Disclaimer: I received these products in exchange for review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. For more info, visit my Disclosure Policy.
Bellflower is a brand that I had admired from afar for quite some time. Their packaging is beautiful, and the ingredients they use appealed to me strongly. Naturally, I was over the moon when I was offered products to try in exchange for a review. Two of the products they sent are their current sunscreens: Carrot Mild and Watermelon Fresh. The Carrot Mild Sunscreen is a physical formula, while the Watermelon Fresh Sunscreen is a chemical formula. So did these two sunscreens live up to my rather high expectations? Read on to find out!
Ingredients
The formulation of the Carrot Mild Sunscreen focuses on brightening and anti-aging. The full ingredients list is as follows:
Water, Zinc Oxide, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Methyl Trimethicone, C13-16 Isoparaffin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Palmitic Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, CI 77492, Limonene, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Centella asiatica extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, CI 77491, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citronellol, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Geraniol, Tocopherol, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract(3.5 ppm), Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Some of the key ingredients that Bellflower emphasizes are the carrot root extract (brightening), centella asiatica extract (healing and calming), and tomato fruit extract (moisturizing and smoothing). Both the carrot root extract and tomato fruit extract are close to the bottom of the ingredients list, underneath citrus oils like orange peel oil and grapefruit peel oil. You’ll notice that limonene, citronellol, capsicum annuum (pepper) fruit extract and rosa damascena flower oil are included on the list too. So while Bellflower says that this particular product is good for people with sensitive skin (maybe they mean people sensitive to chemical blockers?), I would suggest taking these ingredients into consideration before making a purchase.
The Watermelon Fresh Sunscreen is a chemical formula also geared towards wrinkle care and skin brightening. Here’s the ingredient list:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract(11,700 ppm), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyisobutene, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, CI 77491, Sodium Hyaluronate
Watermelon fruit extract, for which the sunscreen is named, calms skin and imparts hydration. Centella asiatica extract makes an appearance in this sunscreen as well.
Both sunscreens have niacinamide and adenosine. Niacinamide plays multiple roles by controlling oil, minimizing pores, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles. Adenosine smooths skin and is used for its anti-aging benefits.
Usage
The experiences of using these two sunscreens are, as one might expect, entirely different.
The Carrot Mild Sunscreen has a distinct orange scent that lingers for an hour or so after application. It has an evening-out sort of effect on my skin, and it dries down matte. I can’t speak as to whether this will leave a white cast on darker skin tones, as my skin tone is extremely fair. I think I will be saving this to start using again in the spring because it is a little drier feeling than I like for winter.
On the other hand, the Watermelon Fresh Sunscreen has been perfect for my winter needs! The texture of this product is sort of gummy/gluey, which might sound unpleasant but is actually wonderfully protective and moisturizing. There’s almost no scent to it; you can only detect the slightest hint of watermelon from the watermelon extract. It doesn’t sink in right away, rather it sits on top of the skin and remains tacky for a few hours after applying. During this cold season, I actually don’t mind this, as it keeps my skin feeling moisturized despite the drier environment. I do think it would be a little heavy for summer usage, though.
Final Thoughts
Both of these sunscreens from Bellflower are, in their own way, pleasant to use. Because of the ingredients of concern in the Carrot Mild Sunscreen, and also because I simply prefer chemical formulas, I wouldn’t purchase that one for myself. I would, however, be quick to purchase the Watermelon Fresh Sunscreen next fall! This one has quickly become a cold-weather staple for me this winter, and I would love to have it in my arsenal again.
Both the Carrot Mild and Watermelon Fresh sunscreens are available on YesStyle for around $13 (depending on sales.) I enjoy that all of the products from Bellflower’s line are affordably priced. I’m glad I got the chance to try these, and I look forward to trying out more of their line in the future!
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