Zinc Shade

A lightweight, matte day cream with sun protection. It carries zinc oxide 10%, is broad-spectrum and labelled SPF15, and doubles as a make-up primer. It is the last step of a morning routine.

Not purely. Zinc oxide 10% is its main filter, but the ingredient list also includes two chemical filters, octocrylene and avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane). If you want a mineral-only sunscreen, this is not it.

Mineral filters, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are particles that sit on the skin and absorb and scatter UV. Chemical (organic) filters, such as octocrylene and avobenzone, absorb UV within the product film. Many sunscreens, Zinc Shade included, combine the two.

Not automatically. Zinc oxide is broad-spectrum and is often chosen for reactive skin. The best sunscreen is the one you will wear, generously, every morning, at the protection level your day needs.

For everyday life in the UK, with most of the day indoors or in shade, an SPF15 day cream applied properly is a reasonable base. For holidays, sport, gardening or long spells outdoors, NHS advice is to use at least SPF30 with at least 4-star UVA protection. Zinc Shade is not a substitute for that.

SPF measures protection from UVB, the rays that mainly cause burning. In laboratory testing at a set thickness, SPF15 filters around 93% of UVB. Most people apply less than the test amount, so real protection is usually lower.

Yes. ESK describes it as broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, and the pack is labelled SPF 15 Broadspectrum. ESK does not publish a UVA star rating.

Moisturiser first, SPF last. Zinc Shade is both, so if it is your only cream it goes on last. If you also use a moisturiser such as B Calm, apply that first, let it settle, then Zinc Shade.

For an ordinary day, an SPF moisturiser applied generously can be your sun protection. The label SPF assumes a generous layer, and most people use less of a moisturiser than of a sunscreen. For time in the sun, use a dedicated sunscreen of SPF30 or higher.

ESK's instructions are 1 to 2 pumps for the face. Cover the face evenly, including the ears and hairline if they are exposed, and use more for the neck and décolletage. Using less than the label assumes gives less protection.

Yes, if you are outdoors for long. Reapply after sweating, swimming or towelling, and every couple of hours in the sun. Zinc Shade is not labelled water resistant.

ESK designed it for minimal white cast and a matte finish. Zinc oxide can still show on deeper skin tones if it is not rubbed in fully, so blend it until it disappears and check in daylight. The 15ml travel size is a low-cost way to test it on your own skin.

Yes. It is suitable for all skin types, including deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick V to VI). Daily UV protection matters on every skin tone, and on deeper skin it helps stop sun exposure darkening existing marks.

Yes. It is a non-greasy, matte day cream, and ESK lists it for all skin types with a note that it suits blemish-prone skin.

Zinc Shade is non-comedogenic, and ESK says it is well tolerated by blemish-prone and bump-prone skin, including acne. Any product can disagree with an individual, so remove it properly every night with a cleanser and stop if new spots appear where you do not usually break out.

ESK says it is well tolerated by irritable skin, including rosacea. It does contain essential oils, so patch test first if your skin reacts to fragrance.

In sunscreen, zinc oxide is a broad-spectrum UV filter. ESK also describes it as forming a protective layer that helps reduce visible signs of irritation.

Zinc oxide is a long-established UV filter permitted in UK cosmetics and is widely used on sensitive skin. As with any product, stop if you get a rash or irritation.

Zinc Shade is a cream, not a drying formula. If your skin is dry, put a moisturiser underneath and let it settle before applying Zinc Shade.

It contains natural essential oils, including rose, lavender, geranium and lemon myrtle, and lists the fragrance allergens linalool, citral, citronellol and geraniol. If you react to fragrance or essential oils, patch test first.

Yes. ESK designed it as a day cream and primer with a matte finish that works under make-up. Let it set for a minute first.

Yes, and the pair works well in the morning. Apply a vitamin C serum such as C Forte first, let it settle, then Zinc Shade.

Yes. Daily SPF is part of any routine for dark marks or uneven tone. In the morning, apply Enlighten Gold first, then Zinc Shade. For long spells outdoors, step up to SPF30 or higher.

No need. ESK's instructions are for the morning only. At night, remove it with your cleanser; a balm such as Soothe & Melt Cleansing Balm followed by a cleanser works well.

Cleanse it off every evening. Zinc oxide can cling to skin, so a first cleanse with a balm and a second with a foaming cleanser such as Hydroxy Cleanser makes sure it is fully removed.

Sun protection matters most after in-clinic treatments. Follow the aftercare you were given, which usually asks for SPF30 or higher and for skin to be left alone for a set time, and only return to Zinc Shade when your clinician says so.

ESK does not publish pregnancy guidance for Zinc Shade. It contains zinc oxide and two chemical filters, octocrylene and avobenzone. If you have questions about sunscreen in pregnancy, ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist.

It is made and sold as an adult facial day cream. For babies and children, use a sunscreen made for them, and keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun.

Yes. Check the pack for the expiry date and the open-jar symbol showing how many months it lasts once opened, and do not rely on it for protection after that.

The 50ml full size lasts around 3 to 4 months of daily morning use. The 15ml travel size lasts around 3 to 4 weeks.

Yes. ESK states that Zinc Shade is cruelty free and vegan. It is also free from parabens and sulphates.

Yes. Melatone Skin Clinic is an authorised ESK stockist. Stock comes directly from ESK, so every item is genuine and traceable, and it is the same product we use in clinic.

Yes. Message us on WhatsApp with a description of your skin, or book a skin assessment at the clinic in Battersea.

Tracked UK delivery is £3.49, or free over £65, and usually arrives in 2 to 4 working days. Sealed, unopened items can be returned within 60 days for a refund.