Drmtlgy Sunscreen Physical Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44 is a mineral sunscreen with a light, lotion-like texture that blends in nicely and is very moisturizing. Read my detailed Drmtlgy review, which includes information about the ingredients, finish, and a comparison with Elta MD sunscreens.
Table of Contents
The brand
DRMTLGY is a well-known brand, especially for their Universal Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46 (considered as a dupe of Elta MD UV clear tinted SPF 46). The products from this brand are cruelty-free and manufactured in the USA (Southern California).
Claims
As per the brand’s website, this is a 100% mineral sunscreen that is hydrating, provides powerful UV protection, and blends with all skin tones. It is safe for sensitive skin and contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and iron oxides for blue light protection. It is oil-free and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Ingredients
Full ingredient list
Sunscreen actives: Zinc Oxide 10%, Titanium Dioxide 5.5%
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Iron Oxides, Glycerin, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Alumina, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methicone, Triethoxysilylethyl, Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol
Valuable ingredients
1. Sunscreen actives
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are inorganic sunscreen agents. They are considered to be gentler and well-tolerated by people with sensitive skin. Zinc oxide is broad-spectrum, providing protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB, while titanium dioxide protects from UVA2 and UVB.
2. Iron oxides
There is some evidence to suggest that blue light can worsen hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones and can cause erythema in people with lighter skin tones. As of now, studies related to blue light protection are limited.
However, in this study, it is seen that sunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide.
3. Dimethicone
It can function as a moisturizer with its emollient and occlusive properties. Also, it can temporarily smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin.
4. Sodium hyaluronate
It is a sodium salt of hyaluronic acid and is great in hydrating the skin by holding on to water. Since it has a smaller molecular weight than hyaluronic acid, it can penetrate deeper.
5. Tocopherol
It is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can protect our skin from free radical damage/oxidative stress.
6. Ascorbyl palmitate
This is a stable form of vitamin C, with some antioxidant ability. However, it is not well studied, so we don’t have as much data as we have for ascorbic acid.
Application
It comes in an airless pump packaging and the pump works great. I take 5 pumps in total for application on my face, which is close to 1/4 teaspoon. This comes out as a light lotion, a little thicker than their well-loved Universal Tinted moisturizer SPF 46. The color is light to medium with yellow undertones.
I applied it in two layers – first 3 pumps, waited for 2 mins, and then 2 pumps. When I first applied it on my skin, it looked quite pale and I thought it would be too light for my skin tone. However, once blended and left to set for 10 mins, the cast completely disappeared.
The coverage is light (more coverage than Universal Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46). It has a satin finish, with no tackiness. There was no pilling in the application process. The texture is rich so if you have a combination to oily skin, you might not need a separate moisturizer.
Reapplication
I reapplied just once in the mid-day since it can be tricky to reapply several coats of tinted sunscreen. It reapplied well with no pilling. With one reapplication, it started looking a little shiny and the coverage became more on the medium side.
By the end of the day, it settled in a few of my fine lines, however, there were no patchy areas. Personally, I prefer to use a chemical sunscreen for reapplication if I am wearing tinted sunscreen.
Eye stinging
Any skincare product, moisturizer or serum, or sunscreen mineral/chemical; stings my eyes if I apply it too close, so I am always very careful when applying skincare products around my eyes. However, during the course of the day, it did not run into my eyes or water them.
Drmtlgy vs Elta MD
DRMTLGY Physical Universal Tinted Sunscreen SPF 44 vs Elta MD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Both sunscreens have many similarities in their ingredient list. They both offer light coverage with the first application. For me, the color of DRMTLGY physical universal tinted moisturizer SPF 44 was a better match and it was less drying than Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41 [Amazon].
DRMTLGY Physical Universal Tinted Sunscreen SPF 44 vs Elta MD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41
I have never been able to use Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41 [Amazon] on my face since it leaves a strong cast when applied adequately and my face feels very dry by the end of the day.
Dupe alert
There is another physical sunscreen by Realm Skincare, Reflect SPF 42 tinted mineral sunscreen lotion [Amazon], which has almost the same ingredients. I have not tried that one though.
Value for money
It comes in 2.1 oz pump packaging and retails for $28 – Drmtlgy official website (price subject to change). It’s not super cheap but we don’t have many tinted mineral sunscreens which are fragrance-free or have a simple ingredient list.
My take
This is a great mineral sunscreen for all skin types, but maybe not as good for very oily skin. The finish can become shiny as the day goes by, especially with the reapplication. The color may not work for darker skin tones. It can transfer to the clothing or anything your face touches.
It does tend to collect in fine lines, but it’s not too bad. However, it stayed put all day long and did not become patchy. It did not burn or make my face red, but always patch test before using any new product.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple ingredient list with bonus of iron oxides for blue light protection
- No fragrance or essential oil
- No pilling, satin-soft finish, light coverage, and stays put all day long
- Pump packaging makes it easier to measure the amount needed
Cons
- The application can be tricky with tinted sunscreen
- Becomes shiny with reapplication
- Tint may not work for every skin tone
- Can be drying for some skin types
Where to buy
Check for price and availability at the DRMTLGY website (ships internationally to many countries as well)
Summary and score
Drmtlgy Physical Universal tinted sunscreen is an all-mineral sunscreen with a very simple ingredient list. It has a texture of a lotion and blends in well. The tint might not match every skin tone.
Review Rating: 4.6/5
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.