Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50 is the first new European sunscreen I am trying this summer of 2024. I was drawn to it being a fluid texture without the use of denatured alcohol, all the while including new generation filters. I am already through half the bottle, so I have a good enough impression on how it performs in my skincare routine.
Information on Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50
Invisible¹ SPF50 high sun protection against UVB, UVA and HEV blue light for the sensitive skin of the face.¹
– avene.co.uk
Claims:
- water-like formula
- bare skin feel
- perfect makeup-base
- high-tolerance for sensitive skin
- fragrance-free
- water-resistant
Price: ~€15
Amount: 50ml
Packaging: Opaque orange bottle with a white click-off cap
Made in: France
Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50 Ingredients
UV FILTERS:
- Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate – Uvinul A Plus (UVA1 & UVA2)
- Ethylhexyl Triazone – Uvinul T 150 (UVB)
- Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine – TriAsorb (UVB, UVA1, UVA2, visible blue light)
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine – Tinosorb S (UVB, UVA1 & UVA2)
- Type: Organic
PROTECTION:
UVB: SPF 50
UVA: PPD ~16.5
INGREDIENTS: AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER (AVENE AQUA). C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE. DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE. DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE. WATER (AQUA). DIISOPROPYL ADIPATE. ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE. ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) STARCH (ORYZA SATIVA STARCH). PHENYLENE BIS-DIPHENYLTRIAZINE. BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE. POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE. C9-12 ALKANE. LAURYL GLUCOSIDE. POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE. GLYCERIN. TAPIOCA STARCH. TRIMETHYLPENTANEDIOL/ADIPIC ACID/GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER. BENZOIC ACID. CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE. CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. CITRIC ACID. COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE. GLYCERYL LAURATE. GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL (GLYCINE SOJA OIL). LENS ESCULENTA (LENTIL) SEED EXTRACT (LENS ESCULENTA SEED EXTRACT). PENTYLENE GLYCOL. PPG-1-PEG-9 LAURYL GLYCOL ETHER. RED 33 (CI 17200). SODIUM BENZOATE. SODIUM PHYTATE. TOCOPHEROL. TOCOPHERYL GLUCOSIDE. XANTHAN GUM
Below is a repeat of the Ingredients section from my Avène Intense Protect SPF0+ Review.
According to Pierre Fabre’s press release on their official website,
“TRIASORB™ is the first organic filter with a unique ability to absorb and reflect the harmful portion of the solar spectrum, which includes UVB, short UVA and long UVA rays, as well as high-energy visible blue light. TRIASORB™ has also been thoroughly tested under experimental conditions to demonstrate that this filter is not toxic for three key species of marine biodiversity: a coral species, a phytoplankton species and a zooplankton species (scientific publications are currently being prepared).“
Alongside the other UV filters I like seeing in my sunscreen, TriAsorb is definitely most welcome to the club! It protects skin from all major wavelengths including visible light. I also feel better when I use it while swimming in the sea! It is water-resistant, and as stated above it is tested to be non-toxic to varying species of marine biodiversity.
Like many of Avène’s products, their Intense Protect SPF50+ ingredient list starts with their famous thermal spring water. As mentioned in my Sun Cream Review…
“Do not underestimate the soothing ability of Avène thermal spring water. It is one of my top S.O.S. skincare products to have on hand in my skincare collection. Be it from irritation from a product, allergic reaction, post-procedure… Avène thermal spring water instantly soothes and relieves skin of itchiness and irritation.”
– Me
The rest of the non-actives in the INCI list are various ingredients which give this sunscreen it’s fluid texture with a slight touch of moisture.
The sunscreen is denatured alcohol-free and fragrance-free.
My Experience with Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50
TEXTURE: Fluid with a slight tint of yellow.
APPLICATION: Applied a quarter-size amount for my face and neck all in one go. I noticed that if my skin has any feeling of skincare on it, this sunscreen will pill like crazy. On drier skin, I don’t get as many problems – it applies fine, maybe with minor pilling on the sides of my cheeks.
FINISH: It makes my skin look slightly pale compared to other Avène sunscreens I’ve tried with TriAsorb. It is the least shiny out of the other ones I’ve tried, though there is still a sheen. For the summer, I like to powder it down.
FEEL: Very light and non-greasy.
STINGS EYES? No.
UNDER MAKEUP: Makeup applies well without any pilling, thankfully. It’s best to give it time to settle – around 10-20 minutes before applying a makeup base with a tool.
Final Thoughts on Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50
Pros
- Does not feel greasy
- Does not make my skin look oily
- Cosmetically Elegant without the use of denatured alcohol
- Water-resistant – good for wear throughout the day if you can’t reapply sunscreen over makeup
- Contains TriAsorb, which has been tested to be non-toxic to varying species of marine biodiversity
Cons
- Not SPF50+ – It’s not the worst con but as someone who’s been using SPF50+ for years, I am surprised I did not catch myself when purchasing this sunscreen.
- The pilling – I don’t like how fussy this sunscreen is based on the layers of skincare I decide to use in my morning routine. The sunscreen I reach for should just work without thinking about this.
- Sometimes it stings my face. Although it’s claimed to be for sensitive skin, it’s another sunscreen I can’t 100% rely on when my skin barrier is slightly impaired. Sometimes I don’t even know it’s impaired until I put sunscreen on!
- The look of a paler face after application + no addition of moisture, I found I looked sickly at times.
WHERE TO BUY:
Cocooncenter: https://www.cocooncenter.co.uk/avene-sunscreen-ultra-fluid-invisible-spf50-50-ml/99673.html
Overall, Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50 is a let-down. The more I used it, the more I began to dislike it. It’s not as easy to use as it seems and I have decided to use it on my chest and shoulders when exposed.
As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!
xo, M