Avene Mineral Sunscreen Balm Stick SPF 50 (Canada and U.S.)
74/100 overall score
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About this sunscreen
Avene Mineral Sunscreen Balm Stick SPF 50 is a pure mineral stick using Zinc Oxide as its only filter, making it a good fit for those who prefer all-mineral formulas. The balm wears lightweight with a balanced finish and keeps white cast low, which is notable for a mineral stick. It is generally non-stinging and low on pore-clogging risk, so it commonly suits sensitive and acne-prone skin. Protection is rated moderate and the score is 73.9, making it a dependable targeted or on-the-go option.
Ingredient & SPF scores
βοΈ
UV protection
Moderate
43
- +41 Zinc Oxide at #1, UV filter (UVA1 +18)
- +2 Label claims (SPF 50)
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White cast
Low
64
- +100 Starting score
- β28 Zinc Oxide, 12% declared
- β8 Pure mineral formula (12% total declared)
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Heavy feel
Low
82
- +100 Starting score
- β18 Zinc Oxide, 12% declared
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Fungal acne
Low
77
- +100 Starting score
- β9 1 oils/butters that feed Malassezia (Lecithin)
- β14 1 long-chain (C12+) esters that feed Malassezia (Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate)
- +0 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride at #2, a safe base that does not feed Malassezia
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Fabric stains
Low
85
- +100 Starting score
- β15 Zinc Oxide at #1, white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
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Moisture
Balanced
LightNourishing
- β 3 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 5 Zinc Oxide at #1, mild sebum absorbent
- β 4 Light emollient/solvent (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride)
β¨
Finish
Balanced
MatteDewy
- β 3 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 2 1 dry-touch emollients reduce greasy shine (Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate)
- β 6 1 emollient lipids (C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate)
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Makeup base
Okay
PillsPrimer
- β 2 Dry-touch esters, smooth fast-absorbing base
- β 15 High mineral load at #1 greys under foundation
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Water resistance
Not resistant
Non-water-resistantWater-resistant
Nothing flagged in the ingredient list.
How we rate water resistance βSkincare extras
Beneficial actives this formula contains. Informational only, not part of the rating: their effect depends on a concentration the label does not disclose.
- β¨ Allantoin
Full ingredient list (17)
What each ingredient does and how it moves each rating: green helps, red hurts, β / β give the direction, and β / β shift a slider toward its ends (finish, moisture, makeup base). Auto-derived from our scoring rules and the ingredient's position.
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Mineral UV filter (Zinc Oxide), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 41 UV protection, incl. long-UVA (UVA1)
- β 28 12% declared
- β 18 12% declared
- β 15 white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
- light β 5 mild sebum absorbent
- pills β 15 High mineral load greys under foundation
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- 4 β nourishing light emollient
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Occlusive, seals moisture into the skin
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- 6 β dewy emollient lipid
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- matte β 2 dry-touch emollient, anti-shine
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Plant oil, an emollient
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Occlusive, seals moisture into the skin
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Humectant, pulls water into the skin
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11 Silica
Mattifying powder, absorbs oil and blurs the finish
- light β 3 sebum-absorbing powder
- matte β 3 sebum-absorbing powder
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 14 feeds malassezia
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13 Allantoin
Soothing, skin-conditioning active
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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15 Lecithin
Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 9 feeds malassezia
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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17 Tocopherol
Antioxidant, protects the formula and skin
Is Avene Mineral Sunscreen Balm Stick mineral or chemical?
It is a pure mineral sunscreen, using Zinc Oxide as its only filter. That makes it a good fit for those who prefer all-mineral formulas or have sensitive skin.
Does the Avene Mineral Sunscreen Balm Stick SPF 50 (Canada and U.S.) leave a white cast?
White cast is rated low, which is notable for a mineral stick. It wears lightweight with a balanced finish, so it settles more readily than many physical sticks.
Is it good for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Yes, it is generally a good match. It is non-stinging and has a low pore-clogging profile, which commonly suits sensitive and acne-prone skin.