Freaks of Nature Sunscreen Review — Is It Worth the Hype?

I’ll be honest — I wasn’t really looking to switch sunscreens. But the hype around Freaks of Nature kept following me — so I had to check it out. Clean ingredients, high SPF, no white cast, and a texture people couldn’t stop talking about. It sounded too good to be true. So, of course, my curiosity got the best of me — and I had to try it out for myself.

In this review, I’ll walk you through what stood out, how it really feels on the skin, and whether it’s actually worth the hype. Let’s dive in!

What Is Freaks of Nature Sunscreen?

Freaks of Nature is a clean, reef-safe skincare brand started by pro surfer Kelly Slater — so you already know it’s made for serious sun. The whole idea behind it is simple: strong, skin-safe sun protection without the harsh stuff. Their sunscreens are mineral-based, using non-nano zinc oxide, and they’re totally fragrance-free, which is great if your skin’s on the sensitive side.

Two of their most popular picks are:

• Peak Performance SPF 50 — perfect for outdoor days, swimming, or anything active

• Daily Defender SPF 30 — a lighter option that’s great for everyday wear

What I love is that everything’s cruelty-free, and the packaging is eco-friendly too. It’s a brand that really tries to do good — for your skin and the planet.

Key Ingredients and Their Skin Benefits

Here’s a closer look at what makes this sunscreen stand out:

• Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (18–25%) – A safe, physical UV filter that reflects harmful rays. It’s gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. (Source)

• Squalane – A light hydrator that softens skin without clogging pores. (Source)

• Postbiotics and Peptides – These help support your skin barrier and microbiome, making your skin more resilient. (Source)

• B-Silk (vegan spider silk) – A natural protein that smooths the skin and enhances the texture without feeling greasy.

• HydroSeal (plant-based water resistance) – Offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance, making it perfect for pool days.

My Experience Using Freaks of Nature Sunscreen

Here’s my honest, relatable take after trying the Peak Performance SPF 50 stick and lotion:

How it feels on the skin

It feels smooth and rich but not too heavy. Unlike some mineral sunscreens, this one doesn’t feel chalky or dry. My skin felt nourished and hydrated.

How well it blends

At first, it looks slightly white, but give it 10–15 seconds of gentle blending and it absorbs nicely. No sticky residue.

Does it leave a white cast?

A little bit at first, especially if you apply too much. But with proper blending and using just enough, it disappears on most skin tones.

Is it good under makeup?

No. But it sits well under a very lightweight foundation or BB cream.

Is It Good for Oily, Dry, or Sensitive Skin?

Oily Skin: It has a satin finish and is not greasy. Some people with oily skin said they didn’t need powder over it.

Dry Skin: Thanks to the squalane and postbiotics, it adds hydration and soothes dry patches.

Sensitive Skin: With no fragrance or harsh chemicals, it's a great option for sensitive skin types. Plus, zinc oxide helps soothe and calm sensitive skin.

Also, fans in skincare groups (like Reddit) said it “doesn’t clog my pores” and “rubs in well on tanner skin”.

Pros and Cons of Freaks of Nature Sunscreen

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30 & 50

• Clean, reef-safe ingredients

• No fragrance or irritation

• Good for all skin types

• Supports skin barrier and hydration

• Water-resistant up to 80 minutes

• Travel-friendly packaging

Cons:

• Slight white cast if not blended properly

• Needs more blending than chemical SPFs

• On the pricier side (~$34–38)

How to Use Freaks of Nature Sunscreen the Right Way

Using it the right way makes a big difference — here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a fresh face — wash gently, then pat dry with a clean towel.

2. Apply moisturizer (if needed) – Use a light moisturizer if your skin feels dry.

3. Use enough sunscreen –

• For lotion: Just use a small, nickel-sized amount.

• For stick: Swipe directly on your skin, then blend with fingers.

4. Cover all areas – Make sure to cover your neck, ears, and hairline — spots we often miss!

5. Wait 10–15 minutes – Let it settle before going outside.

6. Reapply every 2 hours – Especially if you’re swimming, sweating, or wiping your face.

Done right, your skin stays protected and happy!

How Does Freaks of Nature Compare to Other Sunscreens?

When it comes to picking the right sunscreen, it’s all about what works for your skin and lifestyle. Let’s see how Freaks of Nature Sunscreen stacks up against a top Korean favorite — the Beauty of Renforcer Sunscreen.

So, which one is right for you?

If you're out in the sun a lot or have sensitive skin, Freaks of Nature is strong, safe, and supportive. But if you need a lightweight, easy everyday sunscreen that plays well with makeup, Beauty of Renforcer is an amazing go-to.

Why Beauty of Renforcer Might Be a Better Choice?

After trying both, I kept going back to the Beauty of Renforcer Relief Sunscreen — and honestly, it just makes sense. It’s a K-beauty essential that brings together everything we love about Korean skincare: lightweight texture, skin-calming ingredients, and that smooth, healthy glow.

It feels more like a moisturizing essence than a sunscreen. It melts in without leaving a white cast, and it layers beautifully under makeup — no pilling, no greasiness. On no-makeup days, it gives that soft, hydrated look Korean skincare is known for.

I also trust what’s inside. It’s packed with skin-loving K-beauty favorites:

• Centella Asiatica to calm and repair,
• Niacinamide to brighten and even out skin tone,
• and Panthenol to lock in moisture without feeling heavy.

And here’s what really got me — it’s only $15.99.

That’s an amazing deal for a Korean sunscreen with this kind of quality. Plus, shipping is free in the U.S., so it's easy to stock up. For anyone who’s into K-beauty or just wants a better daily sunscreen, this one checks every box — and won’t break the bank.

Where to buy 🛒

You can buy Freaks of Nature Sunscreen from their official website or clean beauty retailers online.

but if you want a better, more affordable, daily-use, and makeup-friendly option, go for Beauty of Renforcer — it's available at Cheon Beauty for $15.99.

Final Thoughts — Should You Try It?

If you’re curious about Freaks of Nature Sunscreen, I’d say it’s definitely worth trying — especially if you’re into clean, skin-safe formulas and want strong sun protection with barrier-loving ingredients. It’s great for sensitive skin, and once you get used to the thicker texture, it feels really reliable.

 But if you’re after that smooth, glowing K-beauty finish, something light, makeup-friendly, and backed by real Korean skincare science — Beauty of Renforcer just makes more sense for daily use.

In the end, both have their strengths — it really depends on what your skin needs and what kind of finish you prefer. Either way, don’t skip sunscreen.