Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch Spf50+ (2022) Review

Did you know there’s a reformulated version of this sunscreen launched this year? I certainly didn’t until I started my research for this review. Apparently, I’ve been using this new formula at least since I got my last bottle earlier this month. So this is the version I’ll be reviewing today.

The Eucerin Oil Control sunscreen has been absolutely life-changing for me, and I’m excited to share with you my experience with the product.

CLAIMS

This sunscreen is advertised as a non-sticky, non-greasy, light-textured product that absorbs quickly.

On its website, Eucerin also states that it offers very high sun protection for sensitive and acne-prone skin and that it’s suitable to use under make-up.

This sunscreen is broad spectrum, which means that the UVA protection it offers is at least 1/3 of the claimed UVB protection. According to the website, it also offers HEVIS light defense, thanks to its Advanced Spectral Technology.

So let’s take a look at the ingredients to see if all of these claims are backed up by them.

INGREDIENTS

The key ingredients -according to the website- are Licochalcone A, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, and L-Carnitine.

Licochalcone A is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing ingredient that neutralizes free radicals caused by UV and HEVIS light. HEVIS light penetrates the deeper layers of skin and can generate free radicals, which are one of the main causes of photoaging.

Glycyrrhetinic Acid is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin cells in the epidermis from UV-induced free radicals and supports the skin’s DNA repair mechanism.

L-Carnitine, together with other ingredients such as Silica and Tapioca Starch, helps reduce the amount of sebum on the skin, absorbing excess oils. Thanks to these ingredients the skin appears dry and matt.

This sunscreen also has Glycerin and Dimethicone.

Glycerin is a common but effective humectant.

And Dimethicone is a silicone that works as an occlusive and can also temporarily fill in fine lines.

UV FILTERS

The first UV filter mentioned is Avobenzone, which provides very good UVA protection. This UVA filter isn’t photostable. However, this sunscreen also contains Ensulizole, a strong and fairly photostable UVB filter that can be used to stabilize other less stable UV filters, like Avobenzone.

Then we have Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150), which protects in the UVB range and is photostable.

Bis-EthylhexyloxyphenolMethoxyphenylTriazine (Tinisorb S) is not only highly photostable but also a great broad-spectrum sunscreen agent.

And finally, we have DiethylaminoHydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), which offers high UVA protection and high photostability.

CONTROVERSIAL INGREDIENTS

This sunscreen is completely Fragrance-free, so as claimed by the brand, it should be suitable for sensitive skin.

It does contain Alcohol Denat, which is a solvent that helps make the formulation lightweight and cosmetically elegant. It also works as a penetration enhancer that helps the active ingredients get through the skin deeper to increase their effectiveness. Some people find it drying, but I haven’t had any problem with it so far. If you’d like to read more about the effect of alcohol in skincare, please refer to the post by Lab Muffin Beauty Science to get more info.

HOW TO USE IT

The website says to apply the product generously and thoroughly on your face and neck. It can be applied after, or instead of, your regular daycare routine. And you can follow it with make-up if appropriate.

I apply it after my serum and moisturizer, not only on my face and neck but also on my ears. It doesn’t say anywhere in the packaging whether it’s safe to use it around the eye area or not, so I use a different sunscreen for that just in case. And that’s usually the end of my morning routine. During the day, I try to re-apply the product every 2-3 hours.

I don’t wear make-up during the day unless there’s a special occasion. However, for the sake of this review, I tried applying make-up on top to see how it performs. Twice.

The first time I tested it I took my time. I applied the sunscreen as always and waited for around 20 minutes until it was completely absorbed before getting started with my makeup. My foundation looked pretty flawless and my face didn’t get oily throughout the day.

A couple of days later I had to attend an event. Since I was so happy with the results I got previously, I decided to apply a little makeup. I was a little short on time, and in my rush, I think I might have been a little too rough on my application. Or maybe I didn’t wait long enough for the product to absorb. This time the sunscreen and the makeup started pilling a bit.

Therefore, I think this product is pretty decent to use underneath makeup as long as you have the time to carefully pat the make-up on your skin and wait for every layer you apply to absorb completely.

FINAL VERDICT

If you have oily skin, you should definitely give this sunscreen a try!

I tried multiple sunscreens throughout my life since my skin burns easily. But I used to loathe using sunscreen. My face would get all greasy and sticky, and my acne would get worse.

When I started using this sunscreen (and its previous formulation) it was such a relief to have finally found a product that would leave a matte effect on my skin.

PROS

This sunscreen offers high UVA and UVB protection, and also neutralizes the free radicals caused by UVA and HEVIS light.

It’s light-textured, absorbs rather quickly, and doesn’t leave a white cast. It has a mattifying effect on the skin since its formula helps control the production of sebum and absorbs the excess oils. And even though the skin appears dry, it actually feels hydrated.

It can be used on sensitive skin, as it doesn’t contain fragrance.

The product comes in a pump bottle, which I find super convenient.

CONS

It contains alcohol, and it’s second on the ingredient list. So if you don’t like alcohol in your products this isn’t the sunscreen for you.

The sunscreen can pill on your face if you’re not careful when applying makeup.

Thank you for reading! <3

Text by Sofia Gioiosa