Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen Review – Safe Enough for Acne-Prone Skin?

Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen is one of the hit sunscreens from the Brand Deconstruct and is actually rated quite well on Nykaa. In today’s post, I will be sharing my honest thoughts, opinions, and my complete experience with this sunscreen.

Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen Quick Review

Did the sunscreen work for me?

It did not. I liked the lightweight texture no doubt, but it resulted in breakouts and cystic acne on my skin.

If anyone’s curious, all my beauty purchases are from Nykaa.

Why do I Give it a 3/5 Rating?

I liked the fact it did not result in a heavy feeling upon application and neither made my skin feel sweaty, especially in this hot weather. There was no itching or rashes as well but unfortunately, my skin experienced acne after using this sunscreen and also a bit of dullness with regular usage. And the fact that it is entirely a chemical sunscreen, not a physical one with safer ingredients.

I actually received this sunscreen from the Brand itself when they read my post on Deconstruct Vitamin C Serum Review.

I mentioned in my article that the sunscreens from this Brand were full of negative reviews. So the Brand reached out to me that they are working on their formulation of Tinted Sunscreen, but their lightweight gel variant is quite a hit and they would love for me to try it out.

They were kind enough to send me their gel sunscreen and salicylic body wash.

I put the sunscreen to use on my oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin and if you have been looking for a Deconstruct gel sunscreen review, you are on the right page.

Is Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen a Chemical Sunscreen?

Unfortunately, yes. It is a sunscreen with chemical filters. The Brand mentions Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane as one of its key ingredients that protect against photoaging and tanning but, this ingredient, also known as Avobenzone, has a lot of controversies and is not actually considered safe for long-term usage as it interferes with hormonal functions.

You can read more about why Avobenzone is not considered safe in an article by Million Marker.

The Brand did eliminate Oxybenzone which is one of the most harmful chemical filters but the sunscreen still contains chemical filters and I personally prefer sunscreen with physical filters over chemical ones.

What Does The Brand Claim?

This broad-spectrum Sunscreen for oily skin with SPF 55+ and PA+++ is a lightweight water-resistant formula that absorbs quickly into the skin leaving no white cast.

It is blended with the unique formulation of Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, and other chemical filters, along with hydrating agents such as phospholipids & glycerin that provides overall protection from harmful UV Rays, prevents sun-related skin aging & tan, while keeping the skin hydrated.

• Paraben-free
• Silicone-free
• Fragrance-free
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• SLS-free
• Phthalate-free
• pH: 5.9 – 6.9

As seen on the Deconstruct website.

Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen Ingredients

Aqua, Glycerine, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glyceryl Behenate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Benzophenone-3, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phospholipids, Sodium gluconate, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer.

How to Use?

• Apply the sunscreen on the face and neck in the morning routine and at least 15 minutes before stepping out in the sun. 
• Use it after applying moisturizer and before using makeup.
• Reapply when needed for continued protection.

As listed on Nykaa.

Packaging

It comes in an opaque squeezable tube with a screen cap. It doesn’t come with a pointed-nozzle which I prefer in sunscreens. The tube is easy to store, carry, and use.

Fragrance/Scent

None as such. Definitely true to the claim of fragrance-free.

My Review on Deconstruct Lightweight Gel Sunscreen SPF 55+ PA+++

My Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin with a history of eczema and allergies.

I started using the sunscreen as I usually do by taking a 2-finger-sized amount and gently massaging it all over my face and neck after moisturizing.

For some reason, I was expecting it to be a transparent gel or crème like look but it looks exactly like a regular cream.

Lightweight and non-greasy

I massaged the sunscreen gently and true to its claims, it felt lightweight upon application. The texture was not at all heavy or oily. Even after application, I did not experience sweating or greasiness even in this hot and humid weather.

Despite being a chemical sunscreen, I started to like this sunscreen for offering a lightweight gel-like texture, and the fact that it did not result in sweat in this humid season, made me realize the hype.

REVIEW: I Used Nivea Shine Control SPF 50 and It is Way Too Oily

Resulted in acne

I continued to use the sunscreen because I genuinely liked the gel texture but in a few days, it started resulting in acne and breakouts. At first, I was not sure if it was the sunscreen causing acne but I was not using anything new so I decided to stop using it and the acne situation calmed down.

I figured out it was the Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen that was resulting in acne and if I am being honest, I am not surprised. There are very few chemical sunscreens that don’t result in acne-like ISDIN.

Chemical filters are known to cause acne and itching and are often not considered safe for sensitive skin. Not to forget the controversies and research articles published on chemical filters such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and many more.

Physical vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which is Better?

These chemical filters are absorbed in the bloodstream and are known to alter hormonal functions as compared to mineral or physical filters such as zinc and titanium dioxide.

This is why I have started to use sunscreens with only, and only physical filters such as UV Doux. Even the sunscreens with a combination of mineral and chemical filters end up causing acne like the one from Neude.

Caused a bit of dullness

I also noticed that by the end of the day, Deconstruct sunscreen resulted in dullness – a similar issue I faced in Sunscreen by Dr.Sheth’s.

Again, dullness is a very common factor for chemical sunscreens. Because they absorb and scatter the UVA/UVB rather than blocking them like physical sunscreens which results in dullness for most of us. Now there is a whole science behind chemical sunscreens and stability which you can read in an article shared by Skinacea.

No White Cast

The reason chemical sunscreens were introduced was that despite physical filters offering the best sun protection while being on the safer side, they offer white cast in some cases and are not really known for the appearance of the sunscreen on the skin.

The same goes with this Deconstruct Gel sunscreen. It doesn’t result in any white cast and neither it pills up probably because it contains chemical filters.

But I personally, knowing the dangers and why chemical filters in some countries are Banned, stick to physical sunscreen only even if I have to spend double the amount in blending the white cast if any.

I prefer physical sunscreens over chemical ones

Coming back to the Deconstruct sunscreen review, I feel it could have been a lot better option if it was a physical sunscreen as I really loved the texture for this hot weather and it would have been great if it had safer mineral filters rather than chemical/organic ones.

I did not experience any redness or itching with this sunscreen like I faced with Foxtale sunscreen, which is a good thing.

At this point, even if it would have worked for me, I would not consider it my top priority because of known dangers with chemical filters. I no longer consider ISDIN Sunscreen which I genuinely loved for the same reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen: Final Thoughts

This gel sunscreen from Deconstruct is no doubt lightweight as claimed by the Brand and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin but it did result in acne and dullness. I liked that it didn’t make my face look sweaty upon application but it did not suit my sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is a chemical sunscreen and I personally prefer mineral/physical sunscreen for my skin to be on a safer side.

Pros – What do I like about this sunscreen?

• Lightweight gel-like texture
• Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin
• No oily or sweaty feeling
• No itching or rashes
• No White Cast
• Worked for my oily skin during summer

Cons – What I don’t like about this sunscreen?

• Resulted in acne
• My face looked slightly dull by the end of the day
• Chemical Filters

This was it for today. I hope you have found my review on Deconstruct sunscreen helpful. Let me know your thoughts or experiences if any in the comments below. Have a Good Day.

I received this sunscreen from the Brand to experience the product.