Keys Solar RX Sunscreen Review
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free skin care · Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:34 pm

I've had Keys on my radar for so long and I finally tried it!

It's reasonably priced. I like that it is a very pure sunscreen. It's composed of zinc oxide (18.5% nano size uncoated), oils, water, and emulsifiers (glycerin, wax) and that's it! Others said that it has a spicy peppery scent and I didn't get that at all. It doesn't smell much in my opinion, and it just smells of zinc to me Laughing

.

I'll be blunt- aesthetically, I much prefer Devita, but that's not saying much. Devita is just something magical. Anyway, Keys is thicker and there's a tiny amount of whiteness. Keep in mind, when I put on sunscreen I use *at least* 1/2 a teaspoon for my face and neck.

Keys is very very matte. (I don't wear anything under my sunscreen) Today after putting it on I spent the rest of my morning cleaning, and I actually looked better afterwards. The Keys more or less absorbed the sweat. I asked my roommate if there's any whiteness on my face, and she couldn't see anything.

Although Keys is not technically a waterproof sunscreen, this will be my go to sunscreen for when I know I'm going to sweat. (Devita is more or less useless for heavy sweat). So far I tried keys on its own, and that was ok. I tried mixing Keys with Devita in the palm of my hand, and I didn't like that at all. Next I'm going to try putting a light coating of Devita, then a light coating of Keys over that and see if I like that better.

Link to Keys website and ingredients list:
http://www.keys-soap.com/xcart41/product.php?productid=31

free skin care · Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:30 pm

Nimue, as always many THANKS for being our go-to person for sunscreen advice!

free skin care · Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:09 am

So much thankful, Nimue, for your very helpful message.

As you know, Keys was rated as best sun cream by EWG's skin deep database last year. I also give high concerns to it. It's priced very reasonably as well.

The only thing I still want to clarify is the safety to use nano-sized Zinc Oxide. FDA has not urged or taken any action for further research of any potential negative impact on our skin when applying this material.

I am also very interested in hearing more about your review on Keys. Please keep us posted, thanks a lot.

free skin care · Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:36 pm

You're welcome! I believe that nano sized zinc oxide is safe. There hasn't been *any* evidence to the contrary and zinc oxide is not a new ingredient- it's used to treat wounds, diaper rash, etc. I personally feel confident using zinc oxide.

alexol wrote:

So much thankful, Nimue, for your very helpful message.

As you know, Keys was rated as best sun cream by EWG's skin deep database last year. I also give high concerns to it. It's priced very reasonably as well.

The only thing I still want to clarify is the safety to use nano-sized Zinc Oxide. FDA has not urged or taken any action for further research of any potential negative impact on our skin when applying this material.

I am also very interested in hearing more about your review on Keys. Please keep us posted, thanks a lot.

free skin care · Wed Mar 04, 2009 5:15 am

Nimue wrote:

You're welcome! I believe that nano sized zinc oxide is safe. There hasn't been *any* evidence to the contrary and zinc oxide is not a new ingredient- it's used to treat wounds, diaper rash, etc. I personally feel confident using zinc oxide.

alexol wrote:

So much thankful, Nimue, for your very helpful message.

As you know, Keys was rated as best sun cream by EWG's skin deep database last year. I also give high concerns to it. It's priced very reasonably as well.

The only thing I still want to clarify is the safety to use nano-sized Zinc Oxide. FDA has not urged or taken any action for further research of any potential negative impact on our skin when applying this material.

I am also very interested in hearing more about your review on Keys. Please keep us posted, thanks a lot.

You are quite right on the treatment function of Zinc Oxide, but actually, they are not nano sized. I also googled some news about nano ZnO could kill the bacteria as well, which cause me more concerned its safety on our skin.
And I ever read many lectures about photosensitivity of ZnO and TiO2 when irradiated under sun ray, especially ranged 280-400nm. It can lead to many ROS (reactive oxygen species, such as .OH, O., namely a few) produced by these two nano materials.
I believe you could understand what I mean, right.

free skin care · Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:50 pm

That's true- the zinc oxide in diaper creams is not nano sized. However I *did* read something (somewhere, lol) about nano sized zinc oxide used to speed wound healing, and smaller particles of zinc oxide being more effective at speeding the healing than larger particles of zinc oxide. I've never seen any concrete evidence of the harm that nano sized zinc oxide could cause. I've seen evidence of that for titanium dioxide, and I've seen a whole lot of theorizing, but no evidence that zinc oxide could be harmful.

alexol wrote:

You are quite right on the treatment function of Zinc Oxide, but actually, they are not nano sized. I also googled some news about nano ZnO could kill the bacteria as well, which cause me more concerned its safety on our skin.
And I ever read many lectures about photosensitivity of ZnO and TiO2 when irradiated under sun ray, especially ranged 280-400nm. It can lead to many ROS (reactive oxygen species, such as .OH, O., namely a few) produced by these two nano materials.
I believe you could understand what I mean, right.

free skin care · Wed Mar 04, 2009 10:00 pm

hi nimue!

I bought keys solar RX when I forgot my ss on a trip to LA. I chose between that and the Pratima, which just seemed like it didn't have enough ss science behind it, although I must admit that Keys seemed like it had "too much." So I have been using ZO-based TMS until now, but as soon as the sun starts shining in Chicago, I'll use this on a daily basis. You are right that it gives a smooth, matte finish with almost no whitish cast. It seems to calm the skin and pores, too.
Thanks for reminding us about this great sunscreen.

--avalange

free skin care · Wed Mar 04, 2009 10:03 pm

it would be so great if someone could provide a treasury of published sources for us to refer to to settle this debate.
i used chmical ss for a while and am convinced that they aren't healthy for the skin. i have a worry in the back of my mind about nano zo, but less so than my worry about inorganic compounds that absorb uv light on my very face.

--avalange

Nimue wrote:

That's true- the zinc oxide in diaper creams is not nano sized. However I *did* read something (somewhere, lol) about nano sized zinc oxide used to speed wound healing, and smaller particles of zinc oxide being more effective at speeding the healing than larger particles of zinc oxide. I've never seen any concrete evidence of the harm that nano sized zinc oxide could cause. I've seen evidence of that for titanium dioxide, and I've seen a whole lot of theorizing, but no evidence that zinc oxide could be harmful.

alexol wrote:

You are quite right on the treatment function of Zinc Oxide, but actually, they are not nano sized. I also googled some news about nano ZnO could kill the bacteria as well, which cause me more concerned its safety on our skin.
And I ever read many lectures about photosensitivity of ZnO and TiO2 when irradiated under sun ray, especially ranged 280-400nm. It can lead to many ROS (reactive oxygen species, such as .OH, O., namely a few) produced by these two nano materials.
I believe you could understand what I mean, right.

free skin care · Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:17 pm

Nimue, r u still using the Keys daily? How are u liking it so far? Although I'm not certain yet but I think this ss is clogging my nose pores thus making it produce more oil. I hope it's not true but Keys is the only new product I introduced to my skincare besides the night cream. I don't use the night cream nightly though, it's like 3x a wk whereas the Keys is everyday.

Anyways, let me know what u think? Thanks!

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 8:18 am

I was away for a few days -- so glad to know that you've liked this Nimue! I totally agree that it's best for sweaty days and Devita for other days. What a treat to have multiple options for sunblock. Cool

avalange wrote:

it would be so great if someone could provide a treasury of published sources for us to refer to to settle this debate.

Avalange, The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has a thorough article on sunscreen along with an extensive bibliography for reference:

http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/summary.php

I find that they're pretty paranoid about skincare products (and not always accurate with their database), but useful for some things. Also National Geographic's Green Guide talks about it a little bit, but not nearly as thoroughly: http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/sunscreen

HTH!

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:51 am

KBLang, so u r still using the Keys right? Do u find that it's clogging up your pores a bit especially on the nose? Cuz I feel mine is although I can't be 100% sure... Sad

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:53 pm

Stardustdy wrote:

KBLang, so u r still using the Keys right? Do u find that it's clogging up your pores a bit especially on the nose? Cuz I feel mine is although I can't be 100% sure... Sad

Stardustdy, I'm actually using Devita right now because of the weather here right now (cold and not sunny), but I used Keys all last summer and didn't notice any clogging of my pores... Confused

Is it causing breakouts or "just" clogging at this point? Keys could be the culprit, but what night cream are you using? A bummer either way!

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:12 pm

KBLang wrote:

Stardustdy wrote:

KBLang, so u r still using the Keys right? Do u find that it's clogging up your pores a bit especially on the nose? Cuz I feel mine is although I can't be 100% sure... Sad

Stardustdy, I'm actually using Devita right now because of the weather here right now (cold and not sunny), but I used Keys all last summer and didn't notice any clogging of my pores... Confused

Is it causing breakouts or "just" clogging at this point? Keys could be the culprit, but what night cream are you using? A bummer either way!

KBLang, it's not breakouts nor do I see actual clogs. I posted in another thread saying that recently my nose has beads of oil or sweat coming out and I noticed this after I used Keys. And other forum members were saying those beads of oil is probably saying that my pores are clogged... So that's why I'm just suspecting the Keys might be the culprit. I'm using Jamieson Retinol Night Cream but only used it like 3x a wk. My nose is mostly oily compared to the rest of my face and the pores larger too, so maybe that explains why I have this kinda reaction. I guess if you don't have enlarged pores, this won't happen to you? Confused

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:20 pm

Stardustdy wrote:

KBLang, it's not breakouts nor do I see actual clogs. I posted in another thread saying that recently my nose has beads of oil or sweat coming out and I noticed this after I used Keys. And other forum members were saying those beads of oil is probably saying that my pores are clogged... So that's why I'm just suspecting the Keys might be the culprit. I'm using Jamieson Retinol Night Cream but only used it like 3x a wk. My nose is mostly oily compared to the rest of my face and the pores larger too, so maybe that explains why I have this kinda reaction. I guess if you don't have enlarged pores, this won't happen to you? Confused

Hmm, that doesn't sound good at all! I actually do have somewhat enlarged pores around my nose (working on unclogging them!), but I haven't had the same reaction with the Keys. I guess our skin reacts differently even to the same products...? Are you thinking of switching sunscreens for a week or so and seeing if that makes a difference? Finding the right product can be so frustrating!

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:44 pm

I am using it daily, but I'm still using Devita. I'm using Keys around my eyes and on any acne prone areas. (I think zinc is good for acne) and then I use Devita all over, except for the eye area, since devita makes me tear up if it gets in my eyes.

I don't really LOVE it. It does have some white cast. I use a heavy hand when I apply sunscreen but with Devita it wasn't a problem. I wish Devita came out with an additional version with a higher % of zinc oxide! (But god forbid they reformulate! I want an additional product, under no circumstances do I want them to discontinue their sunscree)

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:47 pm

Stardusty, are you *sure* that it's the Keys sunscreen that's causing you problems? I would discontinue that night cream that you've been using if I were you.

free skin care · Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:31 pm

Nimue, I'm not 100% sure if it's the Keys but the night cream like I said, it's only 3x a wk. I've stopped using it for like a wk already but still ...

KBLang, I tried not to use the Keys just on my nose and see for awhile.. sigh this is so~ annoying! Sad

free skin care · Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:31 am

Stardustdy wrote:

KBLang, so u r still using the Keys right? Do u find that it's clogging up your pores a bit especially on the nose? Cuz I feel mine is although I can't be 100% sure... Sad

The Keys product contains shea butter which would definitely clog my pores but I'm prone to it. Otherwise it does look like a really nice product but I wont risk it.

free skin care · Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:18 am

I didn't care for Key's sunscreen. The ROS issue concerns me. I found the Keys to be too whitish. And since i am a Cetaphil user, I find these 100% mineral sunscreens hard to get off my face! I don't want to subject my sensitive skin to a foaming cleanser.

I feel safer using LRP Anthelios because it does contain some titamium dioxide but its encapsulated to prevent interactions with Avobenzone and ROS. Then it has all the chemical filters as well like Avobenzone and Mexoryl.

free skin care · Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:46 pm

What's ROS?

Yeah Keys is a bit white, but it's totally safe so I could see someone saying that they don't like it aesthetics wise.

amonavis wrote:

I didn't care for Key's sunscreen. The ROS issue concerns me. I found the Keys to be too whitish. And since i am a Cetaphil user, I find these 100% mineral sunscreens hard to get off my face! I don't want to subject my sensitive skin to a foaming cleanser.

I feel safer using LRP Anthelios because it does contain some titamium dioxide but its encapsulated to prevent interactions with Avobenzone and ROS. Then it has all the chemical filters as well like Avobenzone and Mexoryl.

free skin care · Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:17 pm

there is some controvery that NANO Zinc as in keys and some other products too, may cause ROS- Reactive Oxygen Species. Basically like free radicals which can cause harm. Of course it is impossible to completely prevent free radicals from occuring, for example Octrylene, Octinoxate and some other chemical filters can cause them. But the NANO aspect concerns me as well. The particles are so small they can go into the skin quite easily, and potentially build up. This is not considered to be a concern with regular Zinc Oxide, but nano only. Unfortunately, nano is much more cosmetically elegant. Regular Zinc Oxide looks very white and pastey. Different scientists disagree on this issue. Hopefully we will know more in the future.

free skin care · Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:21 pm

Can you cite anything that published in a peer reviewed journal that says that nano zinc oxide is dangerous? (If there is any, I would definitely really like to read it!)

free skin care · Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:56 pm

I found this one quite concerning. Too bad you have to pay, but you can read the abstract at least.

here is one: www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TCR-4VCWG6B-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=a633e9c1bca86a849a1cbc295305f6f6

www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122196877/abstract

free skin care · Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:01 pm

I read the abstract. It's saying that *small nano* particles (not just nano, but small nano, cause nano itself is quite a large range) kill bacteria. It also says that micro sized particles don't have this. First off, I don't see how "it can kill bacteria" is necessarily a bad thing. Honey kills bacteria too. We put all kinds of anti acne stuff on our faces that's meant to kill bacteria. Seems like a good thing to me and I always put some zinc oxide on any pimples I have and that always works so it makes perfect sense that zinc oxide can kill bacteria. It hasn't been shown that this property of small nano sized zinc oxide is harmful to the skin.

To me it's kind of fascinating that so many people honestly do believe that european chemical sunscreens are both more effective and safer than physical sunscreens. I think the european sunscreen companies just have ridiculously awesome PR.

Here is that abstract:

Abstract
An innovative study aimed at understanding the influence of the particle size of ZnO (from the microscale down to the nanoscale) on its antibacterial effect is reported herein. The antibacterial activity of ZnO has been found to be due to a reaction of the ZnO surface with water. Electron-spin resonance measurements reveal that aqueous suspensions of small nanoparticles of ZnO produce increased levels of reactive oxygen species, namely hydroxyl radicals. Interestingly, a remarkable enhancement of the oxidative stress, beyond the level yielded by the ZnO itself, is detected following the antibacterial treatment. Likewise, an exposure of bacteria to the small ZnO nanoparticles results in an increased cellular internalization of the nanoparticles and bacterial cell damage. An examination of the antibacterial effect is performed on two bacterial species: Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive). The nanocrystalline particles of ZnO are synthesized using ultrasonic irradiation, and the particle sizes are controlled using different solvents during the sonication process. Taken as a whole, it is apparent that the unique properties (i.e., small size and corresponding large specific surface area) of small nanometer-scale ZnO particles impose several effects that govern its antibacterial action. These effects are size dependent and do not exist in the range of microscale particles.

free skin care · Thu Mar 26, 2009 1:52 pm

ok it's been about 2wks on the Keys Soap so it's time to update! I haven't been using the Keys on my nose for a couple days and my beads of oil or sweat has stopped. Then when I started applying it on my nose again, the beads come back again even w/ my primer and powder! Also, I noticed quite very small bumps near my under eyes area where I applied the Keys thickly there. So my conclusion is this ss does clog pores to a certain extent I guess... perhaps the Vegetable Wax or Shea Butter? Sad

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