As summer approaches, my Instagram feed is full of influencers promoting a sunscreen brush over traditional liquid or spray sunscreens.
Having never heard of a sunscreen brush, I was intrigued. The ability to brush on sunscreen, especially on wriggling little kids, sounded ideal. It would be great if I could avoid getting it in their eyes, causing stinging or discomfort.
Plus, most of the sunscreen brushes I saw are mineral sunscreens, which are sunscreens that sit on top of the skin to physically block the sun’s UV rays, as opposed to chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin to form a UV-blocking barrier. Both forms of sunscreen are effective, but some families prefer to use mineral sunscreens.
All that to say, I was about ready to add the sunscreen brush to my cart — and then I saw the price tag.
While there are a few different brush-on sunscreens out there, some of the options I saw influencers recommending came with a pretty hefty price tag. As in $60 for one bottle …
Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush
$59.00
from
Colorescience
According to Colorescience, the mineral brush-on sunscreen it offers has many benefits, especially for anyone with sensitive or breakout-prone skin. For instance, because it’s a mineral brush-on formula, it doesn’t clog pores.
The powder brush provides:
- SPF 30
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Is water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes
- Untinted appearance
- Testing by a dermatologist
- No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, oil, dyes, or fragrance
As a bonus, you can apply the sunscreen underneath makeup, if desired, so it can serve as a makeup primer and sun protection as well.
If you’re online, you may have seen other types of mineral sunscreen brushes being promoted.
If you’re interested in trying the brush-on sunscreen trend but aren’t ready to shell out $60 just yet, there are a few other options you can look at.
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Brush SPF 30
For instance, this $16 Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen is sold by various sellers at Walmart and promises a fast-absorbing and “silky” texture with UVA/UVB filters and an SPF of 30. The sunscreen is PETA-certified, cruelty-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
As a mineral sunscreen brush, the Hawaiian Tropic version works the same way as the more expensive brands: you “prime” the brush to shake down the powder, then apply liberally to your skin to provide a coating that will stay on top of the skin to provide sun protection. You should apply before sun exposure for maximum protection and reapply liberally after you’ve gone swimming or engaged in a lot of activity that made you sweat.
Mineral sunscreen brushes are also safe to use on babies 6 months old and up, although you should always talk to your own doctor for specific recommendations.
Brush On Block Kids' Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
$28
from
Brush On Block
I am super intrigued by this product formulated for kids, especially because BOB reports kids love the big, fluffy purple applicator brush. The brush takes the urge kids have to run away from sunscreen application time and turns it into something that feels fun and good on their skin, which definitely feels like a win.
You should twist, shake the powder down, and apply to skin for up to 80 minutes of water-resistant sun protection. You can towel the powder off when you’re done with your fun in the sun.
The sunscreen brush contains 2 to 3 months of daily applications for face, neck, arms, and hands. The company recommends reapplying every two hours when outside in the sun.
$28
from
Brush on Block
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