Is it possible for a facial sunscreen to provide SPF 40 and flawless, natural looking coverage, all in a clean formula that actually improves skin? I thought this skin tint would be too good to be true - but it's NOT! Here is my full, honest review of ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint.
Let me start with this fact: I hate wearing sunscreen. I know it prevents skin cancer and signs of aging, but I hate having anything even remotely close to the feeling of SPF on my face. Add to that the tendency for most formulas to make my face break out, and it is near impossible for me to want to wear sunscreen on my face. But that changed when I met Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. Now I have no problem slathering my face with SPF for the day!
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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!)
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is an award-winning skin tint that delivers light coverage, potent skincare, and mineral SPF—all with a dewy finish for skin that looks and feels alive.
Meet the Product: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
What It Is: A clean, award-winning skin tint that delivers light-medium coverage, potent skincare, and mineral SPF—all with a dewy finish for skin that looks and feels flawless.
What It Claims: "Powered by potent levels of skincare ingredients, it’s clinically proven to improve the look of dryness, blemishes, redness, wrinkles, and uneven tone over time. Plus, it’s vegan, non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive skin, and formulated without fragrance, gluten, or silicone." - Ilia website
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint: My Honest Review
Ingredients: 10/10
This SPF contains no chemical sunscreens, just zinc oxide. It's free of all the stuff you don't want - fragrance, toxic preservatives, silicones, gluten - and full of skin-nourishing niacinamide, squalene, and hyaluronic acid.
Experience: 8/10
The sleek packaging feels luxurious, and the dropper makes it easy to dispense just the right amount without wasting any product. The formula smooths on easily and gives a slight white cast so that you can see where it's been applied - that then disappears into a flawless dewy finish. It doesn't feel heavy or sticky at all - one of the biggest issues I have with most products, and doesn't clog my pores. The one issue is the smell - because there is no fragrance in the formula, the smell is a little earthy and off-smelling, but it quickly disappears as well.
Performance: 10/10
I'm obsessed with this Super Serum Skin Tint! Not only does it protect skin with a whopping SPF 40, but it provides just the right amount of coverage to smooth and cover imperfections without completely covering up skin. I get a beautifully even finish with a dewy, radiant finish that lasts all day - no other face makeup required! With over 30 shades, you're sure to find one that matches your skin.
Value: 9/10
The price is about in line with similar clean formulas, and one bottle lasts a good while, even if you use it daily.
Overall: 9.25/10
Overall Impressions
Though I was so sad when Ilia discontinued my previous favorite facial SPF, I think I love this one even more! It makes my skin tone look even and radiant, even when I have dark spots or breakouts. It's the perfect balance of coverage and letting skin look natural. It feels lightweight, not heavy or sticky, and doesn't make my face break out - a rarity even among clean formulas. It doesn't settle into fine lines, looks flawless all day, and truly makes my skin feel healthier - on top of protecting my skin from sun damage, of course. I never thought I would say I love a face sunscreen, but I truly do LOVE this one! If you've yet to find a facial SPF that you like, I highly recommend you try it.
Buy It: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
(I use the shade Balos ST3 for my fair skin most of the year.)
- Reviewer Stats
- Age: 30s
- Hair Type: Oily + Color Treated
- Skin Type: Oily/Combo
- Concern: Breakouts + Preventing fine lines
