The older SPF 36 lotion is another version, not another name for either current formula. The shared name covers different formulas, because apparently one sunscreen name needed a supporting cast.2
Which version should you buy?
| US formula | Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ | Daily UV Defense Mineral SPF 45 |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Broad spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ | Broad spectrum SPF 45 |
| Active sunscreen ingredients | Avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 4.3% | Zinc oxide 17% |
| Texture and finish | Lightweight lotion with an invisible, hydrating glow | Lightweight lotion with a green tint and satin finish |
| Fragrance | Contains fragrance, limonene and linalool | Formulated without fragrance |
| Supporting ingredients | Green tea, sunflower seed oil and cica | Eight types of hyaluronic acid, squalane and cica |
| Listed US prices | 25 mL: $10; 50 mL: $18; 100 mL: $32 | 25 mL: $12; 50 mL: $22 |
| Application | After moisturizer, before makeup | After cream, before makeup; blend in small increments |
The lotion aims for a glowy finish and the mineral version for satin, so even sun protection has a dress code. For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen is the general dermatology preference; the fragrance free SPF 45 is the more direct match. Noncomedogenic means formulated or tested not to clog pores, not a promise that you will never get a breakout.123
Is innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen mineral?
Only the SPF 45 version named Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen is mineral. Its active ingredient is zinc oxide. The SPF 50+ lotion uses chemical sunscreen filters. To identify your tube, read the SPF number and the Active Ingredients section rather than relying on the Daily UV Defense name.13
What protection do the numbers mean?
SPF describes protection against sunburn from UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays, covering burning and skin aging effects. Both current versions exceed the general SPF 30 minimum. A higher SPF does not replace reapplication, and no sunscreen blocks every UVB ray. Use shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen, including a hat and sunglasses.3
How do you apply it?
- 1Finish your morning skincare with moisturizer, then apply sunscreen before makeup. Both versions belong at this point in the routine.
- 2Apply generously and evenly at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Cover exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears.
- 3For the mineral SPF 45, innisfree directs you to squeeze sunscreen onto three fingers. Spread it over your face and neck in small increments, then gently pat until the green tint is neutralized.
- 4Apply makeup after sunscreen, or wear sunscreen alone.
- 5Reapply at least every two hours outdoors. Reapply after toweling off, and use a sunscreen labelled water resistant for swimming or sweating.
General application guidance calls for at least one teaspoon for the face. Most adults need at least one ounce to cover all skin not covered by clothing, with more needed for a larger body. These are separate amounts: the face quantity is not your whole body allowance. Rub sunscreen thoroughly into the skin rather than spreading a small amount over a larger area.5
For exposed legs and feet, include the tops of the feet. Ask someone to help with your back if needed. Protect thinning hair areas with sunscreen or a wide brimmed hat, and use lip balm with SPF 30 or higher on your lips. Cloudy weather and winter do not remove the need for protection when you go outside.5
Can you use it for swimming or exercise?
Choose by the water resistance statement on your tube, not the SPF number. The mineral SPF 45 label specifically directs you to use a water resistant sunscreen for swimming or sweating. A water resistant label gives a tested duration of 40 or 80 minutes on wet skin. Neither duration replaces the two hour reapplication interval when skin stays dry. Waterproof sunscreen does not exist.34
What do reviews say about innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen?
For the current SPF 50+ lotion, innisfree reports a home use survey of 30 women after one week: 100% saw no white cast, 96% felt it layered well, 90% found reapplication over makeup easy, and 83% saw no pilling. Expect a hydrating finish, but do not treat the product's makeup friendly positioning as a promise of zero pilling.2
For mineral SPF 45, a separate two week consumer study of 30 women aged 20 to 35 found that 86% felt tone, redness and trouble spots looked more even; 90% felt skin looked healthy and glowy. The green tint is intended to neutralize visible redness when blended. Those appearance results are separate from sunscreen application timing: do not wait weeks to start applying it correctly.1
What is innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36?
SPF 36 is the previous Daily UV Defense lotion. The current US lotion is SPF 50+ and has a revised formula. Reviews of SPF 36 describe that older product, so match the SPF number before using a review to judge texture or wear.2
When should you stop using it?
The mineral SPF 45 label says not to apply it to damaged or broken skin. Keep it out of your eyes and rinse with water if contact occurs. Stop use and ask a doctor if a rash develops. For children under six months, ask a doctor before use. Keep the tube away from children and protect it from excessive heat and direct sun. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.4
Where this answer comes from
- 1Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 with Color Correctionus.innisfree.com
- 2Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+us.innisfree.com
- 3How to decode a sunscreen labelaad.org
- 4DailyMed - INNISFREE DAILY UV DEFENSE MINERAL SUNSCREEN- zinc oxide lotion lotiondailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- 5How to apply sunscreenaad.org