If you hate the feeling of sunscreen on your face, you HAVE to try this product! ILIA's tinted C Beyond Serum SPF 40 finally turned me into someone who wears sunscreen every day.
UPDATE: Sadly, this product has been discontinued. You can read all about my new favorite tinted SPF here (also by ILIA!), or browse all of my skincare reviews.
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Why You Need a Clean SPF
By now we all know the importance of wearing SPF as part of a daily skincare routine to protect our faces from sun damage, prevent premature aging, and protect against skin cancer. But it can be hard to choose what to use. Traditional sunscreens use chemicals to block UV rays, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone, which have been controversial in recent years due not only to their toxic effects on marine ecosystems, but also for potential harm to humans. These chemicals are absorbed into the body in high concentrations after application to the skin1 and could have negative effects such as hormone disruption, disruption of onset of puberty in children, skin reactions, and kidney disfunction.2,3
Generally, mineral sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are safer, as they sit on top of the skin and physically block the sun's rays. They're also better for people with sensitive skin and acne, though they can sometimes feel heavy, be hard to apply, and leave a white tint to your skin. However, my new favorite facial SPF doesn't have any of these drawbacks. In fact, it improves skin and is a joy to use! (Yes, it is possible to love using SPF!)
Meet the Product: ILIA C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40
What It Is: A first-of-its-kind tinted serum with mineral SPF 40, encapsulated Vitamin C, and Niacinamide in a waterless base that protects and brightens skin.
What It Claims: "Breakthrough encapsulation technology maintains the formula’s potency and stability, delivering supercharged actives to skin to brighten, smooth, and protect. The water-free base of weightless oils and Allantoin soothes and nourishes. Available in three translucent tones to neutralize white cast without adding coverage." - ILIA Website
ILIA C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40: My Honest Review
Ingredients: 9/10
This serum doesn't use any chemical sunscreens - the active SPF agent is zinc oxide. It also includes active skincare ingredients vitamin C, niacinamide, and allantoin to nourish and improve skin. It is non-comedogenic, vegan, and fragrance-free.
Experience: 10/10
I am OBSESSED with this serum. It glides on silky smooth to a translucent, lightly tinted finish that makes skin appear glowy, not ghostly. No chalky face or hands, no dry spots, no clogged pores (!!) just smooth, moisturized, protected skin with a hint of coverage. The sleek packaging doesn't hurt, either.
Performance: 10/10
Not only is my skin protected from sun damage after using this product, it also looks and feels noticeably better. My skin appears brighter and smoother with imperfections blurred. It is the perfect tint to throw on for a no makeup look when you just need a little something, but also wears well under makeup.
Value: 7/10
This serum is a little more expensive considering it is only 1 ounce. But considering it is the SPF I will actually use (versus all the ones that are sitting in my bathroom drawer unused!), I'll take it any day.
Overall: 9/10
Overall Impressions
Despite my best intentions, I'd all but given up on being a 'sunscreen every day' kind of girl. Using safer products with SPF always left me disappointed. But ILIA's C Beyond serum changed that for me. I will HAPPILY (joyfully!) smooth it on every single day. It is truly a miracle serum. It feels like putting on a skincare product and leaves me feeling fresh and glowy, evening and brightening my skin tone and smoothing out any minor imperfections. Many days, I use only this with no other makeup besides a quick swipe of brow gel and a dab of cream blush. Though it also goes beautifully under other makeup. If you cannot seem to find a facial sunscreen that you like, or will even tolerate, you MUST try this tinted SPF!
Tip: Make sure to let any moisturizer or other skin products absorb completely before applying this serum, or you get some pilling. I find it does better with oil moisturizers rather than creams or lotions.
Buy It: Sadly, this product has been discontinued. Here is my new favorite tinted SPF, also by ILIA!
- Reviewer Stats
- Age: 30s
- Hair Type: Oily + Color Treated
- Skin Type: Oily/Combo
- Concern: Breakouts + Preventing fine lines
