Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 2.5 Oz

A tinted broad spectrum SPF 40 for the face, carrying two of Neova's DNA repair enzymes. The brand writes it for "all skin types, even the most sensitive, in need of broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection."

Which kind of sunscreen is it

A hybrid. Three actives: Zinc Oxide 9.0% and Titanium Dioxide 3.0%, which are mineral filters, and Octinoxate 3.0%, which is a chemical one. Neova's own FAQ states it plainly: "a hybrid sunscreen formulated with mineral UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, along with Octinoxate, a chemical sunscreen filter."

Its product description elsewhere calls it a physical sunscreen, and that is the half we have been repeating. If you buy mineral-only on purpose, this is not that.

What is in it

Two DNA repair enzymes, both named by Neova: Photosomes, the photolyase from Plankton Extract, and Endosomes, the UV-endonuclease from Micrococcus Lysate. Both are on the ingredient list, with L-ergothioneine, which the brand calls an antioxidant that fights oxidative damage caused by free radical activity.

Iron oxides do more here than tint. In Neova's words, "the tint and iron oxides help minimize visible white cast" and add defense against visible light exposure.

Use it every morning, and again during the day

Liberally, 15 minutes before you go out, and again through the day. Neova's full directions are in the How to Use tab. A sunscreen applied once in the morning and not again is not delivering what the label says.

Silc Sheer 2.0 specifications

Filter percentages, texture, tint, timing and the makeup answer are from Neova's own label and FAQ. The fragrance note is read from the ingredient list.

What buyers say about it

Three reviewers here wear it instead of foundation, and three say it is not greasy. One describes a semi-matte finish that stays put through the day and takes an oil or balm cleanse to remove fully. The one complaint is not about the formula: a reviewer reports the pump stopping before the tube is empty.

Where it fits in a routine

Last step of the morning, over your serum and moisturizer, under makeup if you wear it. The other Neova sunscreen is Everyday Facial Fluid SPF 44. Both sit on our DNA repair sunscreens page.

How to Use

• Every morning, after your serum and moisturizer.


• Apply liberally to face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Neova's instruction. A thin layer does not deliver the SPF on the label.


• Reapply at least every 2 hours, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.


• Under makeup, Neova puts it last in the daytime skincare routine, before makeup.


• Alongside it, Neova cites guidance on "avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses."


• Removing it, a reviewer here finds an oil or balm cleanse followed by her usual cleanser takes it off completely.

Drug Facts

Active ingredients: Octinoxate 3.0%, Titanium Dioxide 3.0%, Zinc Oxide 9.0%. Purpose: Sunscreen.

Uses: helps prevent sunburn. If used as directed and with other sun protection measures, decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

Warnings: Neova's own warnings for this product, word for word: "For external use only. Avoid direct contact with the eyes. Stop use and seek medical attention if rash or irritation develops. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, contact a Poison Control Center immediately or seek medical help right away."

Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 FAQ

Is it a mineral sunscreen? No, it is a hybrid. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral filters, octinoxate is a chemical one, and all three are on the active ingredient panel. Neova says the same in its own FAQ. If you avoid chemical filters, this is not the one.

Will the tint match me? There is one universal shade rather than a range. Two reviewers here say it suits their skin tone and one describes it as disappearing on the skin.

Can I wear it under makeup, or instead of it? Both. Neova puts it as the last step of the daytime routine, before makeup. Three reviewers here skip foundation and wear this alone.

How often do I reapply? At least every 2 hours, and after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Neova's directions.

What do the DNA repair enzymes do? Neova describes Photosomes as reducing the visible signs of UV-induced insults and Endosomes as helping improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Both are on the ingredient list.

Is sunscreen on its own enough? Neova says it is effective used as directed and is meant to be part of a fuller strategy, citing guidance on "avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses."

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Octinoxate 3.0%, Titanium Dioxide 3.0%, Zinc Oxide 9.0%.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Descriptions below are Neova's own.

• Photosomes (Plankton Extract). The liposome-encapsulated DNA repair enzyme Photolyase derived from plankton; is hyper-efficient and unique in its ability to reduce the visible signs of UV-induced insults.


• Endosomes (Micrococcus Lysate). The liposome-encapsulated DNA repair enzyme UV-endonuclease derived from the marine microorganism Micrococcus Lysate; this UV-resistant DNA repair enzyme helps improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.


• L-ergothioneine. An antioxidant that fights oxidative damage caused by free radical activity.


• Iron oxides. The tint. Neova says they help minimize visible white cast and add defense against visible light exposure.

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Alumina, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Plankton Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Ergothioneine, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Iron Oxides, Lauryl PEG-9 Polymethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lecithin, Methicone, Micrococcus Lysate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Purified Water, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.

A sunscreen label separates actives from inactives and prints the inactive list alphabetically, so position here says nothing about how much of an ingredient is in the formula.