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Testing sunscreen products

Published on June 2, 2023 at 15:28 / Updated on June 2, 2023 at 19:01

When it comes to sun protection, we immediately think of protecting children with sunscreen to prevent sunburn. However, it's also a good idea for adults to use sun sunscreen based on their activities. It's essential to protect your skin from UV rays, whether it's for low-to-moderate exposure or for a day of outdoor sports.

With a multitude of sun care products on the market, from face-only formulas to complete face and body products, it can be hard to find your way around. 

That's why Familiprix, in collaboration with Vie de Parent, has put nine adult sunscreen products to the test, to help you make the right choice.

Discover them all now!

Please note that: 

  • All sunscreen products tested are pre-approved by Familiprix professionals.
  • To provide objective information, a cost-per-quantity calculation has been made ($/ml) or ($/g). The indications $, $$ or $$$ are reflected by this ratio. 
  • For the testing section, a total of 15 adults aged 18 to 65 gave their opinions, comments and assessments on various criteria. 


Aveeno - Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 

Aveeno - Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 30


This light, silky sunscreen from Aveeno® is particularly suitable for people with sensitive skin. With soothing oatmeal and mineral ingredients, it can be applied to both the face and body. What's more, its fragrance-, paraben-, phthalate-, oxybenzone- and dye-free formula won't irritate the skin. Aveeno’s Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet rays.

Price:  $

Testers' opinions:

Product format:

Perfect for a handbag or fanny pack!

Fragrance:

None

Texture:

Easy to apply for a mineral cream. Doesn't stay too white after application.

Practical features:

Eco-friendly product. Perfect for swimming in the ocean. Water-resistant for 80 minutes.

Would you buy this product again?

"Yes, usually mineral creams are rather difficult to apply or even a bit sticky. But not this one. I like it!"

- Barbara

Avene – High Sun Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50

Avene – High Sun Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50


Specially designed for sensitive and intolerant skin, Avene’s High Sun Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 not only helps to cover imperfections and give your skin a natural complexion but also offers considerable protection against UVA and UVB rays. Composed of 100% stable mineral filters, Provitamin E (pre-tocopheryl), it is considered a powerful antioxidant and provides additional cellular protection against free radicals. Avene’s High Sun Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 is available in two shades, sand or gold.

Price : $$$

Testers' opinions:

Product format: 

Ideal for travelling light and perfect for your handbag!

Fragrance:

None 

Texture:

Neither too dry nor too oily, it does not leave too many stains on application or too much shine

Practical features:

Ideal for a daytime makeup touch-up! Simply apply a small amount to the face, and your complexion will be evened out and protected from UV rays. This 4-in-1 product offers protection, coverage and a sponge for application—not to mention a mirror! Without being a complete sun protection, it is complementary with other products and practical for taking care of your skin. We also like the fact that it's available in two shades, as your tan evolves during the summer season. 

Would you buy this product again?

"It's definitely a great discovery—and ideal for dinner on the terrace or for happy hour. I must admit I have a soft spot for this beauty-safety-health option. I now carry it in my purse!"

- Claudine

Biomedic - Ultra Lotion SPF 50+

Biomedic - Ultra Lotion SPF 50+


Biomedic’s Ultra Lotion, SPF 50+, is safe for babies aged 6 months and over, children and adults. This product is applied to the face and body. It contains no oxybenzone or parabens. It is water-resistant for 80 minutes. The Biomedic brand offers several sunscreen products, including a spray and a smaller lotion (240 ml).

Price : $

Testers' opinions:

Product format:

The large 1 L format is very practical and can be used by the whole family! We especially love the pump, which makes application faster and easier for kids! 

Fragrance:

None. Great for those who like "neutral-smelling” products.

Texture:

Good coverage without being difficult to apply.

Practical features:

The 1 L format is economical, making it ideal for use at home or at the cottage. A highly versatile product for the whole family, with SPF 50 and water resistance.

Overall opinion:

A favourite for its versatility!

Would you buy this product again?

As long as it's available at Familiprix! This is the ultimate family size; it will keep us protected us all summer long!" 

- Élise

Coppertone - Complete Lotion SPF 50

Coppertone - Complete Lotion SPF 50


Safe for the whole family, Coppertone’ Complete Lotion SPF 50 can be used daily to protect your skin from sunburns. Its light, moisturizing formula is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, PABA, phthalates and colourants. This multi-benefit lotion is also hypoallergenic. Water-resistant for 80 minutes, it can be applied to both your body and face.

Price : $

Testers' opinions:

Product size: 

The 148 ml format holds a lot without being too bulky. It goes everywhere. We also like its blue and yellow packaging, making it easy to find in your beach bag!

Fragrance:

The subtle Coppertone scent is not overpowering and will not displease those who prefer scent-free products. 

Texture:

Very smooth and light. It is not sticky. Because it is a lotion rather than a cream, it is so pleasant to apply on hot days. 

Practical features:

We like the fact that this cream is designed for the whole family and can be applied to the whole body, including the face. It can easily be slipped into a beach bag.

Would you buy this product again?

"Officially, yes! The perfect combination of value for money and format for a busy family and a mom on the go." 

- Stéphanie D.

Hawaiian Tropic® Weightless Mineral™ Tinted Face Lotion SPF 30

Hawaiian Tropic – Weightless mineral visage teintée FPS 30


Hawaiian Tropic® Weightless Mineral™ Tinted Face Lotion SPF 30 protects your face from UVA and UVB rays while deeply moisturizing the skin. Its light, creamy formula contains no chemical filters or parabens, but rather active minerals. Lightly tinted, it gives your skin some glow—without any white streaks. A fun eco-friendly fact: the 50 ml bottle is made from 25% recycled materials.

Price : $$

Testers' opinions:

Product format:

We like the practical format with its plastic cap that covers the tip to avoid any messes in your bag.

Fragrance:

Hawaiian Tropic's signature scent immerses you in a fun-in-the-sun vibe, with notes of coconut.

Texture:

Very pleasant. Neither too liquid nor too compact. The statement "light, creamy texture" is true.

Practical features:

When you press the pump, only a small amount of the product is dispensed, so it's perfect for avoiding waste. Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 and offers a better complexion—we love it! Small, compact format, so easy to carry everywhere.

Would you buy this product again?

"Yes, this product protects me from the sun, offers a nice tint, and is easy to apply. Plus the fragrance! I love it!"

- Sarah

IDC - Mineral Powder Sunscreen SOLIS+ SPF 50

IDC - Mineral Powder Sunscreen SOLIS+ SPF 50


Combined with sunscreen, IDC's Mineral powder sunscreen SOLIS+ SPF 50 offers protection against ultraviolet rays and prevents skin aging caused by the sun, stress and pollution. This sunscreen in powder form gives an even complexion, playing a role in preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Offered in two shades, light and medium-dark, this 2-in-1 combines brush and powder for easy, effective touch-ups. This product is suitable for adults only.

Price : $$$

Testers' opinions:

Product format:

Convenient, compact powder brush.

Fragrance:

No predominant smell.

Texture:

Mineral powder. Application with built-in brush.

Practical features:

You can take it anywhere! We like the multi-purpose aspect of this product: it offers sun protection, improves your complexion, and enhances your look.

Would you buy this product again?

"Yes, I like it. It's a product that offers different benefits from the others. It's complementary to a sunscreen."

- Marjory

La Roche-Posay - ANTHELIOS XL DRY TOUCH GEL-CREAM SPF 60

La Roche-Posay - ANTHELIOS XL DRY TOUCH GEL-CREAM SPF 60


La Roche-Posay’s ANTHELIOS XL DRY TOUCH GEL-CREAM SPF 60 sunscreen, specially designed for the face, protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, skin reactions and cell damage. Its gel-cream texture is non-sticky and leaves no white marks. Water-resistant, it is recommended for oily to combination skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin.

Price : $

Testers' opinions:

Product format: 

Compact format, but still offers a good quantity (150 ml).

Fragrance:

None

Texture:

As this is a lotion, the texture is pleasantly refreshing.

Practical features:

We particularly appreciate the SPF 60 for maximum protection and the fact that the product is suitable for sensitive skin.

Would you buy this product again?

“I'm not a big fan of sunscreen in general, but I must admit that I was convinced by this one, not to mention knowing that it would protect me well.” 

- Lucie

Ombrelle Face Sunscreen Cream SPF 60

Ombrelle Face Sunscreen Cream SPF 60


Ombrelle Face Sunscreen Cream SPF 60 is a 75 ml moisturizing lotion for sensitive skin. Its non-greasy formula contains no perfumes or colourants. It does, however, include antioxidants for effective protection against the sun's ultraviolet rays. Ultralight, this sunscreen can be used by all family members over 6 months old.

Prix : $$

Testers' opinions:

Product format:

Compact, easy-to-carry format for outdoor outings.

Fragrance:

None

Texture:

A light, easy-to-apply, non-greasy lotion.

Practical features:

As this cream is specific to the face, we appreciate its non-greasy formula and the fact that it is suitable for sensitive skin with an SPF 60.

Would you buy this product again?

"Yes, this product is perfect for going running in the sun and feeling like you're protected."

- Jean-Philippe

Vichy - Capital Soleil Ultra-light UV Lotion

Vichy - Capital Soleil Ultra-light UV Lotion


Capital Soleil Ultra-light UV Lotion SPF 60 protects against UVA and UVB rays. Water- and perspiration-resistant, it can be applied to wet skin without losing its effectiveness. Suitable for the body and face, this product is perfect for an active lifestyle.

Prix : $$

Testers' opinions:

Product format: 

Ideal for vacations.

Fragrance:

Very subtle, almost non-existent.

Texture:

Lotion for easy application.

Practical features:

We love the fact that it can be applied to both wet and dry skin. Ideal for seaside vacations, swimmers and athletes who sweat a lot. This product can be applied to both the body and face.

Would you buy this product again?

"Yes, without a doubt! The effectiveness of the product with its sport formula stood up to my jogging."

- Anne-Marie

In conclusion, our 15 testers liked the sunscreen products and appreciated their different features. The most economical formulas are often those designed for the face and body. However, face-specific sunscreen products are worth considering, as they are tailored to your skin type, while offering enriched, non-greasy formulas that don't leave any greasy marks. Special mention should be given to cosmetics offering sun protection, which was a favourite discovery for many of our testers; they are perfect for evening out your complexion during the morning make-up routine or for touch-ups during the day. Remember, combining these products with sunscreen is important if you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun.

Now that you're well protected, you're all set to enjoy the summer. Enjoy!

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