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Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen + SPF 35 gets an A+ for aesthetics but slides down the grading scale because it includes skin-sensitizing orange peel oil.
The ironic thing about orange peel oil in a sunscreen is that this citrus oil can cause what's known as a phototoxic reaction when skin is exposed to UV rays. The sunscreen actives in this formula help offset that to a certain degree, but it's still an iffy choice for skin (see More Info).
That's disappointing considering there's otherwise a lot to love about this broad-spectrum sunscreen. The self-described water-gel formula sinks imperceptibly into skin (zero white cast) and feels lightly hydrating, making it a viable option for any skin type. It also contains a decent blend of beneficial antioxidants to boost your skin's environmental defenses (they're not in high concentration, but the mix is good).
In case you're wondering: There has been quite a bit of concern from consumers on the internet over the stability of this combination of synthetic sunscreen actives. The complaints stem from the formula not containing octocrylene, a sunscreen active that is often used for stabilizing avobenzone. Rest assured that Glossier is using bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate—a lesser known but effective ingredient to stabilize avobenzone.
- Water-gel formula sinks imperceptibly into skin (true to the "invisible" name).
- Lightly hydrating option for all skin types.
- Provides broad-spectrum sun protection, along with a beneficial mix of antioxidants.
- The included orange peel oil poses a potential phototoxic/skin-sensitizing risk.
This product contains a specific citrus oil (orange peel oil) that contains a class of substances responsible for what's known as a phototoxic reaction when skin is exposed to the sun. The potential result of UV exposure while wearing a product that contains orange peel oil—even when wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen because none are 100% effective—is that skin may become discolored.
In addition to the discoloration, there is the irritation potential from orange peel oil's fragrance compounds, which can impair the production of healthy collagen and reduce the skin's ability to heal. Fragrance free is the best way to go for all skin types.
References for this information:
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2013, pages 10,677-10,684
Food and Chemical Toxicology, February 2008, pages 446–475
Acta Dermato Venereological, 2007, pages 312-316
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 789–798
Glossier At-A-Glance
Glossier is the brainchild of Emily Weiss, whose successful beauty blog IntoTheGloss.com inspired the spinoff skincare/makeup line launched in 2014. Weiss describes the concept behind Glossier as a lifestyle beauty brand with a highly edited selection of streamlined skincare and makeup products.
We consider Glossiers makeup the strong suit of the brand. Their tagline of uncomplicated makeup staples that live with younot on you rings true with their simple yet impressive lineup of color products. Each is intentionally designed as a low maintenance option to enhance your appearance but not overpower it, allowing your natural beauty to shine through. By and large, the makeup products perform well, and while the shade options arent vast, were impressed by the flattering, attractive colors that theyve curated.
Glossiers skincare fares a little lower on the rating scale. While the majority of formulas are decent, they tend to be lackluster in terms of a well-researched cocktail of beneficial ingredients. Not bad, but not great either. Aesthetically-speaking, the skincare products stick to their reoccurring promise of dewy, glowy looking skin.
Were happy to report the majority of Glossiers skincare and makeup products are fragrance free, which is a rarity in the cosmetics industry and better overall for the health of your skin. (There a few products featuring rosewatersee individual reviews for our thoughts on that.)
To sum it up: Skincare-wise theres room for improvement, but if you like the minimalist approach and cool girl vibe, Glossier makeup delivers. Were intrigued to see what they come up with next!
For more information on Glossier, visit glossier.com.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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