EASY 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
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Time to read 11 min
Alright, gorgeous, pull up a chair—we need to have a little heart-to-heart about sunscreen.
So, here’s the thing:
The recent Choice testing of Australia’s most popular sunscreens left a lot of jaws on the floor (including mine). Several brands that promised SPF50+ just didn’t deliver the level of protection they claimed. Which is just so disappointing.
But it does make you think about Sun Protection and coming into Summer in Australia - this is the time.
😬 Relying on SPF in your moisturiser or BB cream? It’s not doing what you think it is.
💧 Moisturisers are made to sink in. Sunscreens need to sit on top. Totally different jobs.
🧴 You’d need to slather on heaps of moisturiser to get proper SPF coverage (goodbye, 50g jar in 5 days!).
🎨 BB and CC creams need to be applied by the tablespoon for full SPF – not gonna happen.
🧖♀️ Best routine? Apply your QED Day Cream, then a proper sunscreen over the top.
🚫 No SPF in our moisturisers – on purpose! So they can nourish and repair, just as they should.
✨ Don’t settle for half-measures. Smart skincare is separate and specific – because you (and your skin) are worth it.
Table of contents
Just last week, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler appeared on Sunrise to chat about this SPF drama. Love that sun safety is finally getting prime-time attention, but… some of his comments? Let’s just say they left me raising an artfully tinted eyebrow. (And yes, I checked the transcript twice because I was so shocked)
With respect, here are his points that bugged me:
“We’re very confident now that the products that you’ll see on the supermarket shelves or in your pharmacist or chemist are there with accurate testimony on their labels about their protection or their SPF”.
Except for the those products who dismally failed with a result of SPF4 (yep, you read that right), there haven’t been any other recalls or label updates. Honestly, a cheeky little sticker downgrading those SPF50+ claims to SPF15+ or SPF30+ wouldn’t hurt. These products may still be useful, (albeit with lower level of protection) but, ahem, they are NOT SPF50+.
"Applying any sunscreen is better than none."
Sure, in theory. But when some SPF50s aren’t even close to SPF30, that advice needs a rethink.
"The SPF issues are just about one ingredient and one overseas lab."
Sorry to be a Chemistry nerd and read the ingredient list on the products shamed, but this is just not true. Multiple sunscreens with different active ingredients, failed to meet their claimed sun protection levels.
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates sunscreen products. However, they don’t directly test sunscreens themselves—they rely on manufacturers to provide "independent" test reports. And as we've seen, that system isn’t always enough to guarantee your skin is getting the protection it deserves.
This SPF issue is not going to be resolved anytime soon so we all need to use the information available to us, combined with common sense:
This SPF drama isn’t just a minor hiccup; it’s a big deal—especially if you have sensitive skin, worry about premature ageing, or want to reduce your skin cancer risk. We all have different skin concerns—dry skin, skin sensitivity, uneven tone—that need tailored sun protection. Remember, sun protection isn’t just about avoiding sunburn; it’s about preventing free radical damage, slowing visible signs of ageing, and keeping your entire body’s skin barrier calm and healthy.
Yet, I see so many relying on moisturisers, BB creams, and CC creams with a sprinkle of SPF like they’re magic potions. Spoiler: they’re not.
Let’s get real about why that’s a no-go and what you actually need to do to keep your skin safe and glowing.
You’ve heard this a million times, but I’ll say it again with love: UV rays are the #1 cause of premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
That means:
Wrinkles and fine lines crashing your glow-up
Pigmentation and uneven skin tone gatecrashing your vibe
Rough, dull skin stealing the spotlight
And in the long run, serious health risks nobody wants
There are treatments to help treat sun damage, but prevention through daily sun protection is your best bet.
And guess what? The sun doesn’t have to be blazing for damage to occur. Here in Australia, even cloudy days carry high UV exposure.
So yes, sunscreen is your daily must-have. Make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. But—and this is a big but—you need sunscreen that actually works.
Look, I get it. Life’s busy. Fewer steps sound dreamy. “Why not hydrate and protect in one go?” you ask.
Here’s the science-backed truth: moisturisers and sunscreens serve fundamentally different purposes, and they don’t mix well. Sunscreen is your skin’s bodyguard, sitting on top to fend off UV radiation. Moisturiser? It’s your skin’s personal chef, sinking in to nourish and repair.
A good moisturiser should leave your skin feeling smooth without interfering with your sunscreen’s protective layer.
Here’s why:
At QED Skincare, we formulate our moisturisers to penetrate deeply into the skin.
Why? Because that’s how we deliver results. We want the skin barrier to be nourished, strengthened, and soothed from within—especially for our sensitive-skinned beauties.
Sunscreen, on the other hand, is designed to sit on top of the skin, forming a protective shield against UV rays. If it gets absorbed too deeply? It can’t do its job.
When you combine the two into one product, neither performs as it should. You’re either getting half-absorbed moisturiser or patchy sun protection. Not ideal. For best results, always complement your sunscreen routine by seeking shade during peak UV hours, especially for extra protection.
For proper SPF50+ sun protection, you need half a teaspoon for your face and neck—about 2.5 grams.
A standard 50g jar? That’s only 20 uses.
Blink and it’s gone.
And if your sunscreen isn’t water-resistant, you need to reapply every two hours, and always after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Suddenly, your moisturiser jar won’t last a week. Not economical or effective.
And if your moisturiser’s SPF is less than 50? You’ll need to apply more often. Your wallet won’t thank you.
Moisturiser is for nourishing your skin, not for sun protection.
Tinted SPFs sound like a dream—coverage, hydration, and sun protection in one.
But to get the full SPF protection, you'd need to apply a tablespoon of product. Yes, a whole tablespoon. You’d look like a tinted, glazed doughnut.
Plus, those pigments are meant to sit on top for colour correction, while moisturisers need to sink in to work their magic.
BB creams are makeup. Not skincare. Not sun protection. Sadly, not all-in-one miracles.
A 50g jar of Day Cream should last 2 to 3 months with daily use.
Running out too fast? You may need a richer product, so you don’t feel the need to slather it on.
Lasting forever? You’re probably not using enough to get the full barrier-repairing, anti-ageing benefits.
A good rule-of-thumb? When you apply your moisturiser, it should feel like you have just enough to glide over your whole face without dragging or tugging. It should spread easily, feel comforting, and absorb quickly without leaving residue.
All of QED Skincare's Day Creams and Face creams helps restore and maintain moisture, supporting healthy, hydrated skin.
That’s the QED difference—targeted, skin-loving hydration that actually works.
If you’re protecting sensitive skin from the Aussie sun, ingredients matter big time. The right sunscreen can mean the difference between calm, happy skin and a red, irritated mess.
Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often the gentlest choice. They sit on your skin’s surface, bouncing UV rays away without sinking in or causing irritation. Spot these on labels? You’re on the right track for sensitive skin.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays with ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone. They can be effective but might irritate sensitive skin. Or they may not. Sensitive Skin doesn't follow the rules.
Because sunscreens, (like most beauty products) have long lists of ingredients it is often difficult to figure out which ingredient might trigger a reaction. So for Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Selection, always follow these rules:
The best sunscreen? The one you actually use every day, so find one that feels good on your skin.
If you’re Aussie or just love the outdoors, water-resistant sunscreen isn’t a luxury—it’s a must. Swimming, sweating (glowing), or picnicking? Water-resistant formulas keep your skin protected longer.
But no sunscreen is waterproof. Look for “water-resistant” labels with 40 or 80 minutes protection. After that, it’s time to reapply.
For sensitive skin, water-resistant sunscreens add a layer of defence without irritation. Just make sure it’s gentle and fragrance-free.
Your sunscreen has an expiry date, and using it past that? Risky business. Expired sunscreen loses its punch, leaving you open to burns, premature ageing, and skin cancer.
In Australia, the TGA demands sunscreens meet SPF30 minimum and broad-spectrum standards. But that only counts if your sunscreen is fresh. Check expiry dates and always store it in a cool, dry spot. (Not the car!!!)
For sensitive skin, old sunscreen can cause irritation. If texture, smell, or colour changes, toss it and get a fresh bottle.
Even sunscreen pros miss a spot sometimes. If your skin’s red, itchy, or sore after sun, don’t panic.
Step one: get out of the sun.
Step two: reach for a fragrance-free, soothing moisturiser or after-sun lotion with antioxidants and natural ingredients like aloe vera to calm and hydrate your skin. These help reduce redness and support recovery.
Avoid heavy creams or perfumes that could make irritation worse.
If you get blisters or serious pain, chat with your healthcare provider.
Gentle aftercare = happy skin comeback.
Keep it simple, my darling. Your summer daily routine should include:
Cleanse gently – no stripping and no harsh actives. (harsh actives can cause sun-sensitivity but that is a huge discussion for another day)
Apply a moisturiser – like QED’s, packed with soothing, nourishing ingredients that absorb and work.
Layer on dedicated sunscreen – pick one that suits your skin type, apply enough, and reapply if you’re out and about.
This combo gives you:
Calm, hydrated, strong skin
Real UV protection
Long-term skin love (and fewer regrets!)
As a pharmacist and formulator with sensitive skin myself, I’ve tested and tested and tested.
And here’s the truth: combining SPF into moisturiser is always a compromise. You sacrifice penetration, consistency, and performance.
Our QED Skincare Moisturisers are carefully crafted to soothe inflammation, restore hydration, and repair the skin barrier from the inside out. That’s why so many of our customers see visible improvements in flakiness, redness, and premature ageing. If you experience persistent skin sensitivity or reactions, it's important to consult a doctor for personalised advice, as underlying conditions or triggers may require professional assessment.
I will never water that down by turning your moisturiser into a multitasking SPF cocktail.
Instead, I’ll keep doing what we do best: giving you pharmacist-formulated, sensitive skin-approved moisturisers that deliver exactly what your skin needs to thrive. Addressing skin sensitivity with the right skincare products is essential, especially for those prone to irritation or allergic reactions. Certain medications can also increase skin sensitivity, so if you notice changes in your skin, review your medication with a healthcare provider.
And I’ll always help guide you to reliable, gentle, standalone sunscreens that can be layered on top without irritation.
You deserve:
Sensitive skin can itch, burn, sting, and get red or dry from irritants, allergens, soaps, laundry detergent, or conditions like atopic dermatitis. Dry skin is a common concern that can worsen with exposure to irritants or improper skincare. Free radical damage from UV radiation can also accelerate skin ageing and worsen symptoms. Everyone’s different, so pick gentle, non-irritating products that won’t aggravate sensitive skin.
That’s it. That’s our promise.
If you’ve been relying on your BB cream or SPF moisturiser, now’s the moment to switch it up.
Because your skin deserves better. And you deserve to feel fabulous knowing you’re doing it right.
Because that’s what you want, isn’t it?
xxx
Shoshana
Pharmacist. Formulator. Sensitive skin warrior.
The Author: Shoshana Eisner, BPharm
The Brains (+ the Beauty) behind QED Skincare
Shoshana Eisner isn’t your average pharmacist — She’s the mind and heart behind QED Skincare, the luxury brand that’s making sensitive skin feel fabulous. Based in Sydney, Shoshana combined extensive dermatology research and a love for all things plant-based and cruelty-free to create skincare that doesn’t just work—it works wonders. With a collection of award-winning products and a money-back guarantee (because, yes, they’re that good), Shoshana is on a mission to prove that gentle, effective skincare can be downright luxurious. After all, who says sensitive skin has to miss out on the good stuff?
