If you’re on the hunt for a lightweight sunscreen that gives strong protection without leaving a greasy finish, you’ve probably come across The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF PA+++. This product has become one of the brand’s most sought-after skincare essentials, especially among people looking for a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen that also protects against pollution. After testing it thoroughly, here is a detailed and honest review to help you decide whether it deserves a place in your skincare routine.
Packaging & Texture
The Body Shop Skin Defence Essence comes in a sleek white bottle with a clean, minimalistic design. It's compact, travel-friendly, and dispenses product smoothly with a squeezy tube. The texture is where this product truly shines—a watery, feather-light essence that absorbs instantly into the skin.
Unlike many sunscreens that feel thick or leave a film, this one gives a barely-there finish, making it perfect under makeup or for hot, humid climates. The product also has a mild, pleasant fragrance that fades quickly.
Key Ingredients (Why They Matter)
What makes this sunscreen impressive is its multi-protection formula. It isn’t just UV protection—you also get anti-pollution and skin-health benefits.
🔹 1. Broad Spectrum UV Filters (SPF Protection)
It offers SPF 50 and PA+++, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Strong protection is essential for preventing sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature wrinkles.
🔹 2. Anti-Pollution Ingredients
Living in a city means your skin is constantly exposed to pollutants that accelerate aging. This essence forms a protective barrier that reduces the impact of environmental aggressors.
🔹 3. Red Algae Extract
Red algae is known for its brightening, hydrating, and antioxidant properties. It helps even out skin tone and keeps dullness at bay.
🔹 4. Vitamin C and B3 (Niacinamide) Traces
These support skin brightening, reduce dark spots, and improve overall texture.
How It Feels on the Skin
The Body Shop Skin Defence is truly one of the least sticky sunscreens on the market. It spreads easily like a serum and sinks in within seconds. There's no white cast, which makes it suitable for all skin tones—something many sunscreens fail at.
It dries down smooth and slightly dewy without becoming oily, which is why many users with acne-prone and oily skin love it. Makeup layers beautifully over it, and there is no pilling.
If your skin is dry, you may need an additional layer of moisturizer underneath.
Performance: Does It Actually Protect the Skin?
After consistent use, the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence does deliver noticeable results:
1. Great Daily Sun Protection
It prevents tanning and protects well during average daily sun exposure. For outdoor sports or intense sun, you will still need to reapply every 2–3 hours.
2. Reduces Dullness
Its lightweight formula and brightening ingredients give skin a fresher look, making it one of the best sunscreens for achieving a natural glow.
3. Helps Uneven Tone & Dark Spots (With Consistent Use)
Although it’s not a dedicated treatment essence, its antioxidants help prevent further pigmentation, making dark spots appear less intense over time.
4. Works Well for Sensitive Skin—But Patch Test First
While the formula is gentle, users with extremely sensitive or allergy-prone skin should patch test because the older version had reports of irritation. The new formula is improved, but caution is still recommended.
Pros & Cons
✔ Pros
Ultra lightweight and non-greasy
No white cast (brown-skin friendly)
Layers beautifully under makeup
Provides both UV and pollution protection
Brightening ingredients support glow and even tone
Great for everyday use, especially for oily/combination skin
✘ Cons
Slightly expensive for the quantity
Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
Might not be enough for long outdoor exposure
Fragrance may bother extremely sensitive skin
Who Should Use The Body Shop Skin Defence?
This sunscreen is ideal for you if you are looking for:
✓ Daily lightweight SPF
✓ Non-sticky, non-oily feel
✓ Sunscreen that works under makeup
✓ Protection from pollution and UV rays
✓ A brightening daily sun essence
It’s especially great for:
Oily skin
Combination skin
Normal skin
People living in hot or humid climates
People with very dry skin may want to use a thicker moisturizer beforehand.
How to Use It for Best Results
Apply after moisturizer as the last step of your AM skincare routine.
Use two fingers’ worth of product for adequate protection.
Reapply every 2–3 hours during heavy sun exposure.
Combine with a hat or sunglasses for outdoor protection.
Price & Value for Money
While it is slightly pricier than drugstore sunscreens, the experience it offers—lightweight, non-greasy, brightening, and city-friendly—makes it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing comfort and texture.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
Yes—The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF PA+++ is worth trying, especially if you’re looking for a sunscreen that feels like you're wearing nothing at all. With its excellent texture, strong UV protection, pollution defence, and skin-brightening benefits, it stands out as one of the best lightweight sunscreens for daily wear.
It’s not perfect, especially for very dry or ultra-sensitive skin, but for most people, it delivers everything you need in a modern sunscreen: comfort, protection, and glow.
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