This post contains affiliate links. Product provided by Oshen Skin.
There’s no such thing as too much sunscreen, so of course I’m constantly testing new formulas in the hopes of helping my readers find a perfect one for them. I already reviewed Hamel sun serum (read here), but the brand also makes Hamel Vegan Relief Water Essence Sun Cream, available on Oshen Skin (discount code KBHOBBIT10). Watch the unboxing reel to truly appreciate the unique packaging.
Hamel Vegan Relief Water Essence Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ is a vegan, fragrance free formula full of skin soothing and acne fighting ingredients (a full list is available at the end).
How to use
Apply before sun exposure (the brand recommends 20 minutes before)
Don’t forget your neck, ears, and the area around the eyes
Reapply as needed
I expected a somewhat thicker texture because of the cream name, but it’s actually an “essence cream” and is quite liquid, making it easy to dispense. It’s slightly thicker than the sun serum, but thinner than any squeeze tube SPF I’ve tried. On me, it leaves zero white cast and has a somewhat glowy finish. Not as dewy as the serum, but not matte either. My friends with deeper skin tones say it might have a minimal white cast on some people. It’s soft and smooth to the touch / not greasy at all.
My impressions
This is a lovely formula, especially for those who don’t like the feeling of thicker / heavier sunscreens. Hamel Vegan Relief Water Essence Sun Cream is so light and airy, it feels like bare skin but looks a little more dewy. For me personally, it’s a bit too glowy, but it’s not a deal breaker. The main things I look for in sunscreens are high SPF, a non-sticky finish, and no eye irritation. Hamel checks off all of those boxes. Even when I walk outside in warm weather and get sweat in my eyes, there’s no stinging or burning. I also love that it’s fragrance free, so our sensitive skin friends can enjoy it too. As far as having a matte finish, that’s nothing a bit of powder can’t fix.
And can we talk about the packaging? It’s so cute and eye-catching. My husband asked me if the contents tasted like eggs, and I’m still very puzzled by that… Please don’t taste test your sunscreens…
I’m currently packing for a trip, and I’m taking both Hamel sunscreens with me. They travel so well due to the hardness of the packaging and don’t get destroyed in bags and purses. Since both formulas are quite liquid, they are easy to apply on the body as needed - much quicker than rubbing in a thicker cream.
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Hamel Vegan Relief Water Essence Sun Cream ingredients: Purified Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, T-butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol.