This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
I picked up the Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen on a whim last summer from Target, and I wanted to share my review with you guys because I was seriously impressed with this product!
It was my first time using a mineral sunscreen, and I definitely will from now on. I’m not well versed in the chemical vs mineral sunscreen issue that has been going on for a little while now.
From what I’ve read, it seems that generally mineral sunscreen is safer to use compared to chemical due to the fact that chemical is absorbed in the bloodstream while mineral sits on top of the skin and isn’t absorbed. Don’t quote me on that, but that is my general understanding.
Another perk of mineral sunscreen is there is no sinking in time at all. You just need to apply it and you’re ready to go. Love that!
Truthfully, I wasn’t all that familiar with chemical vs mineral when I picked the Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen to try. I was mainly just looking for a cruelty free sunscreen to try and bring with me to the beach.
The packaging was cute and it was cruelty free, so I grabbed it from Target. I also liked that it came with a little travel sized along with the big size. As a fair skinned gal, having a travel sized sunscreen with me at all times is a necessity.
Highlights from Australian Gold:
- Mineral Sunscreen: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide a non-chemical sun protection option, with a powder-like matte finish that’s never greasy
- Australian Botanicals: Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus and Red Algae form a unique combination of antioxidant rich botanicals
- Eco Conscious Formulation: Designed to be Oxybenzone Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, PABA Free, Petrolatum Free, SLS (Sulfate) Free, Dye Free and Oil Free. Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist and Pediatrician Tested. Not tested on animals.
- Fragrance: Citrus Oasis scent provides a sophisticated fragrance that is subtle and refreshing
The Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen is available at a few different retailers, and overall the reviews are pretty good, but not great. These are for the SPF 50 one specifically.
- Target – 44 reviews, average rating 3.7 stars (SPF 30 rated 4.4 stars)
- Ulta – 80 reviews, average rating 3.7 stars (SPF 30 rated 4 stars)
- Amazon – all varieties are lumped together, so no individual reviews for products. But overall, there are 1224 reviews with average rating of 4.2 stars.
So, my Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen review – I love it. Like I mentioned, I am very fair skinned. I am used to applying sunscreen on sunscreen all the time.
In my experience, they always leave my skin feeling sticky, greasy, gross, and immediately in need of a shower, but you just have to leave it on. I hate it!
The fact that this isn’t greasy at all is already SUCH a win to me. My hands don’t feel gross, and neither does my skin after applying. I was so impressed by that alone that it was already a solid product in my book.
I didn’t feel like it required that much to actually rub in. It feels almost powdery, and in my experience, rubbed in quickly and effortlessly. It has a very pleasant and light scent, which I liked.
I have read other’s say that it left them with a bit of a white tint on their skin. I am very fair skinned, so I didn’t experience that either because of my skin, or otherwise.
But if you have darker skin, that could be an issue for you. Plenty of other reviews specifically mention not experiencing that at all though. Just something to keep in mind.
Another thing to note is that to wash it off in the shower you do need to use more than just a body wash. Just rubbing on soap will not completely take the sunscreen off.
I have found that using a washcloth or loofa works perfectly though. You don’t need to excessively scrub, but you need something with a bit more texture than just body wash alone.
I personally have not used this on my face. They actually have one specifically formulated for faces, with a tint to it. I may pick that up for summer, although truthfully, I wish it wasn’t tinted. It’s SPF 50 though, which I do appreciate.
The lotion version of this comes in SPF 30, 50, and 70. These all Also it comes in a kids formulated version, which is fragrance free, and also SPF 50. If you’re not into a lotion, they also have this in a spray version! Again it comes in SPF 30, 50, and 70, but no kids specific version.
On Ulta’s website, they have the SPF 50 spray version available for purchase with 26 reviews and average rating of 4.5. I definitely plan to pick this up for this coming summer to try out as well.
Overall, I love this sunscreen. I think if you’re looking for something non-greasy this absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommend you checking this out!
Looking to pick some up? Below I’ve linked a few different retailers, and you can choose which variety you’re interested in.
Looking for more cruelty free sunscreen reviews? Click to keep reading!
