First Impressions Review

I’ve only been using this sunscreen for two days, so this isn’t a long-term verdict, just some first impressions from a skincare lover with post-Accutane, normal-to-dry skin that rarely breaks out.

Let’s start with the headline. I think I’ve found my new holy grail SPF. The Ordinary’s long-awaited foray into sun protection seriously delivers, especially if you’re someone who loves a weightless, glowy finish.

What I Loved

- Incredibly Lightweight

The serum-like texture is chef’s kiss. It glides on effortlessly and melts into the skin, feeling like absolutely nothing. Even after a few reapplications during the day, it never felt thick or cakey, a major win in my book.

- Zero Eye Sting

This one blew me away. I intentionally let water get near my eyes for science, and still no stinging. That’s practically unheard of for a chemical sunscreen.

- That Glow, Though

This sunscreen delivers a dewy, radiant finish without tipping over into greasy territory. Even after reapplying two or three times, the glow persisted beautifully without making me look sweaty.

- Plays Well with Others

No pilling, no weird reactions with my skincare routine. I’m not much of a makeup wearer, so I can’t speak to how it performs under foundation but for a bare-faced day, it’s ideal.

- No White Cast

Blended in quickly and invisibly, even on my chestnut-toned skin.

A Few Drawbacks

- The Packaging

The pump locks, which is helpful, but there’s no cap and if you’re anything like me and forget to twist the lock shut, tossing it into a bag could easily result in a sunscreen explosion. I wish it had a protective cap for peace of mind.

- Mild Scent

There’s a faint sunscreen smell that disappears after rubbing in, but it does linger on the hands a bit. Not a dealbreaker, just something to note.

Who I’d Recommend It To

- Anyone who loves a glowy, radiant finish to their sunscreen.

- Those with normal, dry, or even combo skin that isn’t overly sensitive to chemical SPF filters.

- Folks who want something ultra-lightweight that feels invisible on the skin.

Who Might Want to Skip It

- Very oily skin types. The dewy finish could skew too shiny, and might leave you feeling greasy or overly aware of the product on your skin.

- Matte-finish lovers. This is not for you as it’s radiant all the way.

- Morning face oil users. If your routine already includes heavy moisturizers or facial oils, this sunscreen might push the dewy look into “too much” territory.

- Fungal acne concerns. While it didn’t irritate my skin, some of the ingredients might not be Malassezia-safe, so it’s worth double-checking if you’re prone to flare-ups.

Final Thoughts

The Ordinary’s UV Filters SPF 45 Serum seriously impressed me after just a couple uses. It feels like a luxury sunscreen with a drugstore price tag, lightweight, non-irritating, and perfectly radiant. While it may not be for everyone, especially oily or fungal acne-prone skin types, this could be a holy grail for anyone craving hydration and glow in one easy step.

Let me know if you’d like a follow-up after a few weeks of use!