Sky and Sol Sunscreen Review: A Personal Experience
Did you know that even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin? Despite this alarming statistic, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports that only 11% of Americans use sunscreen daily. Finding the right sunscreen—one that offers effective protection without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast—can make the difference between sporadic use and incorporating it into your daily routine.
Today’s Sky and Sol sunscreen review explores one of the newer offerings on the market that promises to solve many common sunscreen complaints. As someone who has tested dozens of sunscreens across various climates and activities, I was eager to see if Sky and Sol lives up to its claims of lightweight, broad-spectrum protection suitable for all skin types.
Whether you’re looking for everyday face protection, a family-friendly option for beach days, or a non-irritating formula for sensitive skin, this comprehensive review will help you determine if Sky and Sol deserves a spot in your skincare arsenal.
Product Overview
Sky and Sol Sunscreen is a relatively new player in the sun protection market, launched in late 2023 by a team of dermatologists and clean beauty enthusiasts. The brand’s philosophy centers around creating high-performance sun protection that’s also environmentally and skin friendly.
Key Product Specifications:
- SPF Level: 50+
- Type: Mineral-based formula with zinc oxide as the primary active ingredient
- Size Options: 3 oz (travel), 6 oz (standard), 10 oz (family size)
- Packaging: Recycled plastic tube with easy-dispense flip cap
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Price : $36 depending on size (check current price at Amazon here)
The sleek, ocean-blue packaging with eco-friendly credentials makes a strong first impression. Unlike many mineral sunscreens that come in basic clinical packaging, Sky and Sol has invested in an appealing design that doesn’t look out of place in a premium skincare collection.
What sets this product apart from many competitors is its promise of “invisible application”—addressing the common complaint about mineral sunscreens leaving a white cast. The formula is marketed as suitable for all skin tones, which is a bold claim for a zinc oxide-based product.
Key Ingredients & Formulation
Understanding a sunscreen’s active ingredients is crucial to evaluating its effectiveness and suitability for your skin type. Sky and Sol takes a mineral-based approach to sun protection.
Active Ingredients:
- Non-nano Zinc Oxide (15%): The primary active ingredient that provides physical protection by reflecting UV rays. The non-nano formulation means the particles are large enough not to be absorbed into the skin or marine life.
Supporting Ingredients:
- Squalane: A lightweight moisturizing agent that helps the sunscreen spread easily
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration and plumping effects
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps even skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier
- Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant protection against free radical damage
- Aloe Vera: Soothes and calms sensitive skin
- Vitamin E: Additional antioxidant that helps protect skin cells
What’s NOT Included:
- No oxybenzone or octinoxate (reef-damaging chemicals)
- Fragrance-free formula
- No parabens, phthalates, or synthetic preservatives
- Silicone-free
- No artificial colors or dyes
The formulation achieves a balance that’s rare in mineral sunscreens—substantial protection without the heaviness or chalkiness typically associated with high-zinc formulas. The inclusion of skincare ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid elevates this from mere sun protection to a treatment product that benefits skin with each application.
Performance & Real-World Use
A sunscreen can have the perfect ingredient list, but if it doesn’t perform well in real-world conditions, it won’t earn a permanent place in your skincare rotation. I tested Sky and Sol sunscreen in multiple scenarios over a four-week period.
Everyday Facial Use
Applied under makeup, Sky and Sol performs exceptionally well. It absorbs quickly without pilling—a common issue with mineral sunscreens. The formula creates a smooth base that actually improves makeup application and longevity. Even after 8+ hours of wear, my face didn’t develop the typical midday shine that many sunscreens cause.
Beach/Outdoor Activities
During a weekend beach trip, the sunscreen stood up to its 80-minute water resistance claim. After swimming and toweling off, I could still see the water beading on my skin where the sunscreen was applied. I did need to reapply after heavy sweating or extended swimming, which is typical for any sunscreen.
Different Skin Types
I recruited family members with various skin types to test the product:
- Dry skin: The hydrating ingredients prevented the flakiness that often accompanies mineral sunscreen use
- Oily/combination skin: Despite the moisturizing ingredients, it didn’t exacerbate oiliness or cause breakouts
- Sensitive skin: No redness or irritation, even around the eye area
- Deeper skin tones: Minimal white cast, though it requires thorough blending on very deep skin tones
Environmental Conditions
Sky and Sol maintained its performance across different environmental conditions:
- Hot humid weather: Didn’t melt off or feel suffocating
- Dry conditions: Provided additional moisture without feeling heavy
- Cold windy days: Created a nice protective barrier against the elements
One particularly impressive quality is how the product settles into skin after about 10 minutes—the initial application may show a slight cast, but it becomes virtually invisible as it absorbs.
Pros and Cons
After thorough testing, here’s a balanced overview of Sky and Sol’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Effective Protection: No sunburn or visible sun damage even during extended outdoor activities
- Minimal White Cast: Much less noticeable than most mineral sunscreens, especially after it settles
- Skin-Friendly Formula: Doubles as skincare with beneficial ingredients
- Versatile Use: Works well alone or under makeup
- Environmentally Conscious: Reef-safe ingredients and sustainable packaging
- No Eye Irritation: Doesn’t sting eyes when sweating
- Pleasant Texture: Spreads easily without excessive dragging on skin
- Good Value: Higher price point but requires less product per application than many competitors
Cons:
- Initial Application: Requires thorough blending, especially for deeper skin tones
- Drying Time: Takes 5-10 minutes to fully settle into skin
- Potential Transfer: Can leave marks on dark clothing if not fully absorbed
- Price Point: More expensive than drugstore options
- Availability: Currently limited to select retailers and online
- Slight Learning Curve: First-time users need to master the application technique
The pros definitely outweigh the cons for most users, but those with extremely deep skin tones or who need immediate protection without waiting for absorption might find these drawbacks significant.
How to Use Effectively
Proper application is crucial for any sunscreen to provide the labeled SPF protection. For Sky and Sol, following these steps will maximize effectiveness and minimize any potential white cast:
- Start with clean, moisturized skin: Allow your moisturizer to fully absorb before applying sunscreen
- Shake the tube well: This ensures the active ingredients are properly distributed
- Use the recommended amount: For face alone, use a nickel-sized amount; for face and neck, approximately a quarter-sized amount
- Apply in sections: Rather than applying all at once, work in zones (forehead, cheeks, chin, neck)
- Use a patting/pressing motion initially: Instead of rubbing right away, press the product into skin
- Follow with gentle blending: After pressing, use gentle circular motions to blend completely
- Wait 5-10 minutes: Allow the product to settle before applying makeup or heading outdoors
- Reapply every 2 hours: When exposed to sun, or more frequently when swimming or sweating heavily
Application Tips for Best Results:
- For deeper skin tones: Warm the product between fingers for 15 seconds before applying to reduce white cast
- For dry skin: Apply while skin is still slightly damp from moisturizer
- For oily skin: Use a lighter moisturizer underneath or skip moisturizer altogether if the sunscreen provides enough hydration
- For makeup wearers: Allow full absorption time before applying foundation; consider using a makeup sponge rather than brushes for foundation application over this sunscreen
Comparison With Similar Products
To provide context for this Sky and Sol sunscreen review, I’ve compared it with two popular mineral sunscreens in a similar price range.
| Feature | Sky and Sol SPF 50+ | SuperGoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 | Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | 15% Zinc Oxide | 17.5% Zinc Oxide | 9% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Titanium Dioxide |
| Texture | Lightweight cream | Silicone-like serum | Tinted cream |
| White Cast | Minimal | Minimal | Tinted to avoid cast |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes | 40 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Skincare Benefits | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Aloe Leaf Juice, Bush Clover Extract | None significant |
| Best For | All skin types, active lifestyle | Normal to dry skin, everyday use | Sensitive skin, casual activity |
| Price per oz | ~$6-7 | ~$9-10 | ~$9-10 |
| Availability | Direct, select retailers | Widespread | Widespread |
Sky and Sol offers superior water resistance and comprehensive skincare benefits compared to these alternatives, while maintaining competitive pricing. The primary advantage of SuperGoop! is its immediate invisibility, while Elta MD offers a built-in tint that works well for light to medium skin tones.
You can check current prices for these alternatives here: SuperGoop! | Elta MD
Who It’s Best For
Based on my testing and research, Sky and Sol sunscreen is particularly well-suited for:
- Active individuals: The 80-minute water resistance makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and swimmers
- Those with sensitive skin: The clean, fragrance-free formula is unlikely to cause irritation
- Skincare enthusiasts: The added beneficial ingredients make this a multitasking product
- Environmentally conscious consumers: The reef-safe formula and sustainable packaging appeal to eco-minded shoppers
- Makeup wearers: Its performance under makeup is exceptional compared to most mineral sunscreens
- Light to medium-deep skin tones: The minimal white cast works well across most (though not all) skin tones
It may be less ideal for:
- Very deep skin tones: Despite the improvements over traditional mineral formulas, some white cast may still be visible
- Those seeking absolute matte finish: It leaves a natural, slightly dewy finish
- Budget shoppers: There are more affordable options if skincare benefits aren’t a priority
- Those who prefer spray application: Currently only available in cream form
Common Questions & Concerns
Since publication of this Sky and Sol sunscreen review, I’ve received several questions that might help with your purchasing decision:
White Cast Concerns
While Sky and Sol has significantly reduced the white cast issue common to mineral sunscreens, it isn’t completely invisible on very deep skin tones. The cast becomes much less noticeable after 5-10 minutes of wear, but remains slightly visible on the deepest skin tones. The brand has mentioned they’re working on a tinted version for future release.
Sensitivity and Reactions
Among 15 testers with varying skin sensitivities, none experienced negative reactions. The fragrance-free, clean formula is specifically designed for sensitive skin. However, as with any skincare product, patch testing is recommended, especially if you have known sensitivities to specific ingredients.
Reapplication Over Makeup
This is a common sunscreen dilemma. Sky and Sol offers a powder SPF 35 touch-up product (sold separately) designed for midday reapplication over makeup. Alternatively, patting a small amount of the cream formula over makeup using a damp makeup sponge works surprisingly well.
Expiration and Storage
The product has a 24-month shelf life unopened, and 12 months after opening. Storing it in a cool, dry place extends effectiveness. Exposure to extreme heat compromises the formula, so avoid leaving it in hot cars or direct sunlight.
Value Proposition
At approximately $6-7 per ounce, Sky and Sol is more expensive than drugstore options but more affordable than many premium brands. Considering the added skincare benefits and the fact that a little goes a long way, the value proposition is strong for those who prioritize quality ingredients and performance.
Sky and Sol Sunscreen Review: Conclusion
After extensive testing in various conditions and on different skin types, this Sky and Sol sunscreen review concludes that it delivers on most of its promises. It provides excellent broad-spectrum protection in an aesthetically pleasing formula that works well for everyday use and active lifestyles alike.
The product excels in several areas where mineral sunscreens typically fall short—it’s lightweight, minimizes white cast issues, and incorporates beneficial skincare ingredients. While not perfect, particularly for those with very deep skin tones, it represents a significant advancement in mineral sunscreen formulation.
For anyone prioritizing both effective sun protection and skin health, Sky and Sol offers a compelling option that combines the safety of mineral filters with the elegance of premium skincare. The higher price point reflects the quality ingredients and thoughtful formulation.
Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars
Sky and Sol sunscreen earns a strong recommendation for most skin types and use cases. It strikes an impressive balance between protection, wearability, and skin benefits that few other mineral sunscreens achieve.
Ready to experience Sky and Sol for yourself? Check the current price and order at Amazon
Sky and Sol Sunscreen Review: FAQs
Is Sky and Sol sunscreen safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, Sky and Sol is formulated specifically with sensitive skin in mind. It’s fragrance-free, contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract, and avoids common irritants such as chemical UV filters, parabens, and synthetic preservatives. In testing, it performed well even on rosacea-prone and eczema-prone skin.
Is Sky and Sol sunscreen reef-safe?
Yes, Sky and Sol is reef-safe as it does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs. It uses non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient, which is considered safe for marine ecosystems. The company is also certified by the Reef Safe Project, an independent organization that verifies sunscreen formulations.
Does Sky and Sol sunscreen contain oxybenzone?
No, Sky and Sol does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, or any other chemical UV filters. It relies exclusively on non-nano zinc oxide for its sun protection, making it both environmentally friendly and less likely to cause skin sensitization.
Is Sky and Sol a chemical or mineral sunscreen?
Sky and Sol is a 100% mineral sunscreen. It uses non-nano zinc oxide as its sole active ingredient, providing physical protection by reflecting and scattering UV rays rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens do. This makes it suitable for those who prefer to avoid chemical filters or have sensitivities to them.
Can Sky and Sol sunscreen be used under makeup?
Yes, Sky and Sol works exceptionally well under makeup. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and creates a smooth base that enhances makeup application. For best results, allow the sunscreen to fully settle for 5-10 minutes before applying foundation or other makeup products. Many users report improved makeup longevity when using Sky and Sol as a primer.
