If you’re into organic sunscreens, you should read this.
Given the newest Naturium launch, I had to test out and compare their two popular sunscreens, UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 and Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50:
I preferred the UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF because I love that it just . . . didn’t feel like sunscreen?
It’s more like a lightweight, watery serum that blends in super easily and doesn’t leave a white cast.
On the other hand, Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 leaves your skin perfectly plump and glowy, and it’s like the perfect base for makeup (coming from the girl that hates wearing foundation so . . . grain of salt).
I hate the texture of sunscreen, but I refuse to age prematurely, so here we are.
In this post, I’ll review both products in detail and compare them so you can decide which one is best for you.
I. UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50
Trust me, unless you’re a serious skincare junkie, you’ve never tried an SPF like Naturium’s UV Reflect sunscreen.
This sunscreen is more like a serum, delivering weightless SPF coverage with a silky smooth finish - almost like velvet.
I’m a huge fan and will be repurchasing this one!
Texture
I was shocked when I first tried applying this guy.
It spreads like liquid silk across your skin, easily absorbing into your skin without leaving any sticky or greasy residue.
Wait just one minute and it looks like you don’t even have anything on your face . . . like magic.
I love the ultralight texture because I’m acne prone, so this SPF won’t clog pores or cause breakouts either.
Further, there are ingredients in this product that help absorb oil which gives you that ~sheer matte~ look all day long - perfect for people with oilier skin types.
And yes, I promise, zero white cast!
Key Active Ingredients
The key active ingredients are the same among both sunscreens:
Avobenzone 3.0%
Homosalate 10.0%
Octisalate 5.0%
I know everyone loves to hate on chemical UV filters, but avobenzone is really that girl.
Since I’ve been studying UV filters, I’ve come to learn that avobenzone is the best chemical filter we have in the U.S. to fight UVA (aka the ultraviolet light that causes aging).
You don’t want your sunscreen to have a white cast and you don’t want it to cost an arm and a leg?
Well, you’re going to want avobenzone in it.
I’m surprising myself even writing this as I usually stick to mineral sunscreens!
Added Skincare Benefits
As someone who works way too much, I love all the blue light-blocking ingredients that Naturium includes in their formulas.
This is especially important for people working indoors and in front of laptops all day to prevent hyperpigmentation and premature aging.
This SPF is also packed with antioxidants (hence the name) to protect your skin from environmental stressors that cause premature fine lines and wrinkles.
Aaaaand this sunscreen is actually water-resistant, so it’s perfect for athletes and your average summer beach day.
Packaging
Antioxidant Reflect SPF 50 comes in a slight “squeeze bottle”, although I hesitate to call it that.
Because the texture of the sunscreen is super runny, you can make a slight mess if you’re not careful.
(Totally not calling myself out here)
My biggest drip is that they didn’t put this formula in a dropper bottle because it would have been soooo much easier to apply.
But I digress.
Price and Value
I’m always recommending Naturium products because they’re super reasonably priced for what you’re getting.
This sunscreen is no different.
$26 for 1.7 fl oz of a product that I won’t dread wearing and will save me thousands on laser/botox/filler treatments in ten years?
Yes, please.
II. Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50
If it weren’t for the fact that I tried this one’s watery, thinner, more exceptional younger sibling (aka UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF), I probably would have loved Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50.
Texture
Dew-Glow has a creamy, medium-weight lotion texture that takes about a minute to absorb.
It needs to be rubbed in carefully, but once it does, your skin feels incredible.
You’ll be plump and dewy, without any heavy, icky, greasy feeling.
Okay, so maybe I’m just super sensitive to weird textures on my face.
But the name is accurate - this is truly a complete moisturizer and SPF in one.
It’s hydrating and nourishing and makes a great base for layering foundation and makeup.
For people with oily or acne-prone skin though, I think this one is just a touch too heavy for everyday use.
Key Active Ingredients
The key active ingredients are the same among both sunscreens:
Avobenzone 3.0%
Homosalate 10.0%
Octisalate 5.0%
I already did my whole spiel about avobenzone above, so I’ll let it rest . . . for now.
Added Skincare Benefits
That instant plumping effect you get from Dew-Glow?
You can thank hyaluronic acid and panthenol for that.
These guys help bind and retain environmental water to keep your skin hydrated all day long.
This sunscreen also includes niacinamide and 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid to help reduce the appearance of pores and even out your skin tone.
Packaging
I have never seen a sunscreen like this before!
As you can tell from my personal care brand Biom, I hate plastic.
So I love how Naturium packaged this sunscreen in an aluminum tube that easily fits in my purse or backpack.
The only thing I don’t like is that sometimes I have a hard time pumping out the product - like it takes 5-10 pumps to get it going before any product comes out.
Also, interestingly, the cap has a 1/4 teaspoon divet in it so you can measure out your product and ensure you’re using enough to get proper sun protection.
That seems messy to me so I just use the two-finger rule, but to each their own.
Price and Value
Dew-Glow is a little cheaper than UV Reflect Antioxidant at $22 for 1.7 fl oz.
This price is totally reasonable, especially considering I don’t hate wearing it.
I would buy this again, just probably not until winter time because I really loved UV Reflect Antioxidant and it’s perfect for summer.
III. Comparison & Conclusion
Both UV Reflect and Dew-Glow offer broad spectrum SPF 50 protection with the same chemical active ingredients.
So how do you choose between the two Naturium sunscreens?
We can compare the key differences, but I’ll be clear - I loveeeeed UV Reflect and will kind of avoid using Dew-Glow until I finish it, haha.
Sun Protection
Both sunscreens deliver top-notch broad spectrum SPF 50 shielding.
You can rest easy knowing you’re completely covered against UVA/UVB damage in addition to blue light.
Texture & Application
UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 is way thinner and has a more serum-like texture.
Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 is thicker and richer, and you could easily skip wearing another moisturizer underneath if you wanted to.
Dew-Glow is the better choice if you’re looking for convenience too as it’s easier to apply and can replace your moisturizer step.
Skin Types
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I highly recommend getting UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50.
On the other hand, if you have dry or flaking skin, you’ll probably love Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50.
Seasons
This is my personal preference, but generally, I would suggest:
UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 in the summer
Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 in the winter
Simple.
IV. Conclusion
At the end of the day, Naturium offers two stellar sunscreen choices at wallet-friendly prices.
Whether you prefer the featherlight serum texture of UV Reflect or a nutrient-packed cream like Dew-Glow, you really can't make a bad choice between these two sunscreens.
If you do try them out, let me know what you think!
Cheers,