Alastin Sunscreen: The Good, The Bad, and The Orange

Before I dive into my review of the Alastin sunscreen, I must write about the time that this brand saved my skin. It was 2021, and I had just gotten an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatment on my face. The dermatologist I visited went pretty hard on my face, and caused a significant amount of bruising that I wasn’t prepared for. In the long run, all the bruising was beneficial because the broken capillaries on my face had been zapped, but I had had a friend in town that weekend and didn’t know I would be looking like a Dalmatian everywhere we went. 

Knowing that Alastin works wonders on damaged or broken skin, I reached out to the PR gals at Alastin to ask them if they could send over some products. Alastin is all about creating products that are ideal for use before or after a big (or small) facial procedure. The brand immediately sent me a bunch of their products that are specifically geared towards healing post-procedure skin fast, and the formulas really delivered. The one that helped me the most was the Alastin INhance Post-Injection Serum with TriHex Technology. This little product works to reduce bruising after injections or lasers, and helped my face look less blotchy with bruises each day I used it. 

All that’s to say, I really love this brand! However, after testing the Alastin sunscreen out, I have some things to say (and not all of them are positive). 

Alastin Sunscreen Review

The Alastin sunscreen is one of the brand’s best-selling products. The brand has two sunscreens, but this Alastin sunscreen review will be focusing on the HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36. This pick promises to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection (which is the SPF 36), protect skin from environmental stressors (thanks to antioxidants), and hydrate your skin, too. 

Packaging

I like the packaging of this product. It comes in a pump tube thingy, which makes it easy to pump onto your hand, sponge, or brush. I also like that a lot of sunscreen comes in the tube–I think this will last about 3-4 months if I were to use it every day. 

Scent

This formula has no scent and is fragrance-free, which I absolutely love. I can’t stand when skincare (or makeup) has any sort of added scent in it, as it really irritates my skin. I think that most, if not all, Alastin Skincare products are fragrance-free. 

Texture

The texture of this pick is pretty light—it feels like a lightweight serum. It’s smooth and gives off a slight glow to the skin. It blends into the skin really well and is definitely a nice base for foundation and a full face of makeup, if that’s what you’re after. 

Formulation

The formulation of this SPF is really elegant, and I can see why it costs as much as it does ($64). It’s really smooth, dries down pretty nicely, gives a slight sheen, and is loaded with great-for-your-skin ingredients. The formula is reef-friendly and water-resistant up to 40 minutes. 

I also love this formula because it’s chock-full of antioxidants to help keep your skin healthy. For instance, it contains asteriscus graveolens flower/fruit/leaf/stem extract—which fight signs of pollution and stress. Plus, the camellia sinensis leaf extract in this product has anti-aging properties. The dunaliella salina extract in this sunscreen/spf provides additional protection from free radical damage. It even helps to reduce inflammation.

It’s important to note that tinted sunscreens have some ingredients that seem like they’re in another language. This pick from Alastin is no exception. For example, it has iron oxides (C.I. 77491), iron oxides (C.I. 77492), and iron oxides (C.I. 77499). Those are coloring agents. It also has a chemical called peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, which is a silicone polymer that helps soften the skin. 

The last two ingredients I’d love to break down are peg-10/15 crosspolymer and dimethicone vinyl. The first one, peg-10/15 crosspolymer, is good to condition the skin. The second ingredient is deeply hydrating and helps protect your skin from environmental irritants.

SPF

The Alastin sunscreen has broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection, which is important for preventing skin cancer and curbing early signs of aging. I don’t love that it’s only SPF 36, which isn’t a ton of sun protection for your face—even if you apply generously. It is, however, loaded with antioxidants, which help to protect your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light. 

Shades

So, this is the big issue I have with the Alastin tinted sunscreen—it only comes in one shade, and it is way too dark and orange for my skin tone. Even when I rub it into my skin, it still makes my face look orange. It’s just too dark for my skin, unfortunately. Because of this, I can’t really use this sunscreen! I could probably use it in the summer if I get a good tan. Or, I could use it after I’ve gotten a spray tan or used self-tanner on my face and body. But you won’t catch me wearing this one during the dead of winter, when my face is as pale as a ghost. 

The positive side of this shade is that it’s ideal for folks with medium to dark skin tones—which is often hard to find when it comes to tinted sunscreen. Most tinted sunscreen is geared for people with lighter skin tones, and will even leave a white cast on people with darker complexions. Because of this, I think this is a beautiful formulation for someone with a darker skin tone than my pale, Irish skin.  

How To Use The Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Prep your skin

Before applying the Alastin sunscreen, you need to cleanse and moisturize your skin. My latest morning skincare routine includes the Vanicream Cleanser, Cocokind Toner, Cocokind Hydrating Serum, and Shani Darden Oil-Free Moisturizer. 

Apply the Alastin sunscreen

Next, apply the Alastin sunscreen to your entire face and neck using your fingers.

Let sit for five minutes

I would let this sunscreen sit for five minutes before applying anything else. You need to let it dry and settle into the skin (remember that it won’t fully dry down, which is one of the downsides of this formula). While you wait, you can either do your hair or apply your eye makeup!

Apply the rest of your makeup

Finally, apply the rest of your makeup after the five minutes is up!

Removing the sunscreen

It’s not recommended to fall asleep with anything on your face—not even sunscreen. When you use this pick (or any other, for that matter), make sure that you rinse with water to remove any excess product that’s piled up throughout the day. 

Where To Buy Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

There aren’t many places you can purchase the Alastin sunscreen. You can find this pick at:

• Alastin Skincare ($64)

Remember, taking adequate sun protection measures (like wearing sunscreen that protects from harmful UVA and UVB rays) is absolutely non-negotiable when it comes to skincare. As I mentioned, this pick from Alastin would be great for folks who have medium skin tones.If this pick is too dark for your complexion, too, be sure to check out the best non-toxic sunscreens I’ve rounded up on my blog!