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Algenist Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50

What it is:An ultra-sheer, weightless fluid for everyday protection against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB damage. What it does:This fast-absorbing, ultra-lightweight fluid provides daily protection against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB damage. Alguronic Acid combines with antioxidant-rich botanicals and UVA/UVB protecting actives to delay signs of aging caused by sun and environmental stressors. This oil-free, sheer formula has a silky texture and weightless feel, designed to apply smoothly on top of other skincare products and under makeup for a soft, matte finish. What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates - Synthetic Dyes- Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan What else you need to know:Alguronic Acid is a unique and powerful regenerative compound from microalgae. This rare ingredient was discovered unexpectedly by a biotechnology laboratory in San Francisco, CA, focused on researching renewable energy solutions. Algenist is the only line of skincare products to contain the antiaging power of Alguronic Acid. Research results:In comparison testing, Alguronic Acid outperformed other well-known active antiaging ingredients, demonstrating superior antiaging benefits: -54% decrease in UV cell damage -55% increase in cellular regeneration -32% increase in elastin synthesis -26% decrease in melanin production *Average results measures following an in-vitro test with Alguronic Acid.
Average Rating:
4.241 out of 5
4.2
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
29 reviews
5 stars
17
4 stars
6
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
1
Questions & Answers:
7 Questions | 8 Answers
Sort by reviews for Algenist Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Review 1 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Elianne
Location:Roselle, NJ
Age:18-24
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Sunscreen
-05.20.13
Quick Take: non-greasy, natural
I love this ! It doesn't make me oily like the other sunscreens I used in past.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
cabaretdiva
Location:Vienna, VA
Skin Type:Combination
Age:45-54
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Algenist UV Defense
-05.05.13
Quick Take: non-greasy, blends in easily, natural
I just recently purchased and like this product very much. It is very lightweight and doesn't smell like many sun block lotions do. My foundation goes over it nicely with no cakey affect. The price is a little high though for the very small amount that you get.
-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
cnickyc
Location:Morehead City, NC
Skin Type:Oily
Age:35-44
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
-05.03.13
This product is sitting on my desk packaged up for return as I type this. Way, WAY too greasy for my oily skin. I'm so disappointed, as I love everything this product has to offer. Alas, the quest for a high spf/oliy skin compatible daily sunscreen continues... Thank goodness for Sephora and their awesome return policy!!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Littlefoot2
Location:Sacramento
Skin Type:Combination
Age:25-34
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Eventually got a bit clumpy
-04.26.13
Quick Take: non-greasy, blends in easily, natural
I loved this at first. It was lightweight, dried nicely, and didn't have a white cast when applied. However, after about a month, it began to get clumpy such that I got bits of white stuff all over my face. I ended up stop using it.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
MakeupMaven
Location:San Francisco, CA
Skin Type:Combination
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
my new HG sunscreen
-03.25.13
Quick Take: non-greasy, blends in easily, protects well
My husband and I both like/ use this product. We brought it to a recent trip to Maui (hello high UV index!), and while we know to reapply after being in the water, this was a great, non-greasy sunscreen for a humid climate. I only really burned in the areas where I did not apply the product. Also works well in San Francisco's less-humid environment. No white, chalky look, no shine, just sheer high SPF protection! The size of the bottle is also convenient for travel.
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
funsize81
Location:El Segundo, CA
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
High SPF, low-shine sunscreen!
-03.11.13
Quick Take: light, absorbs easily, mattifying, non-greasy
Living in California, I like to wear a high-SPF sunscreen everyday, but since I have VERY oily skin, it's hard to find one that works. Most high-SPF sunscreens are also moisturizers and I don't need the extra moisture (grease). This is perfect!! The texture is very light and easily-absorbable. I mix it with a couple drops of Marula Oil to wear everyday and the combo provides a nice matte finish that's the perfect canvas for me to apply the rest of my make-up. It's even more mattifying when worn alone. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a non-moisturizing sunscreen (ie. if you already have a moisturizer you like to use).
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
ShirleyN
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Great for oily skin
-03.10.13
Great for my oily skin. No breakouts, no greasy film, and no breakouts. My skin is still matte hours after being in the Houston heat.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
frankie78
Location:Riverside, CA
Skin Type:Combination
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
works great
-02.12.13
Quick Take: non-greasy, blends in easily, matte finish
I love the matte finish that this sunscreen provides. The slight smell goes away after the product is absorbed into the skin. It is pricey for the amount you get but this product should be used sparingly
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 9 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
anonymous59
Skin Type:Dry
Age:45-54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Top of the Line Sunscreen
-02.08.13
Quick Take: blends in easily
I have sensitive, dry skin and I can use this sunscreen with no problem and I like the finish it gives me as well. It is light, fluid, and blends in giving a clear finish. It is not a matte look at first, but absorbs and feels light and moist, but not too much so...just right! I have confidence that the SPF 50 is working.
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
90210kat
Location:Albany, NY
Skin Type:Oily
Age:25-34
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Not matte
-02.08.13
I don't know how this product can claim a matte finish. I have very oily skin, and this goes on feeling greasy and doesn't improve after it dries. It made my face shiny. Applying power over it helped, but doesn't that always? If you have oily skin, this may not be the sunscreen for you. I was underwhelmed.
+7points
8out of 9found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Anonymous
Location:Washington, DC
Skin Type:Normal
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
PERFECT SUNSCREEN
-01.25.13
Quick Take: non-greasy, blends in easily, natural, perfect sunscreen
I've tried so many sunscreens for my face - Shiseido, Lancome, Clinique, Josie Maran, Bare Escentuals but this Algenist one is the best because it has everything you could want in a facial sunscreen: very high spf, mostly a non-chemical sunscreen, doesn't make your face white, extremely lightweight, not greasy, keeps your skin fresh and matte all day, has anti-aging ingredients and antioxidants that have improved my skin tone, great primer for makeup (makeup bonds to skin better, lasts longer, and looks smooth), layers easily on top of other skin care products, makes my skin brighter looking, and on top of all that it's gentle and blends easily too. I just wish you got more for what you pay but it's worth it. I will continue buying this and hope it's never discontinued!
+8points
9out of 10found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
nyaxa
Location:Toronto, Ontario
Skin Type:Combination
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Everything I Could Want
-10.18.12
Quick Take: high protection, smooth, perfect
As if Algenist wasn't already the most valued brand in my collection. Now they make a PERFECT SPF product.
Dang, it's really everything: super lightweight (I'd say weightless), high protection, non-chemical sunscreen, oil-free AND anti-aging.
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Jayy
Location:San Francisco, CA
Skin Type:Combination
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
AMAZING!
-10.04.12
Quick Take: non-greasy, blends in easily
Nowadays it's recommended to use AT LEAST SPF 30 on your face every day. I normally expect SPF 50 to be very thick and pasty white but that's not the case with this amazing product. It's incredibly lightweight, absorbs quickly and is more of a fluid than a cream, which makes it rub in fast. Makeup goes over it flawlessly. Highly recommend this product for those wanting daily sun protection with added anti-aging benefits.
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
pampergirl
Location:Portland, OR
Age:45-54
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ok but not great
-08.31.12
I like this uv moisturizer, it is 50 spf and I need that for avoiding spots. I have yet to have a break out while using, so this seems to be a good product.
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Gege
Location:Snellville, GA
Age:25-34
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Great for the right skin type
-08.28.12
This was indeed light but unless you're fair skinned you may want to follow with a foundation. This also kind of made my skin feel sticky after the oil started to come through. Could be the reaction to other products.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
rin1983
Location:Rowland Heights, CA
Age:25-34
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Greasy
-08.22.12
I really wanted to like this since the review rating was so high and I needed something for my oily skin. But it was not ultra sheer nor weightless like it says in the description. It was greasy, even if I used a tiny bit. Whenever I used this under my foundation, during the day my foundation will wear off and it really emphasized the pores on my cheeks.
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Anonymous
Location:Miami, FL
Age:45-54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A sunscreen for oily skin!
-08.20.12
Quick Take: ultra comfortable
This is a very light fluid. At this time of the year (August), I wear Algenist fluid over my usual anti aging serum. It is has a very comfortable feel, and keeps my face from feeling, and looking like a frying pan. Unlike most sunscreens, this one does not make my skin break out.
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
mamasmina
Location:San Diego CA
Age:over 54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
At last!
-08.14.12
I've never been much for sunscreen because the purely chemical ones are irritating and the zinc ones sit on top of my skin and make it look chalky. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that I apply every day.
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
pure0208
Location:PITTSBURGH pa
Age:35-44
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Love love love
-07.31.12
Only product I've ever used of this brand. I had been using my kids' sunblock to cover a surgical scar on my neck all spring into summer. That was fine till my face started tanning and my neck was very light. I used my kids' sunblock a few times on my face and realized I needed an adult facial sunblock. I tried this one cause it sounded good. LOVE it! I use it every morning after moisturizer on my face and neck. I reaply to my neck in the afternoon and to my face if going outside for an extended time. Has done a wonderful job keeping sun off my face and neck. Goes on like silk and is gone. My face looks more even and healthy than I can remember. Being 40 yrs old, I'm going to start using this daily every summer, even after I no longer have to worry about my neck scar, because I can't believe how good it has been for my skin. And I have always loved the sun on my skin. Gonna start pampering my face from it now that I've seen what this sunblock can do. And let me say again what a quality clean feeling face product it is.
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
padthai
Skin Type:Combination
Age:35-44
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
awesome
-07.29.12
Quick Take: non-greasy, blends in easily, natural
No white cast! Not heavy and fast absorbing. A very mild tacky feeling can be felt if you touch your face often, but otherwise not noticeable. Wears nicely under makeup and easily washed off. Not greasy nor does it promote oil--and I have combo/acne prone skin. Pleasant, non-lingering fragrance. The very high zinc concentration (17%) is a major plus and I use this instead of the oil free Shiseido Urban Defense spf 42 when I plan to be outside for more than just incidental sun exposure. I highly recommend--if you care about photoaging, don't let the price tag scare you. A little goes a long way. I plan to use through the summer but probably will switch to a less spendy alternative for the winter months.
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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