BLD BRO Daily SPF 30 Review – Top Notch Stuff For My Bonce
BLD BRO Daily SPF 30
BLD BRO Daily SPF 30 proved to be very good at mattifying and protecting my head from the sun. The moisturizer effect is mild and suits me fine, as my scalp is generally oily (naturally), but it is a bit pricey!
Pros
Excellent at mattifying and reducing shine for a few hours or more
A mild moisturiser that's not greasy
A very pleasant fruity citrus scent
A small amount goes a long way
It provides me with protection from the sun
Soothing after shaving with an electric shaver
Cons
It may not be best suited for very dry skin needing more moisturization
A bit pricey
I had to hold off reviewing the BLD BRO Daily SPF 30 mattifying moisturizer until I got out of the UK winter (lack of sun) weather and hunted out sunnier climates.
I got somewhere, Thailand. The ideal location for rubbing some of this pretty slick moisturizer that aims to protect our blading heads from getting roasted.
I tested out the moisturizing and mattifying effects and then got to see how this kind of gel stuff did under sunny conditions.
The bottom line is it’s a very good mattifying gel that gave me protection from the sun, and the mild moisturizing effects suited my oily skin perfectly. It might not be right for all balding gents, though!
In this review, I will cover how well it mattifies, how it moisturizes, and how useful it is under a blazing hot sun. I also cover other stuff like ingredients and usage, but those are the main aspects I share.
Features and Description
I had seen the hype about this stuff and know from experience that sometimes it is all hype–made up mostly by a company and its Instagram and social media influencers.
However, BLD BRO Daily proved to be not hyped at all and the real deal; it really is a top-notch product (somewhat pricey, though).
The 75ml/2.5fl.oz tube is much like a toothpaste tube that is not plastic and is soft aluminum. It has a standard twist cap design, and we just squeeze to get the amount needed, but we have to be cautious as only a little is required, and you could waste it (it came out too much at first, but fine after the first use).
Ingredients
The company does shave some free-from boxes ticked if that matters to you. BLD BRO states the product is cruelty-free, vegan, sulphate, and gluten-free (not sure I was thinking about snacking on it), and it comes in sustainable packaging.
BLD BRO clearly states the ingredients in the FAQ section of the website and on the box, which is cool. They also highlight the key ingredients on the box and tube (i.e., Ginger Extract, FireWeed Extract, and Aloe Vera Extract)
There is a lot of ingredients in this stuff, and here is a concise breakdown of the ingredients, their potential effects in skincare, and concerns for sensitive skin or allergies:
- Isododecane: Lightweight emollient, provides a silky finish. Non-comedogenic and unlikely to irritate.
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Skin-conditioning, derived from coconut oil; soothing and moisturizing. Generally safe unless allergic to coconut.
- Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer: Silicone-based, offers smoothness and moisture retention. Rarely causes irritation.
- Homosalate: UV filter, protects from sunburn. May cause irritation in sensitive skin.
- Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: Chemical sunscreen; absorbs UVB rays. Potential allergen for some.
- Octocrylene: Sunscreen and stabilizer; protects against UVB. May irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions.
- Butylene Glycol: Humectant, hydrates skin. Low risk of irritation.
- Aqua (Water): Solvent, hydrates and dissolves ingredients. Safe.
- Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil: Antioxidant with a fresh scent. Can cause photosensitivity or irritation in sensitive skin.
- Polysorbate 20: Emulsifier, mild and non-irritating.
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone): Broad-spectrum UV filter; stabilizes against UVA. May irritate sensitive skin.
- Limonene: Fragrance compound; potential irritant or allergen, especially for sensitive skin.
- Glycerin: Humectant, deeply hydrates. Safe for most skin types.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Soothing, anti-inflammatory. Generally safe but may irritate very sensitive skin.
- Epilobium Angustifolium (Willowherb) Extract: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Safe and soothing.
- Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; could irritate sensitive skin.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: Preservative and skin conditioner; low irritation risk.
- Citral: Fragrance component; potential allergen for sensitive or allergic individuals.
- Dehydroacetic Acid: Preservative, prevents microbial growth. Mild but could irritate very sensitive skin.
- Benzoic Acid: Preservative, antimicrobial. May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Linalool: Fragrance component; potential irritant or allergen.
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative, protects formula. May irritate very sensitive skin or cause allergies in rare cases.
Key Concerns for Sensitive Skin or Allergies:
- Fragrance components (Limonene, Citral, Linalool) and essential oils (Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil) may irritate.
- UV filters (Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Avobenzone) could cause reactions in sensitive or allergic individuals.
- Preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid) might be problematic for very reactive skin.
Patch testing is a good idea before use, especially for men with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
The mattifying effect is likely achieved through ingredients like Isododecane and Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, which smooth the skin and absorb excess oil, along with non-oily UV filters such as Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, and Octocrylene, and the emulsifier Polysorbate 20 for a uniform matte texture.
Scent
It seems a bit odd to mention scent for this product as it is not like a shaving cream or soap or other product where scent is very important.
I guess if a woman or partner came close to our heads and it smelt awful, that’s not going to get the desired result. So, yeah, no scent or a pleasant scent makes total sense.
Anyway, it has a very nice mild citrus fruity scent, which almost makes us want to taste it (I’m glad it is gluten-free). It beats all bald head moisturizers I have used in the scent department.
Using The Gel
I was slightly surprised that it was a clear type of gel at first and expected a cream like other moisturizers I have used. It’s not an issue, of course, if it works well!
This stuff goes a long way, and BLD BRO recommends using a pea-sized amount. I have gotten away with a much smaller amount, which is great.
It rubs on easily and absorbs in no time with no greasy effect. That nice citrusy scent makes it more pleasant.
I could feel it was quite powdery on the application, and this is good as I know this aspect is providing the matte effect.
I have applied it more or less daily for 6 weeks now and have quite a lot left. BLD BRO states it will last around 6 weeks of daily use, but I am getting more than that.
I used it after shaving my head with electric shavers and multi-blades, and it was very good and soothing, especially after my first head-shaving session with the Braun Series 8 (it needed a little soothing).
Mattifying Effect
This is very good, and it mattifies for many hours and is about the best. I have used bar Zero Shine (this does not have the other sun protection and moisturizing components, though).
It is hard to show it in the photos below, and they dont do it justice, so you might have to just take my word on it.
Moisturizing
BLD BRO Daily is a light moisturizer, and that suits me fine because I have quite oily skin. I dont get any greasiness from this, which is great.
I need a light moisturizer that will keep dry skin at bay but then not over moisturize, so I get a slick oil on the top of my bonce. This stuff does that very well!
Guys who have very dry skin and need deeper moisturizing might not find this that effective. What I would suggest is using this during the day, and then at night, use something that contains shea butter or oils that moisturize deeper.
Sun Protection
As stated at the start of this review, I sought sun in Thailand and took a tube of BLD BRO with me.
I did not keep my head in the sun all day, but I did try out 15-minute sessions with this applied and had no sunburn or negative effects from the sun.
When I am going about my day in Thailand, if I dont have a hat on, then I feel a bit better having this stuff rubbed on my head.
This is just for a bit of protection for me as I try to avoid too much sun on my head by keeping my head covered. A small amount of sun for the VIT D, like 10 minutes, is good, but after that, I am protecting my bonce myself (skin cancer is real).
Value for Money
This is a bit of a sticking point, or I know it will be for some guys, as it costs £24.99 a tube at the moment.
That’s pricey, but if we like it, we can subscribe and get a tube every 3 months for £19.99.
Yes, I have bought a tube of Bulldog Oil Control Moisturiser, Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Moisturizer, and other creams. Still, this one (BLD BRO) really shines for me (excuse the pun).
A 75ml/2.5fl.oz tube goes a long way, so that is worth noting. Others might be cheaper, but most don’t last as long and require more cream used every time.
Final Thoughts – Verdict (Who’s it For?)
This stuff from BLD BRO is the best I have used so far as a good all-rounder that will mattify, mildly moisturize and provide sun protection.
I am happy and will continue to seek out moisturizing creams or gels to test out for my balding bonce and review for you guys, but this one is going to be hard to beat.
If it is only the mattifying component that is important or it is the most important, then you can consider Zero Shine.
Just about any bald guy could give this a shot as long as the ingredients are suited to their skin type.
It is only available at the moment in the UK from the brands’ store at bldbro.com.
Well, that’s the wrap, gents; I think I have said it all.
Anything I haven’t covered? Then do drop a comment below!
