Yes, Colorescience® uses only mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen active ingredients, zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in all of our sunscreen products. These are the only 2 sunscreen actives the FDA recognizes as safe and effective. Colorescience® has never and will never use any chemical sunscreen actives.

I noticed some Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ products contain mica. Are these safe and ethically-sourced?
The micas that Colorescience® uses are ethically sourced. They are sourced from various parts of the world, including Japan, U.S. Mica is not a derivative of asbestos. Our mica vendors adhere to global regulations pertaining to the quality and safety of cosmetic ingredients. The mica used in Colorescience® products is mined and processed to meet consistent standards of high quality, safety and aesthetics. Our mica passes or exceeds the standards for heavy metal and microbial testing.

Total Protection™ products have not been tested on pregnant or nursing women. Consult your physician before using.

All Total Protection® products use only all-mineral zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide which are the only sunscreen active ingredients recognized as safe and effective by the FDA.

Per FDA recommendation as well, our Total Protection® products are safe to apply to children 6 months and older. For use on children under 6 months of age, please consult your physician.

While all Total Protection® products are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin and children above 6 months, young children and babies have especially delicate skin which is why we recommend the below, our most soothing all-mineral formulas, to protect their skin.

Total Protection® No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush
Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Body Shield Classic SPF 50
For teens and young adults, our Total Protection® Face Shield SPF 50 collection is a fan favorite for all-mineral, tinted formulas that can be mixed and matched to customize your protection. Please note, however, that all Total Protection® Face Shield SPF 50 formulas contain 2% niacinamide. While niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is known to help soothe skin, aid the skin barrier, and balance sebum production, it can lead to irritation for those with an allergy. For this reason, we recommend a patch test on a small area of skin before applying directly to the face.

Blue (HEV) light protection is tested by measuring the ability of the formula to block light in the HEV spectrum that would otherwise reach the skin. In practice, this is done by applying the formula to a transparent substrate at the same dose level (2mg/cm2) used in the FDA Monograph SPF test. The substrate is then placed at the entrance of an integrating sphere detector which captures all the light passing through the sample. This configuration is the same as that used in the FDA Monograph Critical Wavelength measurement and mimics the situation of a formula applied to the skin. The percentage of HEV light blocked is calculated by comparing the intensity of the light transmitted through the formula to the incident light at each wavelength throughout the HEV spectrum (400–490 nm).

We measure our pollution protection by directly measuring free radicals created from UV + pollution events on unprotected skin and skin protected with Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50. We use a testing technique called electron spin resonance (ESR) that uses a combination of a magnetic field and electron magnetic waves to directly detect the unpaired electrons of free radicals.

Colorescience® follows the FDA guidelines for testing water resistance or adherence to the skin after exposure to water. A panel of 10 people apply the product to their skin prior to being immersed in a whirlpool (of moving or circulating water) for 20-minute cycles. After 20 minutes in the whirlpool, panelists exit the whirlpool before immersing themselves again. For 40 minutes water resistance, panelists are immersed in the water for two 20-minute cycles. For 80 minutes water resistance, this is done a total of 4 times. After all cycles are completed, the SPF that is remaining on the skin is measured. If after 80 minutes in the whirlpool, the SPF remaining is at least 50, the result is an SPF 50 with 80 minutes of water resistance.

EnviroScreen® Technology is proprietary to Colorescience®. EnviroScreen® Technology uses patented active ingredients, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, that create a barrier preventing free radical formation and oxidative stress. These patented actives are combined with specialty ingredients that, together, work synergistically to protect skin from damage caused by exposure to UVA/UVB rays, pollution, blue light (also known as High Energy Visible, or HEV, light), and infrared radiation.

The PA rating system measures the level of protection from UVA rays, which are known to cause pigment darkening in the skin. It measures the amount of time a product would protect your skin from darkening.

The following shows how much protection each PA score provides compared to unprotected skin. If your unprotected skin normally darkens/pigments after 5 min of UVA exposure:

PA Rating Level of Protection # of minutes protected before experiencing skin darkening/pigmentation
PA+ 2-4 times 10-20 minutes
PA++ 4-8 times 20-40 minutes
PA+++ 8-16 times 40-80 minutes
PA++++ >16 times >80 minutes
Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 has a PA++++ rating.

UVB exposure causes redness or burning, while UVA exposure causes skin darkening/pigmentation. Protection from both UVA and UVB means this product provides Broad Spectrum protection. Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50 provides Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (UVB protection) and PA++++ (UVA protection).

The Face Shield Flex formula has the same SPF value as the other Face Shield products. The formulas are all different even though they may have the same zinc oxide value, thus obtaining a different PA rating. Colorescience continues to improve the formulas to achieve the highest protection possible.

Total Protection™ Face Shields have not been tested for use around the eye area. Use caution when applying to the eye area and avoid getting product into eyes. Consider some of our non-liquid Total Protection™ products, including Brush-On Shield SPF 50, Sport Stick SPF 50 and Color Balms SPF 50 in 8 shades. Color Balms have been ophthalmology tested and are safe for use around the eye area, for sensitive eyes, and contact lens wearers.

Yes, Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is water/sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Yes, you will find that all Face Shields offer so much versatility for use in your skincare and makeup regimens, including mixing, layering, or using on select areas of the face. To use Face Shield Flex SPF 50 with treatments, apply Even Up® Clinical Pigment Perfector® or All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector first. This ensures you are getting the full application of the treatment product. Allow approximately 1 minute to dry. Then apply Face Shield Flex SPF 50.

Yes, if you would like to use Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 with one of our Primers SPF 20, apply the primer first.

Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is designed to be the first step in your makeup routine. We recommend applying after moisturizer and after our primer if you prefer to use one. Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is designed to be the first step in your makeup routine. We recommend applying after moisturizer and after our primer if you prefer to use one.

Tint du Soleil® SPF 30 Whipped Foundation is a nutrient-infused, foundation meant to deliver SPF 30 defense with moderate to full color coverage in one application. The creamy, whipped texture provides cushioned application and wear. Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50 is a lightweight lotion texture designed primarily to provide comprehensive environmental protection from UVA/UVB pollution, blue light and IR. It offers medium color coverage that can be layered for fuller color coverage, or used under Tint du Soleil® SPF 30 Whipped Foundation. In this case, apply your preferred shade of Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 first and follow with your selected shade of Tint to follow.

Apply Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 as your first layer of protection in the AM and set with your shade of Brush-on Shield SPF 50 and use throughout the day for convenient reapplication at least every two hours.

We recommend at least a nickel-sized amount for the face and more as needed for neck and décolleté.

As with all SPF products, Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 should be applied 15 minutes prior to exposure. In addition, please allow 1-2 minutes for the shade to adjust completely. The shade is fully developed when product is no longer white. Like all SPF products, reapply every 2 hours. For convenient reapplication on-the-go or directly over makeup, Use the Total Protection™ Brush-on Shield SPF 50 brush for all-day, on-the-go reapplication every 2 hours.

Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 has a demi-matte finish for a look that's between mattified and dewy.

Yes. Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is formulated to suit the range of skin tones within each shade. It is available in 4 natural-looking shades – fair, medium, tan, and deep.

Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50 is 100% mineral environmental protection that is free of chemical active ingredients, oil free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types. If you have known allergies or specific ingredient sensitivities, we always recommend consulting your skin health professional before introducing a new product.

Yes. Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is formulated to suit the range of skin tones within each shade. It is available in 6 natural-looking shades – fair, light, medium, tan, deep, and rich deep.

Although Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 was formulated with ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish, it is best applied to moisturized skin, particularly for those who have dry or fragile skin.

Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 will last approximately 90 days, depending on usage.

Yes! Create your perfect sunscreen "outfit of the day" wardrobe by mixing, layering, and spot-applying any of our Face Shield products. They are all SPF 50 / PA ++++ with 40 minute water resistance. Just be sure that you are always applying at least a nickel-sized amount to your entire face to be fully protected from sun and environmental aggressors. You'll find there is endless versatility to create a simple every day look or a complete look that goes from day time to date night. Here are just a few ways to get you started:

With Face Shield Classic - Mix Flex in with Classic for barely-there color coverage all over. Or spot-apply Flex to certain areas where you'd like a little more coverage - Blemish to cover? Hyperpigmentation or redness in just a certain spot? Use Flex to target those areas.

With Face Shield Glow - For light color coverage with a radiant glow, mix a few drops of Glow with your preferred shade of Shield and apply all over face. Full fuller coverage and luminous highlight, apply Flex all over face, then apply Glow to high points, like cheek bones, around brow, and bridge of nose.

With Face Shield Bronze - For a hint of warmth, mix a few drops of Bronze to your preferred shade of Flex and apply all over. Or use as a contour or add depth to certain areas after applying Flex all over as your base layer. With Face Shield Matte - Apply Matte all over or just on the T-zone. Take just a moment to admire the Matte, then apply your preferred shade of Face Shield Flex for an even-toned, shine-free look!

With one even layer, Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 offers medium coverage.

I prefer a look with fuller color coverage. Can I achieve that with this product?
Yes. Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex can be layered to achieve a fuller coverage. After applying your first later, wait approximately 1 minute before applying another layer or two to achieve your desired coverage. Face Shield Flex also layers beautifully under liquid of powder foundation.

Apply Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 as your first layer of sun and environmental protection in the AM. Like all SPF products, reapply every 2 hours. Or for convenient all-day reapplication on-the-go or directly over makeup, use one of our Total Protection™ brush-on sunscreens.

No need! Face Shield Flex SPF 50 should be applied with fingertips. This ensures the flecks of encapsulated pigments are released and fully activated to give you the color coverage you want as well as to ensure product an adequate amount of product (at least a nickel-size!) is applied to your skin for complete protection.

Activate. Develop. Set!
Activate - Dispense onto fingertips and rub gently to release and activate encapsulated pigments.
Develop - As the shade begins to develop from white to your shade, apply to moisturized face and continue to blend for even coverage. Watch as it adjusts to your skin to immediately blur imperfections and even skin tone. The shade is fully developed when product is no longer white.
Set - Allow 1-2 minutes for shade to adjust completely. Tip: Follow with one of our Total Protection brush-on sunscreens or with our Natural Finished Pressed Foundation for fuller color coverage.

Our current shade lineup offers six shades ranging from Fair to Rich Deep - formulated to flexibly accommodate a wide variety of skin tones and undertones. Colorescience® has always been committed to only utilizing the mineral SPF active ingredients Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide in our sunscreen formulations because they are considered GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) by the FDA and recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology- especially for sensitive skin. While that's a good thing, these minerals can be challenging because they are very white and opaque. We utilize iron oxide pigments for a dual benefit of minimizing the chalky effect of Zinc and Titanium while enhancing HEV (blue) light protection of the formula, but in some formulas there is a pigment threshold which prevents us from achieving the deeper shades we're seeking.

Select the same shade as you would use in our Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-on Shield SPF 50 or our Tint du Soleil.

Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 features innovative encapsulated pigments within the white sunscreen base. These pigments are the flecks of color that you'll see as you look closely. The pigments are released, or activated, when rubbed gently into your skin, transforming the white to adapt to your skin tone's natural tone and undertones as you blend. Once it has been fully blended and no longer white, any imperfections are immediately blurred and skin tone is even for a flawless look that is powerfully protected.

Previously, the shade was noted on the front of the Face Shield Flex bottle, above the SPF 50. However, we have updated our packaging to make the shade specification easier to find. This information can now be found on a tinted sticker on the back of the bottle, rather than in the fine print on the front of the bottle. Don't worry though, the change is only on the outside – there were no changes made to any shades of the Face Shield Flex formula itself.