TLDR Review: The Ordinary SPF 45 Serum Sunscreen
Pros
- •Truly sheer and lightweight, feels more like a serum than a traditional sunscreen
- •Absorbs quickly and layers well under makeup for a seamless finish
- •Provides broapectrum UVA/UVB protection without white cast
- •Leaves skin looking smooth, healthy, and hydrated with a slight glow
- •Effective for sensitive skin; reduces redness and burning sensations
- •Does not cause eye irritation or burning, suitable for sensitive eyes
- •Easy to apply, blend, and only requires a small amount to cover the entire face
- •Hydrating and comfortable for everyday wear, enhancing skincare routine
- •Maintains a noreasy, non-comedogenic formula that’s suitable for daily use
- •Made by a reputable brand, indicating good quality and reliability
Cons
- •Leaves a slight oily film for a while, which might need blotted or powdered away
- •Not sufficiently hydrating on its own; might require additional moisturizer
- •Slight shine remains after application, which might not suit all preferences
- •Potential for a subtle ashy appearance on darker skin tones due to formulation
- •Benefits from waiting 20 minutes before applying makeup for full absorption
- •May be less ideal for those seeking a traditional cream or lotion sunscreen with more moisturizing properties
Bottom Line
This serum-like sunscreen from The Ordinary offers a lightweight, effective broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection that layers invisibly under makeup, making it ideal for daily wear. Its hydrating, non-greasy feel and suitability for sensitive skin make it a compelling choice—just be mindful of the slight oily film and the need for additional moisturizer if your skin is very dry. If you want something more hydrating or with a matte finish, you might consider exploring other formulations.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
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