Pond’s Sun Protect Non-Oily Sunscreen SPF 50 Review (Tested on Dark Brown Skin)

My skin needed some strong SPF to tackle photosensitivity when I stayed at my parents’ native place down the south. (It’s hotter than Chennai!) Hence, just before I left the city, I picked this newly launched sunscreen from Ponds that sat at the store counter.

This sunscreen claims to prevent five kinds of skin damages caused due to sun exposure – skin darkening, redness, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and dark spots. I’ve been testing it out on my skin for a while and today, I’m doing a complete review.

Price: 169 INR for 35 g; 329 INR for 80 g

My Experience with Pond’s Sun Protect Non Oily Sunscreen SPF 50

The sunscreen comes in a bright yellow tube with a sturdy flip cap. The packaging makes sure the product doesn’t make my handbag a mess. The consistency is very thick, clay-like and creamy at the same time. It has a faint floral fragrance similar to that of Pond’s moisturizers.

How does it feel on my skin?: The finish definitely isn’t matte but it doesn’t make my skin greasy either. So yes, it really is non-oily. But apply too much and it can get sticky (thick consistency!). In this humid summer, it moisturizes my skin decently to the extent I skip my moisturizer. In colder places, the application turned out tacky without a moisturizer underneath. On very oily skin types, expect your T Zone to turn shiny in a couple of hours. Dry skinned people – you will need a moisturizer underneath for the slip/ease of application. On normal skin types, it works well. The formula doesn’t sting or hurt my sensitive skin!

The Running Water Test – Is it waterproof?: Given that it is less than 200 bucks, I thought it wouldn’t be sweat-proof but it IS! The sunscreen stayed on my face and body for hours intact in spite of perspiration. I’m doing a water test for you to get a better idea.

How does it apply on dark brown skin?

Due to the thick consistency, I blend it very quickly. If not, it settles into white patches, which can be more visible on brown/deeper skin tones. After application, I feel it whitens my skin, a bit, in an unpleasant way. It’s only a bit though; not much visible unless you look at it very closely. But I’m not complaining much as it has SPF 50. Maybe the SPF 30 version will look more natural on deeper skin tones; I haven’t tried that yet.

I’m showing you a picture below on how it leaves a slightly-visible white cast on my brown skin. I personally do not like it! I sometimes end up applying too little to prevent it from happening. But then I doubt if it’ll do any good against the harsh sunlight. The white cast fades and gets a bit more subtle after some 20 minutes or so. If you have got a lighter skin, this probably won’t be an issue for you! However, if your skin is deeper than mine, this sunscreen might make you look gray.

Does it prevent suntan/sunburn?

With its UVA & UVB protection, the product prevents sunburns up to a good extent. Whenever I am out in the sun after using this sunscreen, my skin gets less sore, less tender and red. Mind you, it doesn’t completely prevent my skin from the sun damage. (especially from direct sunlight) But I don’t experience sun blisters or redness that I’d otherwise do. My skin tans less too, and more evenly if at all it does. The effect doesn’t last for more than 2 hours in very hot weather though. Reapplication may be needed.

Rating: In terms of efficiency, I’d rate this product a 3.5 on 5. However, I strongly suggest a hat/scarf/coat cover yourself on a very sunny day, no matter how strong your sunscreen is. I’m yet to find a strong sunblock which will help me forget the sun and disappear into my skin with no trace of white cast.

Overall, Ponds Sun Protect Non Oily sunscreen with SPF 50 is a decent product for everyday sun protection. It is waterproof and can leave a visible white cast on skin tones deeper/browner than mine. And it will fit into your travel bag with ease!