Hero’s Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen is currently ranked 128th on the list of best-selling sunscreens on Amazon US. Overall, customers have quite good feedback about it. However, I can bet 100% that it will definitely not be suitable for some people, because there is no such thing as a suitable product for all skin types or dermatological diseases.
That’s why today I decided to analyze this sunscreen to come up with the most focused and clear conclusions possible. You won’t have to waste time deciding whether to buy it or not!
I. Safety of Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen
Ingredients
Zinc Oxide 17.53%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-15 Alkane, Propanediol, C15-19 Alkane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ectoin, Alteromonas (Abyssine) Ferment Extract, Harungana Madagascariensis (Madagascar) Extract, Ipomoea Batatas (Purple Sweet Potato) Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis (Red Algae) Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Coccinia Indica (Ivy Gourd) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Bisabolol, Amber Powder, Coco-Glucoside, Glucose, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, t-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Inositol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol.
According to the list above, it can be seen that this cream contains 17.53% zinc oxide (non-nano) – the main physical sunscreen ingredient. This name is extremely familiar, so I won’t say much more; you can find more information about it yourself.
Next, you will see a lot of natural extracts! They are divided into two groups. Group 1 is antioxidant superfood botanicals—plant extracts with antioxidant functions. The second group is naturally defensive bio-ingredients, including biological ingredients that have the function of protecting the skin.
Those natural ingredients are often found in Korean acne products and are rarely found in sunscreens from European or American brands (which often use clinical active ingredients). Usually, people with acne will limit the use of sunscreen because they think it is more likely to cause irritation and clog pores, making the situation worse. This is also advice that has been widely spread on the internet. But perhaps it’s time we changed this concept.
The composition of this product makes it an exception, breaking old stereotypes. Hero Cosmetics intends it to be an American brand sunscreen, containing mostly natural extracts so that customers with acne-prone and sensitive skin can use it every day.
This is also a reef-safe, certified sunscreen, meaning these ingredients, when dissolved in seawater, do not harm corals.
II. Experience
1. Scent
The manufacturer announced that Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen does not contain fragrance. Instead, it has a smell of plant extracts, and some people may not like the smell very much. But after a while, this smell will disappear.
2. Texture
This cream is light, not too liquid, and does not clump when applied. The general feeling is that it feels smooth. When first applied, it will feel a bit greasy, but then the cream settles into the skin and the feeling will return to normal.
The cream has a light green color; the manufacturer’s purpose is to use green to even out skin tone and reduce red tones on the skin (for people with acne or sensitive skin). Reality shows that this function is not very effective, and it depends on each person’s skin tone, so don’t get your hopes up too much.
Does Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen leave a white streak? For oily, dewy skin, it has a pretty nice finish. However, excessive dryness can lead to the appearance of white cast on the skin, although they will also disappear after a while.
3. Compatibility with makeup
It can be used as a primer before applying makeup, high compatibility, whether thick or thin makeup adheres well. Don’t worry about its green color, this cream does not affect the color of your makeup at all. If you don’t feel the need to buy foundation (or want to save money), this is an ideal choice.
4. Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin
When applying the cream around the eyes, there is no burning sensation. Some customers with POD (perioral dermatitis) also gave positive feedback and were very pleased with the product, they were quite surprised about its safety (No data are available for other dermatological diseases).
Even though have acne, my younger brother feels that this cream does not cause discomfort, feels gentle, and his acne does not get worse. This is a common response from quite a few people with acne-prone skin.
5. Sunproof and waterproof
Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen has SPF 30, blocking 97% of UVB rays. The manufacturer recommends reapplying the cream after 2 hours for maximum effectiveness.
Personally, I find this product’s waterproof or sweat proof to be okay, not excellent. So it is suitable for light outdoor activities.
If you need a product that can handle heavy sports such as: long-distance running, climbing, swimming, or golf, you can refer to Dr.G Nice Birdie Up Sun.
6. Change packaging
The design of the pump looks pretty cool. However, it has one minus point: when the cream is about to run out, getting the cream out of the tube becomes quite difficult. There was quite a lot of leftover cream, so to avoid wasting I had to cut it in half. It is best for manufacturers to switch to traditional tube form.
III. Suitable skin type
Above, I said that those with sensitive and acne-prone skin can safely use Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen. However, after I let a few friends use it, I have some more detailed notes:
- For oily skin, this sunscreen is a perfect match. It feels smooth and matte on the skin, leaving no white cast. Its lightweight formula is ideal for oily skin types, as it doesn’t clog pores or leave a greasy residue.
- Sensitive skin with acne: Can be used with peace of mind. Personally, I have not recorded any breakout cases.
This product may not be suitable for people with dry skin. It seems like this cream makes my skin drier than usual, like it absorbs all the water. Applying a layer of moisturizer first will resolve the problem.
