- Always apply SPF at least 20 minutes before going outside unless otherwise stated.
- Always apply last after moisturiser, before makeup – unless otherwise stated.
- Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.
- No point going under SPF30 or over a 50 (unless specified by a doctor, obviously)
Broad Spectrum? UVA symbol (in EU)?
Yes, technically, but see notes below/No
Physical or chemical?
Chemical
Main SPF active ingredients?
Avobenzone 3%
Homosalate 6%
Octisalate 5%
Full inci:
Active: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (6%), Octisalate (5%). Other: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethicone, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Caprylyl Methicone, Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Butylene Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Silica, Bioflavonoids, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate
Cream/gel/spray/oil?
Gel
White/ash residue on darker skins?
Zero, it’s completely clear on application.
Absorbs well even at high SPF?
Yes
Potential to block pores based on the above?:
Block pores maybe not, but allergic reactions are possible.
Works under makeup?
Yes, thus far.
Does it leave you shiny?
No, not on me. It’s practically imperceptible. If you are really oily you may find you have residue.
Is it sticky?
No.
Cruelty-free?
Yes
Fragranced?
Yes
Suitable for all skin types?
Yes, great for the most sensitive, especially good for darker skins.
Water resistant/waterproof/sweat resistant?
No/No/Ish
Antioxidants/any skin benefits?
Yes. Vitamin E,P, broccoli and aloe.
Additional info?
This is a small amount for a high price tag. 30ml for $34.00 makes for a customer that either skimps on usage and doesn’t use the required amount, therefore defeating the purpose or finds that they go through it too quickly to repurchase. SPF is a fiercely competitive market and I wonder if Glossier will maintain this product long-term, given the price, efficacy and negative reviews from US customers on their website.
Equally, I am interested to see if this comes to the UK with them in October, at the moment the UVA content is low, meaning that whilst you may not visibly ‘burn’, you are not as protected behind the scenes, and the EU are far different from the FDA.
Having said all of that, it is pleasurable to use and I will use it up, albeit as a daily city SPF, not on the beach. The problem with this however, is that if there is one product where performance must cap ‘pleasurable to use’, it is SPF. I am surprised, knowing their other products and what they must have learned along the way, to find orange essential oil in this. Is it really worth adding fragrance to an SPF knowing the bounce-back you’re going to get from customers? Even if it means it smells very mildly of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, surely, all signs, customer feedback and previous experience would have pointed the NPD team to a fragrance-free physical SPF? I think the choice of chemical is purely cosmetic. It makes it more palatable for dark skinned customers, who will love the lack of white/ash cast you would normally see from a zinc or titanium dioxide. But in this situation that potentially comes at a price.
Glossier has done a brilliant job of bringing good, generally efficacious, affordable and fun products to the market.
Would I repurchase?
No. There are more affordable SPFs out there, but it is a good product.
Do you need it?
I would say ‘Yes’, if SPF leaving a white cast is your main concern and you are a Glossier obsessive. Otherwise there are better options available and at better prices.
Similar/better products?
EltaMD
Heliocare
Anthelios
Zelens
Kate Somerville
*note – I would politely advise you to not buy these products (actually any SPF) from third party retailers such as strawberry.net/TK/JMaxx and Amazon. They will be at least one season old and thus already degrading in SPF quality. EltaMD and Heliocare should be bought from dedicated clinics/salons/spas and the others always from an authorised retailer. Otherwise you run the risk of burning.
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF35 is $34.00 from glossier.com
