ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50 – Review

This post will review the ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50.

It’s been a while since I reviewed a sunscreen that is not Korean or Japanese.

Typically, I avoid European sunscreens except for the cult favourites; the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ and Hydrating Cream SPF 50+.

Apart from those two, I don’t think I’ve used European sunscreens extensively.

I’ve seen reviews of Spanish sunscreen brands, Heliocare and ISDIN, here and there, but I had to wait until I watched a TikTok video of someone applying it without any white cast.

A couple of months ago, I finally did, and I immediately went to get my hands on my first Spanish sunscreen.

As you can tell, ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand that collaborates with dermatologists to formulate innovative skincare products.

Someone once said that French Pharmacy Skincare is boring, but the innovation is in Spanish Skincare.

After using this sunscreen and getting a few serums, I think I’m ready to explore the Spanish Skincare market.

I’ve been using this sunscreen for a while now, and it was love at first sight.

However, because of its tiny 50ml packaging, I’m almost halfway done, so I figured I needed to share my thoughts before I exhaust it.

First Impressions of the ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50

According to ISDIN:

Ultralight daily sunscreen for outdoor activities

Water-phased facial sunscreen of ultralight texture, intense hydration and immediate absorption that guarantees high protection against UV radiation.

HIGH UV PROTECTION 
SPF50 UVA and UVB protection, evaluated in laboratories under real conditions of high solar radiation.

DOES NOT STING EYES
Evaluated under ophthalmological control

OPTIMAL TOLERANCE
Ultralight texture of immediate absorption and intense hydration with no residue. Suitable for all skin types. Oil free formula.

WET SKIN
Can be applied on wet skin. 

SEA FRIENDLY
Formula with the majority of biodegradable and/or inorganic ingredients.

Ingredient List, Sunscreen Filters & Fragrance

I’m glad I don’t have to wait too long to see Vitamin C and E formulated into a sunscreen because that should be the blueprint.

Given how much Vitamin C supercharges SPF, you’ll think more brands would formulate them together, but here we are.

Then again, I’m not a cosmetic chemist, so I can’t speak authoritatively about these things.

This sunscreen has three key ingredients Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and E.

While I’m happy to learn about this knowledge that Vitamin C can indeed be formulated with SPF,

I’m not particularly thrilled because they’re at the bottom of the ingredient list.

This means the percentages are pretty low. But that’s fine, I guess, as long as the filters deliver.

Unfortunately, the sunscreen has a noticeable fragrance that dissipates rather quickly.

Other than that, it is essential oil and alcohol-free.

Sunscreen Filters

I’ve not really had much success with European chemical sunscreens.

But maybe I’ve not been looking hard enough because if there’s one thing these brands always have, it is a portfolio of suncare products for every situation, from outdoors to kids to mineral and anti-ageing sunscreens.

They have it all.

This sunscreen has six chemical filters, including;

• Octocrylene – provides mostly UVB protection.
• Avobenzone – provides UVA protection.
• Octisalate – provides UVB protection.
• Ensulizole – provides UVB protection.
• Parsol SLX – provides UVB protection.
• Tinosorb S – provides both UVA & UVB protection.

As you can see, this is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause ageing, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn.

With these filters, you can see that it provides a more robust UVB protection, making it a perfect Outdoor/Summer sunscreen.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t say anything about being water-proof or sweat-resistant, so I’ll watch out for that. All in all, it is a decent sunscreen with solid filters.

Packaging, Texture & Consistency

Now, this is where I fell in love with this product.

It is packaged in an abysmally small 50ml applicator bottle that dispenses its fluid consistency.

Like the La Roche Posay Anthileios SPF 50, fluid chemical sunscreens are safe and tend to work across most skin types.

As expected, it is lightweight and sinks immediately into the skin with no greasy or tacky finish.

It is also marketed as oil-free, giving a matte finish, making it perfect under makeup.

Naturally, it doesn’t leave a white cast.

If you have oily skin, you’ll absolutely love this product.

If you have dry skin and it is not moisturizing enough, you can just layer a moisturizer underneath, and it would work perfectly without pilling.

Price & Availability

This sunscreen retails for £17, which is not the most affordable, as you can exhaust it in less than a month, given how religiously you use it.

But if you want to really try it, ISDIN has an official Amazon store where you can buy an authentic one.

Review of the ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50

So, I’ve been using this sunscreen for about a month now, and I absolutely love it.

It is an ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply and blend quickly. It also has this lovely velvety finish that feels like nothing on the skin.

This makes it such a dream to apply.

I honestly haven’t seen anything like it before.

As always, to summarize, here are the pros and cons of this sunscreen;

Pros:

• Broad spectrum chemical filters
• Ultra-light Hydrating formula that makes it easy to reapply.
• No white cast
• Non-greasy and non-sticky
• Doesn’t sting the eyes.
• Perfect for daily wear, especially for people who hate sunscreens
• It can work across most skin types.
• Doesn’t pill; it layers well under makeup and over skincare products.
• Non-dewy and leaves a matte finish.

Cons

• Not fragrance-free.
• The price-to-quantity ratio is not very affordable.
• Not necessarily water-resistant or sweat-proof.

Finally

I’m really glad I finally got introduced to the underrated world of Spanish Skincare through the ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50.

What can I say?

Aside from the price, it ticks all the right boxes for how a modern face sunscreen should be formulated for all skin types.

If it eventually becomes a holy grail for you, I suggest you stock up when you head to Europe.