With the arrival of summer, the sun protection It is more fundamental than ever, in particular for the skin of the face, which is exposed all year round to UV rays. But is it really necessary to use a specific face cream for the face, often much more expensive than the body? And which products can be considered truly effective and safe? These questions tried to answer a test, conducted by the well -known German consumer association “Stiftung Warentest“.
The test
The test analyzed 14 sunscreen with protective factor 50 or 50+specifically formulated for the face. The goal was to verify not only if the products respected the promised level of protection, but also their effectiveness against grape rays, the ease of use, the presence of controversial ingredients and the correctness of the declarations shown on the label.
In the test, practical aspects such as application and sensation on the skin were also evaluated, in addition to the presence of potentially problematic UV filters or prohibited by European legislation.
But first we answer the initial question: Do you really need a specific face cream for the face? The test shows that a difference is there, and not only in the price.
Facial creams are formulated for more delicate and reactive skin: They contain less fatty substances, absorb better and do not leave the white effect typical of the most classic solar protections. In addition, they often include functional ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and C, or antioxidants, which hydrate and contrast skin aging. This makes them ideal for daily use, even under makeup.
Finally, the skin of the face is thinner than the rest of the body and receives a constant exposure to the sun, even in winter: specific protection can therefore help prevent long -term damage, such as early wrinkles, discouragement or skin tumors.
The 6 best test products
Among the 14 tested creams, 8 obtained a overall “good” judgment, But only 6 are still available on the market with the same formulation analyzed. Here are what are:
On the contrary, two of the analyzed creams did not pass the test and were judged “inadequate”, as they did not offer effective protection against grape rays. These are typical references of the German market: I+M Naturkosmetik Berlin and Junglück (the latter the most expensive, for about 36 euros for 50 ml).
German experts also report that 10 creams among those heads contained the “of-N-Esilftolato “(DNHEXP), a plasticizer prohibited by the European cosmetics legislation because it is considered toxic to reproduction. However, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BFR) has specified that the quantities detected in these products do not represent an immediate danger to health.
