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Most Recent Questions
Recent Question:
Does this product have any color to it?
Recent Question:
is this product sold in canada?
Recent Question:
What are the sunscreen ingredients in this product-mineral barriers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide or chemical like avobenzone, etc?
Recent Question:
Can I wear a serum underneath?
Questions with Most Recent Answers
Question:
is this product sold in canada?
Question:
Can I wear a serum underneath?
Question:
Does this go on sheer or is there a white/opaque residue?


LAVANILA The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream

What it is:A100-percent natural, chemical-free, moisturizing sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection.What it is formulated to do:This residue-free, smooth-gliding, non-comedogenic formula uses a new generation of mineral sunscreens for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Infused with youth-promoting antioxidants, botanicals, and amino acids, this ultra-sheer formula delivers daily protection and nourishment. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide deliver high-level UV filters to keep fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots at bay.What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petrochemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- TriclosanWhat else you need to know:This product is free of oxybenzone, PABA, fragrance, and nano-particles. Its minerals are non-coated.
Questions & Answers:
19 Questions
 | 
98 Answers
Overall Rating:
4.205 out of 5
4.2
out of
5
Product Details

Questions & Answers for LAVANILA The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream

Question
Safe for Pregnancy?
Is this product safe for use during pregnancy? I can't find enough infomation about Hyaluronic Acid used during pregnancy on the internet.
asked 1 year, 2 months ago
sejals
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
1 answer
Answers
answer 1
It is safe for pregnancy (technically, they haven't done any conclusive studies on the effects on the fetus or milk excretion but based on the nature of the substance, they don't really need to). Hyaluronic acid is actually a substance already in your body naturally--it's in your joints, skin ("collagen") and it's actually also in the umbilical cord lol. In general, I'd say stay away from anything with increased vitamin A, I know it sounds counter intuitive since it's a vitamin, but excess vitamin A can lead to cardiac problems in the baby. I don't think the amount of vitamin A in an over-the-counter topical cream would be enough to do anything but better to be safe. Anyways, I hope this helped and didn't give you something else to be worried about lol. (I'm a med student and had to know this sort of stuff religiously and I also double checked on a reputable medical website for physicians before answering this post) But you can always just email your doctor for a quick confirmation about any ingredient! :)
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
Anonymous
(Los Angeles, CA)
Question
How do I use this product & when? before or after primer
can this be used as a moisterizer? do you put it on before primer ?
asked 3 years, 1 month ago
Anonymous
(Belleville, NJ)
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
11 answers
Answers
answer 1
Whenever using face products, keep in mind this one word: LAYERING.
Always layer your products as follows, serum (if you use one), moisturizer, sunscreen (only if your moisturizer doesn't have a sunscreen). Wait a minute or two between applying each product for absorption purposes and then continue with your makeup primer and foundation. Also, keep in mind that if you use more than one product with a sunscreen in it, you are not getting the equivalent protection of adding the spf values together, ie. spf 15 sunscreen and spf 15 foundation does NOT equal a total spf of 30. You only have spf of 15 and putting way too many chemicals on your face. So, pick one.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
leslie100
(Massapequa, NY)
answer 2
Yes I think this can be used a moisturizer. The mornings I use it, I do not use another lotion. I would recommend putting on BEFORE primer.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
loulou55
(Columbus, OH)
answer 3
I apply mine before my primer, though allowing about 15 minutes to pass before I do.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
Roiya
(Oklahoma)
answer 4
This is a daily moisturizer. Apply it on your face, and neck about 5 minutes before makeup primer, to allow the lotion to absorb into the skin...after all it is your SPF! I usually put on the lotion and them go brush my teeth or do something else inbetween before applying makeup...allow anything to absorb before overlapping products on your skin...it will make everything come out cleaner looking.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
greenly14
(So CA)
answer 5
It is a face cream with sunscreen so you don't need to wear a separate facial moisturizer. I don't wear a primer but in my opinion, I think it would applied before primer and any make-up.
answered 3 years ago
chuesday
(Brooklyn, NY)
answer 6
It moisturizes well, so you don't need to put on a moisturizer in addition to this product.
answered 3 years ago
mechristine
(California)
answer 7
this sunscreen provides moisture effect already, and since i have oily type of skin i don't use face cream before i apply this product (i do, however, apply a tiny bit of eye cream under the eye). I personally don't apply the primer but i do use some concealer in which i apply after this product.
answered 3 years ago
CrownClown
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 8
It is a moisturizer, hence the name face cream. It is more of a cream though so its not very light. I actually fore go the primer when using this product it works quite well! Keep in mind you need very little of this product. A little goes a very long way.
answered 3 years ago
tgoyak
(Las Vegas, NV)
answer 9
I used it after moisturizer.
answered 3 years ago
hmdavis
(Rochester, NY)
answer 10
Use after serum, before foundation
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
tracyfshaw
(Las Vegas,NV)
answer 11
It says face cream on the tube..and it has enough moisture for me - my skin is normal to drier - this has good things in it to use a basic face moisturizer.
I use a cream a treatment cream under it or and or my green tea serum under this.
I'd use a primer OVER this as one should do always do (primer last and before any kind of foundation).
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
mimi1957
(Broomall, PA)
Question
Will this clog your pores/cause acne? And is it oil-free?
asked 3 years, 2 months ago
lotusflwr8
(los angeles, CA)
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
8 answers
Answers
answer 1
No it is not oil-free. It contains coconut oil, which is comedogenic meaning it can clog pores and contains shea butter and jojoba oil which are also oils. I've heard of people breaking out from sunscreens, mainly from titanium dioxide so you might be better off using a Bare Escentuals powder sunscreen which contains titanium dioxide and spf 15, Mineral Veil with spf 25, or Peter Thomas Roth's powder sunscreen (spf 40?) which won't cause acne.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
imapineapple
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 2
I have extremely oily skin even though I have not been a teenager for many years. This product, for me, is great. Didn't make me break out, does not clog my pores and actually found it makes my skin look quite good. But, everyone is different, even 2 people with oily skin. So, I would recommend trying it and see how it works for you. Use enough for protection, but don't slather it on.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
leslie100
(Massapequa, NY)
answer 3
My skin is very sensitive and some sunscreens have blocked my pores. However, I have been using this for about 3 weeks now, with no such problems.
answered 3 years ago
munch38
(Hoboken, NJ)
answer 4
i would definitely say, if u have oily type of skin, (and that u have black heads), don't apply this product on your nose, the rest of the face is fine, just not the nose
answered 3 years ago
CrownClown
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 5
I had no problems with it.
answered 3 years ago
hmdavis
(Rochester, NY)
answer 6
The formula is non-comedogenic so it will not clog your pores. The formula contains oils, but only the types that are great for your skin.
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
luchia
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 7
Will not clog your pores.
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
DT123
answer 8
I would breakout if a sunscreen did not agree w/ me..this did not make me react w/pimples or a rash or redness..se my review..I'm very pleased..all natural..with no nanotechology, so far this is a real good product.
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
mimi1957
(Broomall, PA)
Question
Is this greasy feeling?
I notice everyone is on the same page in terms of this sunscreen not leaving a white residue- but I want to know if this is oily/greasy feeling? I hae oily skin already, so you can imagine how hard it is to find a GOOD, ALL NATURAL sunscreen that doesn't feel greasy on my skin.
asked 3 years, 2 months ago
edgethebeauty
(Saint Paul, MN)
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
8 answers
Answers
answer 1
If you leave it alone, it feels you have moisturizer on your face. But that's just how it works, it's not supposed to absorb into your skin. Just put some translucent powder over top and it will help and gently use blotting papers where you need it.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
imapineapple
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 2
I have oily skin, too, and find that this does not leave any added grease on my face...it's probably that your oily skin, like mine, will come out no matter what you put on it, so it may appear that the product is oily, but it's not really. And, even though physical blockers sit on top of the skin, this one is outstanding in that it leaves no noticeable film and you don't feel it on your face. Believe me I've tried many products and searched a long time to find this one. I highly recommend it.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
leslie100
(Massapequa, NY)
answer 3
It is quite heavy but all of the ingredients are natural so it doesn't seem to cause breakouts, and I have oily skin. It will make your face shiny and white if you use too much. However, if you use the right amount (which is quite small) it's not unwearable. I really like it and I breakout with EVERYTHING!
answered 3 years ago
tgoyak
(Las Vegas, NV)
answer 4
It totally soaked in and I had no oily residue left even after applying after moisturizer.
answered 3 years ago
hmdavis
(Rochester, NY)
answer 5
I would say it's moisturizing, but not overly greasy, for me. It's definitely a very creamy product, and can feel a little bit oily when I'm rubbing it in. I do find that it absorbs well, rather than just sitting on my skin and feeling greasy. It's also has a pretty shiny finish on my skin, though more wet/moist shine than oily shine, if that makes sense. I use this on top of a very light moisturizer, let it soak in for about 5 minutes, and then set it with loose powder, which works out perfectly for my dry/combo skin (I apply it pretty heavily, too), but I could see some people finding it to be a little bit too moisturizing.
answered 3 years ago
seity
(Boston, MA)
answer 6
For me, the whitish cast was easily smoothed out with a couple extra seconds of attention. As one of the other users answered though, I found LaVanila unbelievably UNabsorable and heavy feeling; it sat on top of my skin for hours without ever sinking in. I am typically very dry skinned, and my guess is that the shea butter mixed into the zinc and titanium dioxides are the culprits; shea's a great moisturizer, but I suspect that it's too oily if you use the dermatologist recommended one full teaspoonful of sunscreen for your face; I mean, how often do you put an entire teaspoonful of moisturizer on your face? Also, as I said in my review, people with calendula sensitivities are best off without this one, no matter how pure and natural LaVanila is. My quest continues...
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
nikkila
(miami, fl)
answer 7
I have oily/combo skin too and I do not find this to be even the slightest big greasy. Perfect amount of moisture for me, and absorbs really quickly. Also dries down nice and matte so I can skip a primer! Love it.
Sephora Staff
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
cindydeily
(San Francisco, CA)
answer 8
I think I must be doing something wrong, but I find it HORRIBLY greasy. It does NOT absorb into my (very very dry) skin. Today was the first time I tried to use it, and I sat there with the hair dryer trying to "set" it. Once my primer, foundation and powder were on, my face was no longer shiny, but it felt heavy all day. Before I ran this afternoon, I put a bit more on and the entire run my face felt like it was dripping off. Hope this helps, but I seriously feel like I received a different product than those reviews. Every comment they have about it, I feel exactly opposite: white, greasy, doesn't absorb, etc
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
kmelear
(San Diego, CA)
Question
Tube not full?
I received this sunscreen, and the seal was intact, but the tube was not nearly full. Was this true for others who ordered this? The first time I used it, I had to really squeeze the tube to get anything out -- not because the sunscreen is thick (it's not), but because the tube was about half empty. This doesn't seem right.
asked 2 years, 5 months ago
lilyrosecat
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
8 answers
Answers
answer 1
The same thing for me. I went to the sephora store and checked the other three they had on display. And noticed the same thing. I wont say its only half full. But a good chunk of the container is just air. It might be how they are packaged. It is a good product though.

As for getting a message back. I shot them a message a week ago about their product (not on this question) - on what their PA for this sunscreen actually is - just for my own curiousity. And I never got a reply back from them :P
answered 1 month ago
raiyaa
answer 2
Yes, I found that, too. I think it's due to the packaging and shipping -- like toothpaste -- so that it won't explode out of the tube with pressure changes. If you still have questions about that, though, I would suggest contacting the company. They're easy to find on their website.
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
leslie100
(Massapequa, NY)
answer 3
yes the tube was not full although sealed. That was disappointing for the price and such a great product.
answered 2 years ago
merainman
answer 4
I've never had this problem. If anything, I have to squeeze the tube lightly because if I put too much pressure I'll get too much product.

If you can, you might want to bring it back to the store for a refund or exchange. If that's not possible, then don't let this one experience discourage you from buying again. I'm pretty sure it's not typical.
answered 2 years ago
leahmayhem
(Lafayette, LA)
answer 5
I experienced the same thing. When I picked up the bottle at the store it felt really light and I thought that maybe it had been used. I took the lid off and found that it was sealed.

My guess is that the bottle they use is larger than 1.8 oz so when they fill the bottle it seems only half full.

I do love this product and I think that the amount you get for the price is worth it.
answered 2 years ago
misscori
(Seattle, WA)
answer 6
I received a bottle just today and like yours, the seal is intact and the bottle is half empty. I feel like this is a packaging gimmick. It looks like it holds a lot of product, but it's just filled with air.
answered 2 years, 1 month ago
hyeminnie
(MD)
answer 7
Hello sunsensitive, I will e-mail Lavanila to ask about this and whatever they answer I'll post here. They ought to send a full tube. I love the sunscreen, though, and I'm glad it's made in the USA. Good luck to you in Afghanistan and thank you for your service.
answered 2 years, 4 months ago
lilyrosecat
answer 8
Same for me! I have been looking for the perfect sunscreen to put on everyday; I am serving in Afghanistan and the sun is taking a toll on my very sensitive skin. I had my sister send me this on (Sephora doesn't ship over here) and I really liked the product but was so disappointed that the tube was mostly empty. Someone should let them know - it is a great product but I will not keep buying if they can't fill the packaging properly!
answered 2 years, 4 months ago
sunsensitive
Question
Does this leave white residue when applied? Is it hard to spread out in the face?
asked 2 years ago
shiera
(N.Y)
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
8 answers
Answers
answer 1
This leaves a sheen which fades after a small bit. But it does blend in nicely.
answered 1 month ago
raiyaa
answer 2
Warm it in you hand for a few seconds and it should spread easy. White is the nature of the ingredients, but the protection is worth it. Just make sure to blend it well. If you still think it's too light simply put a setting powder over it in a color of your choice. Hope that helps.
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
leslie100
(Massapequa, NY)
answer 3
I would say that it does leave substantial whiteness on your skin even after rubbing it in very well. On my olive skin I looked blue in the light.
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
lilaaaa
(Monterey, CA)
answer 4
If you use too much....
answered 1 year, 9 months ago
lovedance
(San Francisco CA)
answer 5
No. It spreads easily with no white residue. I have fair skin, so I can't say for darker skin tones. But I noticed that it does leave a little whiteness on dark colored leather if I touch it right after applying.
answered 1 year, 10 months ago
mishmish3
(Santa Rosa, CA)
answer 6
I love this product for my face. I put a little of my tinted moisturizer over it and my face never looks white. I find it very easy to spread, unllike
Vanicream which I also like but is hard to spread.
answered 1 year, 10 months ago
neighbor
(Tucson, AZ)
answer 7
Apply a small dot section by section (cheek, nose, forehead and chin) Rub it in really well. Let sit for a few. Directions specify apply at east 15 minutes before putting on anything else.
answered 2 years ago
bprr
answer 8
No it doesnt leave white residue as long as you rub it in. It's not pasty and a little goes a long way you dont have to apply heavily to get good coverage.
answered 2 years ago
merainman
(Raleigh,NC)
Question
Only for face?
This is called face cream, is there a reason that there isnt a body sunblock too?
asked 3 years, 1 month ago
mmmpink
(Bellevue, WA)
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
As a licensed esthetician, I can see no reason why you couldn't use this on your body. I actually use it on my hands.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
leslie100
(Massapequa, NY)
answer 2
I'm not sure about it being ONLY for your face, but the bottle is so small it wouldn't last long at all if you were using it all over. And at 28$ a bottle, I only use it on my face.
answered 3 years ago
kpet
(Port Orchard, WA)
answer 3
this product is 100% chemical free, so i am sure you can apply anywhere on your body
answered 3 years ago
CrownClown
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 4
Well you probably could, but it literally is a face cream with SPF 40 so it's designed for the face. I got the baby block for my body because its extra gentle and has a different consistency.
answered 3 years ago
tgoyak
(Las Vegas, NV)
answer 5
This is very expensive if you use it as a body sunblock.
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
luchia
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 6
Ise it on my neck and decloutege also
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
tracyfshaw
(Las Vegas,NV)
answer 7
I use it on my face and neck/chest..it says "FACE" ...so I feel it is for the face and feels good on my face you use a good amount to make a sunscreen work...and this tube may run out quick if used as one is suppoed to -- so I would use a different brand sunscreen for my arms and such -I do not sunbathe but if out on the beach etc., I'd put any brand on my body that's safe and maybe thicker since no makeup is going there.
This is great since it did not break me out or make any areas irritated.
Many safe ones out there but not many for our faces :)
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
mimi1957
(Broomall, PA)
Question
Sunscreen, Moisturizer, or Both?
I have been looking for a natural/organic sunscreen for this Summer. I saw this but I am confused because everyone talks about using it as a moisturizer. Is it just a cream that has SPF? or could I use this at the beach and not get sunburn? Also, if used as a moisturizer, how well has it worked for you?
asked 2 years, 2 months ago
camaropink
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
Atm I use it as both as its moisturizing enough for the summer. On more dryer skin days. I could put a moisturizer underneath. But works well alone I believe.
answered 1 month ago
raiyaa
answer 2
It's a moisturizing physical sunblock
answered 2 years ago
merainman
answer 3
I use it as both. It works really well as a sunscreen because it has a high SPF. I spend hours outside, in the sun, running and swimming, and I haven't burned once since I started using it (rare for me; I burn easily).

I have oily skin so don't really need a moisturizer, but I can see how this would also be a good one because it goes on a little oily. Even after wiping off the oil with blotting papers, you can still feel it on your face, which might actually make this a good moisturizer for drier skin.
answered 2 years ago
leahmayhem
(Lafayette, LA)
answer 4
I use this as sun screen. The bottle does say "SPF 40 Face Cream", but personally I wouldn't use this as a face cream because it is really thick and it leaves a faint white cast on my face.

I did use this product exclusively on my face as a sun screen while on vacation in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean a few weeks ago. The product worked wonderfully and I didn't end up with any burning on my face.

Each morning I would apply the Lavanila sun screen about 20 minutes before heading to the beach. Even after swimming multiple times in the ocean and some sweating from the heat, I only reapplied the sun screen once after about 2 hours and I didn't burn at all.

Hope that helps :)
answered 2 years ago
misscori
(Seattle, WA)
answer 5
I have used this at the beach and did not get sunburned at all. It is not a moisturizer. You may need a light moisturizer underneath it for daytime use, but use just the sunscreen at the beach to make sure not to dilute it.
answered 2 years, 1 month ago
lmb21
answer 6
I think the answer is both. It can be used as a moisturizer because it is light enough that you don't feel like you are wearing heavy sunblock (and it does not have the typical sunblock smell) but it can definitely be worn at the beach (as long as you continue to re-apply). I have tried a lot of sunblock products and I like this one the best because it is light and you feel like your skin is protected, but can still breathe.
answered 2 years, 1 month ago
littleflowerpot
(Vermont)
answer 7
I use it as both, instead of putting on a face lotion and then this spf, I only use this spf. When i'm leaving my house to go outdoors, It just makes life easier,
answered 2 years, 2 months ago
lovely1reigns
(Pasadena, Ca)
Question
what does this product smell like? Most sunscreens don't smell to good, so i was wondering how this product smelled liked.
asked 3 years, 2 months ago
tcat01
(Dallas, TX)
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
Absolutely, no smell. It's great!
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
leslie100
(Massapequa, NY)
answer 2
It doesn't smell unpleasant to me. It is tolerable. Not perfumey but doesn't smell very artificial either.
answered 3 years ago
chuesday
(Brooklyn, NY)
answer 3
No smell that I noticed!
answered 3 years ago
parkerrvrgirl
(Parker, AZ)
answer 4
It smells like regular sunscreen, if not a bit milder. A key ingredient is coconut, so it does faintly smell of it, which I actually like, but if you are allergic/sensitive to coconut products, then definitely avoid it.
answered 3 years ago
Terryfyied
answer 5
There really isn't a smell to it. Because its not a chemical based sunscreen it doesn't have that funky odor that is typical of creams with SPF.
answered 3 years ago
tgoyak
(Las Vegas, NV)
answer 6
scent free!
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
DT123
answer 7
A fvery aint fresh scent...barely noticeable..it goes away in a minute.
answered 3 years, 1 month ago
mimi1957
(Broomall, PA)
Question
is this waterproof?
asked 2 years, 11 months ago
thewindblows52
(el monte, ca)
on The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 Face Cream
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Does not specify it is. So it is not.
answered 2 years ago
bprr
answer 2
It doesn't say that it is waterproof. But I used it and went swimming several times without reapplying. I felt that it was still working and I didn't end up with a sun burn.
answered 2 years ago
misscori
(Seattle, WA)
answer 3
No, I wouldn't say Lavanila is waterproof. It washes off too easily. If you're looking for something similar but waterproof, you might try the Alba mineral sunscreens, which are also non-nano and paraben-free.
answered 2 years, 5 months ago
lilyrosecat
answer 4
No sunscreen is ever waterproof, no matter what they say, only water-resistant. This will be fine to use if you're going in water but you will have to reapply when you get out of the water as it does bead off your body and becomes patchy.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
imapineapple
(Vancouver, BC)
answer 5
I don't think it is waterproof, however it still seemed to work on me even when sweating.
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
irishgirl352
(Ooltewah, Tennessee)
answer 6
Well, it's not sweatproof, so I'm assuming it's also not waterproof.
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
ehmcc1972
(Washington, DC)
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