Avène Mineral Sunscreen Multi-Defense Fluid SPF 50+

This sunscreen is the best mineral sunscreen I have used. The formula changed slightly from the previous version. People who have noticed that this is watery and separated need to make sure they shake the product. It needs to be shaken VIGOROUSLY. It still sounded like water was sloshing around until I had been shaking it for about 15 MINUTES. It is worth it though. It is still a FLUID, so it will be very liquidy. I noticed that if I rub it with my hands and then put it on my face, it thickens up. I think that it dries down pretty well, but I'm a little oilier with this version than the one previously. It still is the best I have tried compared to other brands of a similar price point. One major flaw was the change in the bottle opening. They used to have a "dropper" like opening but changed it to a pin-hole opening. Since my bottle was sitting unused for a bit, some product got built up at the opening. At first, I was able to get it open by using a pin, but that was annoying having to use that each time. Then I tried a toothpick; it actually pulled out the pin-hole shaped plug and then I was able to clean out the built-up product. I was able to replace that pin-hole plug and then it worked perfectly fine. At least I know that I can fix it again if it has that build up happening again. In terms of the white cast, I don't notice anything, but then I am really pale with a reddish hue on parts of my face so that could be why. I still greatly recommend this product for anyone who is sensitive to chemical sunscreens and is combination/oily with acne-prone skin. I do have some dry patches on my chin, and they are not bothered by this product.

Do not recommend. Loved it at first, but separated and became a watery mess after just 2 months. Would not recommend or purchase again. Very disappointed. This was a miss, even though love other avene products I've tried.

So sad about this new formula and they decreased the size of the bottle from 1.7 ounces to 1.3…. I loved the old forumla and wasnt happy about the size change but was willing to pay it cause I love the product. I bought one bottle it was fine, the second bottle I was going to purchase was watery, cant even put it on my skin. And then went to the store and they were all extremely watery. Im unfortunately going to have to find a new product.

I'm a long-time Avène lover, but recently in preparation for potential import tariffs in the U.S., I've been trying to find U.S. brands that are good for sensitive skin. However, this sunscreen (and the one-of-a-kind Avène Cicalfate+) was going to be the one thing I continued using, regardless. Then, they changed the formula slightly and reduced the fluid ounces offered from 1.7 to 1.3, which means I now need to buy two bottles every month to cover my face, back of the neck, throat, chest, and backs of the hands/my forearms if they're going to be uncovered—just once daily. That was upsetting enough. This new formulation also isn't as gentle nor as hydrating as the previous (although just as runny, which I never really cared about), and as someone with Sahara-dry skin that's also hyper sensitive, this no longer is my top choice. I have three bottles left and I intend to finish them, but I won't be repurchasing in the future. Still, due to chronic illness and other skin issues, I don't spend a lot of time out in the sun. For the past (I believe) 9-11 years, this has prevented sunburn. I'm a former Floridian, born and raised, and have lived in Seattle for almost 8 years. (Contrary to what people think, Seattle often feels brighter than the Tampa Bay are of Florida did.) And even with genetics not being on the winning side, I my skin looks younger than most of my peers—even younger women—without surgical, dermatological/laser, or injectable intervention. So, it works! (To note: I'm white and 25% Native American, but I look pink-yellow pasty.) I'm just no longer willing to pay what I consider a premium for a sunscreen product that has declined in quantity for the same price, as well as quality. Otherwise, even the new formula doesn't burn my eyes, which is nice. However, it does cause some burning sensation on areas of the skin that have been compromised. I have rosacea and a mast cell condition which often leaves me with even minor rashes or a disrupted skin barrier in places like my singular throat crease. Thankfully applying the Cicalfate+ cream resuscitates my skin, but this new formula is no longer compatible with an imperfect skin barrier like it used to be. I'm back on the market for a zinc oxide-only (100% non-chemical) sunscreen designed for sensitive, dry skin. Hopefully I won't eat my words on the cost factor, though. I remember looking for a sunscreen for _years_ before finally finding this, so here's hoping I can find something faster with a much greater understanding of ingredients, ingredient compositions and interactions, etc. (Previously purchased directly from Avène USA.)

I am a fan of Avene and decided to try out their mineral sunscreen. I bought it when it was newly released and experienced the faulty packaging where you can't squeeze any product out. The formula itself is a bit thick and you have to work it in but even though it sinks in, it still leaves a white cast on my light-light medium skin. If you have dry skin, you have to wear moisturizer under this or it will cause some flaking. I will NOT be repurchasing this product.