By Elijah Sanchez
Sunscreen is a vital part of being outdoors and is a product intended to be applied to the body every day, so it is important to make informed decisions about what products we put on our bodies and the impact they can have on our overall health.
The Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 Sunscreen is an advanced, mineral-based sunscreen and moisturizer that provides full-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, blue light, and environmental pollution, all while using clean, natural ingredients. We reviewed this sunscreen to put it to the test.
Our Experience
When initially trying this sunscreen out on a three-day camping trip, the travel-size bottle and pump design was convenient for carrying and easily accessible in a day bag. The lack of white cast also made reapplying the sunscreen on the trail easy and worry-free. Though the sunscreen is not water or sweat-resistant, because of the lack of white cast, there were no visible sweat tracks unlike some other sunscreens, and even after a long hike, it kept the skin feeling clean, protected, and moisturized. Following the directions and re-applying at least every two hours offered reliable protection and resulted in sunburned-free skin for the entire trip.
The additional moisturizing quality was also extremely convenient when on a camping trip, as it minimized the need for any other moisturizing skincare products, making this a great option for those who enjoy the outdoors but also value skincare, or for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Throughout the trip, the only con was that those sensitive to smell may not be a fan of the scent of the product, as it has a more natural smell and does not contain any synthetic fragrances compared to many traditional sunscreens. Though the smell is not strong or particularly unpleasant and dissipated about 5-10 minutes after initial application, this was the only performance quality that some may find fault in.
Testing out the sunscreen through continued daily use yielded the same positive experience, resulting in consistently protected and moisturized skin. This sunscreen is a particularly great choice for those with darker or oily skin, as it leaves no white cast and absorbs in a non-greasy finish.
Clean Ingredients
What majorly sets this product apart from other sunscreens is its use of clean active ingredients, including Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Elfdoc flower, and Lingonberry stem cells. The Force Field SPF 30 Sunscreen also contains no petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or any reef-harming ingredients in compliance with the Hawaii 104 Act.
Recent FDA studies found that based on currently available information, the only two ingredients that can be classified as safe and effective sun protection are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, with Zinc Oxide being the main active ingredient (14.95%) in Ursa Major’s Force Field SPF 30.
These ingredients not only make this product a great choice for those looking for safe and clean ingredients, but it is also a great option for those who want a quality skincare product that also boosts skin moisture and elasticity.
Price Point
The Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 comes in at a price point of $58.00 for one 1.7 FL oz (50 ML) bottle, which may be considered steep compared to other mineral-based sunscreen options.
However, when considering the reliable protection, skincare benefits, and clean and safe ingredients, this price point is justifiable for those looking for a daily sunscreen with these qualities. The benefits and being able to use a sunscreen that does not clog pores or irritate sensitive, or acne-prone skin is also a major factor in making this price point worth it for many.
Ursa Major also offers a 10% discount when you subscribe to repurchase the product every 5 months, with additional free shipping on orders over $40 and recurring orders.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, we listed the main pros and cons from our experience to help buyers make an informed decision.
Pros:
- FDA-backed safe and effective ingredients (Zinc Oxide)
- Clean ingredients
- Mineral-based
- Convenient travel size
- Moisturizing and non-drying
- Non-greasy finish
- No lasting white cast
Cons:
- Not sweat or water-resistant
- The natural smell may be off-putting to some
- Higher-end price point
No matter what sunscreen one chooses, it is important to also engage in other sun-protective behaviors when outdoors, including limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats. Check out our other articles on selecting the right sunglass lenses and high-performance headwear options.
To purchase or learn more about the product, visit the Ursa Major website.