I Despise Most SPFs, But the Ordinary’s New Formula Has Changed My Mind

As a beauty editor, I firmly believe that you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune on good skincare (after all, the goal is to have the healthiest skin possible, not to make your bank account cry, right?), which is why I often recommend and turn to what, is my opinion, one of the best skincare brands around—The Ordinary—for it’s trusted formulas. The affordable skincare brand quickly gained industry kudos in 2016 by democratising skincare with minimalist, single-ingredient formulas and no-frills packaging. And even today, you’ll find many of the products coming in at £20 (or even £10) and under.

So, when I heard The Ordinary was coming out with a new SPF (which, FYI, replaces its original mineral SPF formula that launched in 2018 and has since been discontinued), I knew I had to try it out. Scroll ahead for my honest review of The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum (£15.80)…

The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum Review

The Formula

The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum is a chemical sunscreen that promises broad-spectrum protection without the dreaded white cast (which was a common complaint with the brand’s original mineral SPF predecessor), making it a great SPF for dark skin. However, I can confirm that this new chemical version is much sheerer and blends to an invisible finish. It makes a great first impression.

True to The Ordinary’s minimalist ethos, the serum texture is light and absorbs swiftly, leaving behind a hydrating, dewy finish. It’s designed to layer seamlessly over your existing skincare and under makeup, and I found this didn’t pill with any products I applied on top or underneath. It truly is an excellent sunscreen to wear under makeup.

However, as someone with oily skin (particularly around my T-zone), I found this too be a little too dewy and slick to the touch at times. For that reason, I’d be hesitant to recommend it as a sunscreen for oily skin unless, like me, you embrace and favour more of a dewy finish anyway. The formula includes ceramides to help restore the skin barrier and overall, I found this SPF to be very hydrating, so if you have dry skin, your complexion will love it.

After Application

After applying the SPF, I was left with a dewy, hydrated radiance. On the days when I wore makeup over the top, I found foundation applied smoothly and held up well throughout the day. However, as I mentioned, I have oily skin and noticed my skin looking a little more slick around my chin and nose, so if you’re more on the oily side, you might want to pass on this as it could feel a little too hydrating and slick on your skin. But if you have normal to dry skin, this will feel brilliant for you. In fact, I’d say it makes a stellar SPF for mature skin, too.

One of my biggest annoyances with chemical SPFs like this one is that many formulas often sting my eyes. I put this to the test during hayfever season when my eyes often water and stream (and subsequently, it sends any SPF I’m wearing into my eyes), but I’m happy to report that this didn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. If I were to really rub my eyes while wearing this, I might get some stinging, but it’s definitely not as prevalent as with other chemical SPFs I’ve tested.

The Verdict

At £15.80 for 60ml, The Ordinary’s UV Filters SPF 45 Serum is not only a great affordable SPF option, but a great SPF full stop. It delivers on its promises with its protection and feels hydrating and luminous, worn with or without makeup.

Personally, I’d reach for this on the days when I want more of a dewy finish, and I’d advise you try it out first if you have very oily or combination skin, or generally prefer a more mattifying finish with your SPF. On dry and mature skin types, however, this will undoubtedly tick a lot of boxes for you. It’s hydrating, dewy and keeps your makeup looking fresh and radiant all day long, making it a great daily SPF option.