Product Spotlight: Hero Superlight Sunscreen with SPF 30

The U.S. sun care market is estimated to reach $3.79 billion by 2030 (5.54% CAGR from 2023-2030). A key growth driver is the carryover of actives from high-end facial care, reports Markets & Data, such as moisturizers, antioxidants and anti-agers. These ingredients enhance skin cells' endurance and defenses against UV — addressing consumers' increased concern over the harmful effects of UV — and align with the growing trend of multifunctional sun care products. Church & Dwight's Hero Superlight Sunscreen with SPF 30 provides a solid example, with added "naturally defensive" extremolytes, antioxidant superfood botanicals and a airy-light SPF formula specialized for acne-prone skin.

See related archived article on formulating sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

Hero Superlight Sunscreen: Hydrating, Redness-reducing, Breathable SPF for Acne-prone Skin

According to Church & Dwight, its Hero brand Superlight Sunscreen is designed to provide everyday effortless SPF 30 in an airy-light, breathable formula specifically for acne-prone skin. Empowered by 17.53% "superlight" zinc oxide (non-nano), the product provides mineral-based UVA/UVB protection and is non-comedogenic. 

The weightless gel-cream formula is designed to absorb quickly, per the company, to provide hydration without feeling greasy. Furthermore, its sheer green tint instantly balances redness, and the barely-there finish doubles as a light primer.

Additional key ingredients featured include a "green surge" of antioxidant superfood botanicals and naturally defensive extremolyte bio-ingredients.

Additional claims include:

• Broad spectrum
• Reef safe
• Clinically tested
• Non-irritating (even on sensitive skin)
• 100% mineral
• Fragrance-free and
• Silicone-free.

Formulating Sunscreens for Acne-prone Skin

Morganti, et al., wrote in 2008 that many conditions that contribute to acne are accentuated during summer months when exposure to sunlight is maximized. For example, infrared and UV radiation can increase comedone formation and skin surface lipids from sebaceous glands and the epidermis. In fact, per the authors, comedone formation due to irritation caused by free fatty acids and aggravated by UV rays induces hyperkeratosis while also increasing fatty acids, which may be due to increased lipase activity caused by the spread of microbial flora.

A sunscreen for acne-prone skin should be lipid-free, non-allergenic, noncomedogenic and photochemically stable, according to the authors. As such, in their archived article, they explored an oil-free sunscreen based on TiO₂ and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) with phosphatidylcholine and hydrosoluble azelaic acid, which reduce sebum, in the formula vehicle.

Example User Testimonials of Hero Superlight Sunscreen

User testimonials (many based on free samples but claiming to be independent) include the following (edited lightly).

• This sunscreen lives up to its “super light” name! It’s lightweight, it’s breathable, it absorbs nicely and protects my skin from the UVs...
• I was impressed with the overall product. It went on smoothly and didn't leave a white cast on my skin. It was lightweight and not greasy at all.
• I suffer from rosacea and this sunscreen has helped my skin drastically. Not only does it contain zinc, which helps with the inflammation from rosacea, but it also has a green tint, which helps reduce the redness that rosacea creates on my cheeks. It's light weight so it's perfect on hot summer days on top of it being a broad spectrum SPF and helping to protect my skin from cancers.
• I am and have been awful about wearing sunscreen as I couldn't find a sunscreen that didn't make my face look or feel oily. WELL NOW I HAVE!!! As I get closer to 35, I want to maintain my youthful skin as long as possible. So, when I found this product I was smitten. I use it every morning before I go out, and even carry a little with me. I love how it settles fast, doesn't make my face look oily, and I'm able to apply makeup without issues over top. It is easy on my skin and my face feels like I it can breathe easily...

Hero Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 Ingredient Disclosure

Zinc Oxide 17.53%, Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-15 Alkane, Propanediol, C15-19 Alkane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ectoin, Alteromonas (Abyssine) Ferment Extract, Harungana Madagascariensis (Madagascar) Extract, Ipomoea Batatas (Purple Sweet Potato) Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis (Red Algae) Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Coccinia Indica (Ivy Gourd) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Bisabolol, Amber Powder, Coco-Glucoside, Glucose, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, t-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Inositol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol.