Magwai Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Review: Reef-Safe, Mama-Safe SPF 50 Sunscreen

Life has been far from easy lately—physically, mentally, emotionally. But now that I vowed to again show up for myself, I started to go back to the things that used to make me happy and that includes going back and sticking to my skincare routine. One non-negotiable? Sunscreen.

Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I’ve made the switch to mineral sunscreens—something safer and gentler for both me and the baby. I have tried a handful - loved some and hated some. I already have some favorites but I am still on the look out for new ones to try. So when I recently came across the Magwai Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+*, I was instantly curious. 

MAGWAI Reef Safe Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ promises to be reef-safe (as verified by the UP Marine Science Institute), lightweight, and kind to sensitive skin—plus, this new revamped formula claims to have 75% less white cast compared to their previous formula (a big deal for mineral SPF!). Sounds promising, right? Let’s see if how it works on my skin.

Upon first application, I noticed the consistency right away— thick and mousse-like. It feels rich, which I wasn’t expecting, but not in a heavy or greasy way. That said, you do have to work a bit fast when blending it in because once it sets… it sets. It starts patchy which would eventually becomes even and smooth when blended well. 

The great news? It has no scent—or if there is one, it’s so subtle I hardly notice it. No irritating fragrance here, and more importantly, no stinging, even around sensitive areas like the eyes. That’s a big win in my book.

Now let’s talk about the white cast. Yes, it’s there—but hold your horses. This is a pure mineral sunscreen, and white cast is always part of the deal. Compared to other mineral SPFs I’ve tried, though, this one is noticeably more forgiving. It's not mask-like or ghostly, but it is slightly obvious if worn alone, especially in certain lighting. And also doing the two-finger method on the face is probably too much and will contribute on how much the white cast is. As per the recommendations from Magwai, a pea-sized amount should be enough for the face. Read it here.

However, under makeup? It actually works beautifully. My skin looks brighter, more toned, and even a little glowier. I can live with it, honestly. It layers like a champ—no pilling. 

Where Magwai Sheer Mineral Sunscreen really shines, though, is on the body. I love how it gives my skin this subtle glow and tone-up effect. And huge, huge plus that it isn't sticky! It’s seriously waterproof. I’ve worn this in the pool, and it holds up impressively well without sliding off or leaving weird streaks.

While I do have some reservations, I genuinely like it. For everyday use, I’ll probably stick to using it more on my body than on my face. But for beach trips or days I’ll be out in the sun longer? I’ll be slathering this all over.

Overall, MAGWAI Reef Safe Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Php699/80g) has earned a spot in my beach bag—and possibly in my daily body care routine. It’s not perfect (that white cast on the face might still be a dealbreaker for some), but considering it’s reef-safe, waterproof, lightweight, and doesn’t irritate my skin, there’s a lot to love here. Just remember to blend fast, and don’t be too surprised by that slight white cast. After all, it is mineral sunscreen. 😉

* gifted