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Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 review

What if I told mineral sunscreens don’t have to be a white, greasy mess?

I know, everyone says that. And then you’re left slathering on a heavy paste that takes ages to absorb and makes you look like Casper the Ghost. Again.

I thought the same would happen with Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25. Only that it didn’t.

This sunscreen + moisturiser is as lightweight as a chemical sunscreen, but way gentler and provides better sun protection.

How is this possible?!

What’s In Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25?

ZINC OXIDE TO PROVIDE BROAD-SPECTRUM SUN PROTECTION

Zinc oxide is that culprit that gives mineral susncreens their greasy, white texture. I can’t live without it. Huh?

Out of all the UV filters out there, zinc oxide is the ONLY one that protects against the ENTIRE UV range, ON ITS OWN. That’s an impressive feat, don’t you think?

Plus, it’s so gentle, it can be used even on babies and the most sensitive of skin types. And did I mention that it’s more stable (read: lasts longer) than other UV filters out there?

The type used in Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 is micronized (non nano), uncoated (no silicones). Because its particles are smaller than regular zinc oxide, the texture of the sunscreen feels that much higher.

P.S. For a particle to be considered nano, it must be 100 nanometers. The zinc oxide used here is smaller than traditional zinc oxide but bigger than 100 nanometers, so it can be defined as micronized, but not as nano.

Related: Why Zinc Oxide Is The Best UV Filter Ever

ANTIOXIDANTS TO FIGHT PREMATURE WRINKLES

Antioxidants are zinc oxide’s supportive system.

Although they don’t have a high SPF to protect you directly from UV rays, they help you fight the free radicals and inflammation caused by the sun. That’s how they boost the sunscreen’s sun protection.

The key antioxidants here are:

  • Black tea: It’s loaded with polyphenols, a group of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that destroy free radicals and reduce UV-induced redness.
  • Centella asiatica: Contains madecassoside, a substance that destroys free radicals and soothes inflammation.
  • Milk thistle: A powerful antioxidant that neutralises free radicals before they give you wrinkles.

Related: Common Antioxidants Used In Skincare

NIACINAMIDE TO… EVERYTHING

Niacinamide may not appear at the top of the ingredient list, but it’s present at a 3% concentration in Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25.

That’s enough for niacinamide to be effective. What does it do? Oh, let me count the ways it helps your skin:

  • It hydrates skin: It’s more effective than petrolatum at preventing water loss
  • It soothes skin: It alleviates the symptoms of rosacea and irritations
  • It lightens skin: It reduces dark spots, blotchiness (redness) and sallowness (yellowing)
  • It helps treat wrinkles: Preliminary research shows it can boost the production of skin-firming collagen
  • It treats acne: Its effects are similar to those of 1% clindamycin gel

Trust me, there’s nothing niacinamide can’t do.

Related: All You Ever Wanted To Know About Niacinamide

Is your sunscreen up to the job? Download your FREE “Sunscreen Audit” cheat sheet to find out if your sunscreen is both safe AND effective:

Texture

It has a lightweight texture that reminds me of chemical sunscreens (minus the alcohol) that sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind. For real.

Fragrance

Subtle and herbal.

How To Use It

It’s the last step of your skincare routine in the AM. Apply it generously and reapply as needed during the day.

Performance & Personal Opinion

I LOVE Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 as a sunscreen.

It doesn’t make me look like Casper the Ghost. The sunscreen is tinted with astaxanthin, the pigment that gives flamingo their pinky peach hue.

The tint is sheer enough so that everyone can use it. It just blends into your natural skin tone without providing any real coverage. It’s here to neutralise the white cast, not cover imperfections or even out the skin tone.

I’ve worn it every day for the past few weeks and I’m pretty impressed with its sun protection abilities. My skin didn’t darken or showed any other sign the protection was failing it.

Instead, I’m not sold on Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer as a moisturiser. It may contain its fair share of oils, but they’re all at the bottom of the ingredient list. In other words, not enough here to moisturise skin.

If you’ve got oily skin, you won the sunscreen jackpot. No greasiness. No whiteness. No extra moisture your skin doesn’t need. Just lots of proper sun protection in a lightweight texture that also helps absorb a little excess oil. Blissoma Photonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 is the perfect sunscreen for you.

If you’ve got dry skin, you can still use it. But chances are, you’ll want to use either a hyaluronic acid serum or lightweight moisturiser beforehand.

My skin gets a little drier in the fall and winter months. If I wear this sunscreen alone now, my skin feels a little tight after a few hours. It’s a sign you need to double up on the moisture in the morning.

But my real pet peeve with Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 is the small size. You only get 28g! I need at least double that!

I guess I’ll just have to stock up…

blissoma phototonic facial sunscreen + daily moisturizer SPf 25

Who Is This For?

Anyone can use it, but it’s more suitable for oily and normal skin types.

Who Is This NOT For?

If you have dry skin, you’ll have to use a separate moisturiser with it.

Packaging

The sunscreen now comes in a white bottle with green and gold accents and a pump applicator for ease of use (the formula inside is the same, so everything else in this review still applies).

Does Blissoma Phototonic Facial Sunscreen + Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
 It has super clean ingredients, spreads on like a dream, and leaves a flawless finish on skin while providing SPF 25 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection.  True.
 It has super clean ingredients, spreads on like a dream, and leaves a flawless finish on skin while providing SPF 25 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection.  It’s not the most moisturising, but everything else is true.

Price & Availability

$39.00 at Blissoma

Do You Need It?

Yes! This is one of the best sunscreens I’ve tried.

Dupes & Alternatives

Ingredients

Active ingredient: 12.5% micronized (non nano), uncoated zinc oxide Infusion of 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 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

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.