Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 – 6 oz.
• Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 Travel Size – 3 oz.
• Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
• Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 – 0.5 oz.
• Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 – 6.7 oz.
• Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 – 3.4 oz.

Where To Buy Beautycounter Sunscreen

You can buy the Beautycounter face sunscreen on Beautycounter’s website through my friend and consultant Melissa Southard. If you have any questions, you can contact Melissa directly through her Beautycounter profile.

Beautycounter has three brick-and-mortar stores in the United States – in Los Angeles, Denver, and New York City.

Money-Back Guarantee

Beautycounter offers a 60-day money-back guarantee (on U.S. orders only) so there’s no risk to try Beautycounter. If you aren’t satisfied with a product for any reason, simply return the unused portion within 60 days from the ship date and Beautycounter will happily refund the purchase price (excluding the original shipping and handling fees).

Final Thoughts From My Beautycounter Face Sunscreen Review

I was surprised at how much I liked the Beautycounter face sunscreen. With a money-back guarantee, it’s worth giving it a shot to see if it works for you!

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This Beautycounter face sunscreen review details why I love Countersun Daily Sheer Defense.