Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 says it’ll moisturise your face and protect you from the sun, yeah? Sounds sick – like you can just whack it on and be done with it. But mate, it only does one of those things. Like seriously, just one. So you’re either getting fried by the sun or walking around with a dry-ass face, and honestly that’s pretty annoying when the whole point was supposed to be getting both. Wanna know which bit it actually bothers doing? Keep reading cos we’re gonna tell you exactly where it screws up.
What’s In Nimue Sun-C SPF 40?
UV FILTERS TO PROVIDE BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION
Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 contains a mix of new and old synthetic UV filters:
- Phenylbenzimidazole Sulphonic Acid: A.k.a. Ensulizole, it protects skin from UVB rays. Unlike most UV filters, it’s water-soluble, so perfect to create lightweight textures even oily skin will love. It’s photostable and can be used to stabilise other UV filters (like Avobenzone) that degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight.
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: A.k.a. avobenzone, an UVA filter that’s very unstable (i.e. stops working quickly when exposed to light) on its own. It’s absorbed by the body (and expelled quickly through urine), so it’s not recommended during pregnancy.
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine: A.k.a. Tinosorb S, it offers excellent protection from both UVA and UVB rays without irritating skin.
- Octocrylene: An UVB filter that helps avobenzone last longer, coat the skin better and make the sunscreen water-resistant.
Unless you’re pregnant or allergic to one of these ingredients, there’s no reason to avoid this sunscreen. Synthetic UV filters are safe, have better textures, and provide excellent sun protection.
Related: Is Avobenzone Dangerous?
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The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Aqua: Mate it’s literally just water. That’s it. They need something to mix all the other crap into otherwise you’d just have a weird powder situation going on.
- Dicaprylyl Carbonate: So this is like an oil but way less gross and heavy than actual oil. Makes the sunscreen spread easier and not feel like you’re rubbing lard on your face.
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate: Makes the texture less shit basically. Stops it feeling sticky and gross on your face.
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Comes from coconut oil, moisturizes a bit, helps other ingredients sink in better. Pretty chill ingredient, doesn’t cause drama.
- Tricontanyl PVP: Creates this film on your skin so the sunscreen actually stays put instead of sliding off when you sweat. Makes it more waterproof.
- Glycerin: Pulls water into your skin from the air. It’s in literally everything because it actually works at keeping you hydrated.
- Cyclomethicone: A silicone that feels nice when you put it on then evaporates so you don’t have that weird silicone-y feeling afterwards. Some people reckon silicones are evil though.
- Arachidyl Alcohol: Despite the name it’s not the bad drying alcohol, it’s a fatty one that just thickens stuff up and makes it creamy.
- Cyclopentasiloxane: Another silicone that makes everything glide on smooth then buggers off by evaporating. Pretty standard stuff.
- Polysilicone-15: UV filter that’s silicone-based so it protects you AND makes the texture less rank. Two birds one stone.
- Glyceryl Stearate: Stops the oil and water from separating like a dodgy salad dressing. Also makes it feel a bit more moisturizing.
- PEG-100 Stearate: Works with that last one to keep everything mixed. Super boring but necessary.
- Olea Europeae (Olive) Fruit Oil: Just olive oil innit. Moisturizes and has antioxidants. Same stuff you cook with.
- Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil: Avocado oil. Rich, moisturizing, full of vitamins. They’re chucking this in to try and deliver on that hydration promise.
- Polyester-8: Synthetic thing that helps with texture and can make the SPF work a bit better. Nothing exciting.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Stable Vitamin C that’s supposed to brighten your skin and fight damage. Less harsh than the pure stuff.
- Tocopheryl Acetate: Vitamin E. Antioxidant, moisturizes a bit, protects from environmental crap. Pretty standard.
- Potassium Cetyl Phosphate: Mixes oils and water, doesn’t irritate. Does its job quietly.
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative so your sunscreen doesn’t grow mold and turn into a science experiment. Some people react to it but most don’t.
- Arachidyl Glucoside: Teams up with Arachidyl Alcohol to thicken and emulsify. Plant-based if you care about that.
- C30-45 Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer: Modified silicone that gives a velvety finish and cuts down on that greasy sunscreen shine. Makes you look less like an oil slick.
- Allantoin: Calms irritated skin down. Pretty gentle which is why sensitive skin products love it.
- Titanium Dioxide (Nano): Physical sunscreen that reflects UV rays. The nano bit means tiny particles so no white cast like your dad’s zinc cream from the 80s.
- Yeast Polysaccharides: Sugars from yeast that hydrate and have antioxidants. Also might help your skin barrier but honestly the evidence is meh.
- Inulin Lauryl Carbamate: Plant-derived thing that makes it feel silky. Creates a protective film. More natural than synthetic options if that matters to you.
- Butylene Glycol: Pulls moisture in like glycerin, helps other ingredients absorb better, improves texture. Pretty harmless.
- Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: Thickener that makes it less watery and more gel-like. Purely for texture.
- Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol: Fancy stable antioxidant that’s supposed to be better than regular Vitamin E. Fights damage, keeps you looking less haggard.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: Helps the preservative work better and makes your skin feel softer. Does double duty.
- Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate: Grabs onto metal bits in the formula that would make it go off. Keeps everything stable and fresh.
- Silica: Super fine powder that soaks up oil and mattifies your face. Stops you looking shiny.
- Sodium Hydroxide: Adjusts the pH so it’s not too harsh for your skin. They use bugger all, just enough to balance things.
- Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxy Stearate: Emulsifier that’s good at making water-resistant formulas. Keeps everything together even when you’re sweating your arse off.
- Dimethicone: The classic silicone. Makes everything smooth, locks moisture in, fills in lines temporarily. Love it or hate it depending on your skin type.
Texture
It’s lightweight which is always a win because nobody wants to feel like they’ve slapped on a layer of cement first thing in the morning. It absorbs fast too, like you’re not sitting there for ages waiting for it to sink in while you’re trying to get ready. You can slap it on and within a minute or two it’s done its thing and you can crack on with the rest of your routine or chuck your makeup on top without it pilling up or feeling gross. Honestly for a sunscreen it doesn’t have that thick, suffocating vibe that makes you want to wash it off immediately, which is a massive plus. It’s one of those textures where you actually don’t mind reapplying throughout the day because it’s not a whole production.
Fragrance
There’s no fragrance in this which is bloody brilliant if you ask me. Like some sunscreens smell like you’ve dunked your head in a vat of chemicals mixed with fake coconut and it’s genuinely grim. This one doesn’t smell of anything really, maybe just a tiny bit of that base sunscreen smell but nothing offensive or overpowering. If you’ve got sensitive skin or you just can’t stand when your face smells like a beach resort threw up on it, you’ll appreciate this. Plus it means you can wear whatever perfume you want without it clashing with your sunscreen which is always nice. No fragrance means less chance of irritation too so it’s just a smart move all around.
How To Use It
Right so this needs to be the last thing you do in your morning skincare routine, like after your moisturizer and serums and all that jazz. Don’t be stingy with it either – you need to properly slather it on, none of this tiny pea-sized amount rubbish because that won’t protect you for shit. The general rule is you need about a nickel-sized blob for your face, maybe a bit more if you’ve got a bigger head.
Apply it at least 20 minutes before you go outside so it has time to properly set and bond with your skin, otherwise you’re just wasting your time. And here’s the thing people always forget – you’ve got to reapply this throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating or it’s been a few hours. Most people just chuck it on in the morning and think they’re sorted but UV protection breaks down so you need to top it up. Keep it in your bag and touch it up every couple hours if you’re out and about, otherwise what’s even the point?
Packaging
The packaging is actually quite cute, not gonna lie. It comes in this white and yellow tube that’s got proper summer vibes – like it looks cheerful and fun, the kind of thing you’d want to chuck in your beach bag. The color combo just screams sunshine and holidays which is fitting for a sunscreen I guess. It’s sleek too, not bulky or awkward, so it fits nicely in your handbag or gym bag without taking up loads of space.
The tube design is practical as well because you can squeeze out exactly how much you need without it all coming gushing out in one go and wasting half the product. The cap closes properly so you don’t have to worry about it leaking everywhere and ruining your stuff. Honestly for packaging it ticks all the boxes – looks good, works well, travels easy. No complaints there really.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 has the lightweight, fast-absorbing texture every sunscreen should have. It glides on smoothly and, once absorbed, you don’t even notice you have it on. And nope, it leaves no white cast behind.
This sunscreen has only one job to do and does it well. You don’t have to worry about sunburns or wrinkles (unless you forget to reapply it or don’t apply enough in the first place). It protects your skin from UV harm even in the hotter summer months. I could do with a touch more hydration, but it’s not a dealbreaker. That just makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily.
What I Like About Nimue Sun-C SPF 40
- The texture is actually spot on – lightweight, absorbs fast, and doesn’t sit on your skin like a gross film. You forget it’s even there which is exactly what you want from a sunscreen.
- No white cast whatsoever. Like none. You can put this on and not look like a ghost or have that weird grey tint some sunscreens give you. Massive win.
- It genuinely protects your skin from UV damage and does the one job it’s supposed to do really well. No sunburns, no accelerated aging if you’re using it properly. The sun protection bit is solid.
- Works for pretty much any skin type including oily skin because it’s not heavy or greasy. If you’ve got oily skin and struggle to find a sunscreen that doesn’t turn you into a grease ball, this could be your mate.
- The packaging is cute and practical. Looks summery, fits in your bag easy, doesn’t leak everywhere. Sometimes it’s the little things.
What I DON’T Like About Nimue Sun-C SPF 40
- It promises to moisturize your skin but honestly it doesn’t deliver on that front. If you’re expecting proper hydration you’ll be disappointed because it’s just not there.
- For a product that claims to do two things – protect AND moisturize – only doing one of them is a bit crap isn’t it? Like why promise something you can’t deliver?
- If you’ve got dry skin you’ll definitely need to use a separate moisturizer underneath because this won’t cut it on its own. Adds an extra step when the whole point was supposed to be convenience.
- The price point might be a bit steep considering it’s basically just a standard sunscreen without the bonus hydration they advertised. You’re paying for a promise they don’t keep.
Who Should Use It?
Honestly this is best for people with normal to oily skin who just want solid sun protection without any extra frills. If your skin doesn’t need loads of moisture and you’re mainly looking for a lightweight sunscreen that does its job without feeling heavy or greasy, this’ll work for you. It’s also good if you hate white casts and want something that disappears into your skin fast.
But if you’ve got dry or dehydrated skin, give this one a miss because it’s not gonna give you the hydration you need – you’d have to layer a proper moisturizer underneath anyway which defeats the whole “moisturizing sunscreen” claim. Basically, manage your expectations – treat it as a sunscreen that happens to have a nice texture, not as a two-in-one miracle product.
Does Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A lightweight, moisturising sunscreen that provides high broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and assists to reduce and prevent visible signs of photo ageing. | It’s not moisturising, but everything else is true. |
| Use AM daily. Apply an even layer to the face, neck and décolleté over Nimue moisturiser, half an hour before sun exposure. Repeat application every 2-3 hours or after exercise, perspiration or water activities. | It’s the right way to use it, indeed. But you can use it over any moisturizer. |
Price & Availability
£36.00 at selected salons.
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a lightweight sunscreen that provides excellent sun protection, this is a good option to consider.
Aqua, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulphonic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tricontanyl PVP, Glycerin,Cyclomethicone, Octocrylene, Arachidyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-15, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Olea Europeae (Olive) Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Polyester-8, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Arachidyl Glucoside, C30-45 Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Yeast Polysaccharides, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate, Diaoetate, Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxy Stearate, Dimethicone.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
