So the texture is what first attracted me, and it’s a signal that the pH is where it’s supposed to be. And I’m not the only one who noticed that. “I’ve been using mineral sunscreens for years and have never experienced anything like this,” says Shana Shipin, Senior Commerce Director. “This is a very lightweight and elegant formula that acts like a chemical sunscreen. I can’t believe it contains mineral blockers.”
The Sun Serum is fluid and serum-like, but not as runny as skin tint Ilia fans are familiar with. It stretches and blends smoothly without resistance. I didn’t think it was a sunscreen because it covered my eyes.
In terms of skin care, Ilia focuses on lightweight yet deep hydration. Hyaluronic acid (molecular weight 7 to be exact) does most of the heavy lifting here. Bachmann says hyaluronic acid is “primarily for hydration, but secondarily improves skin smoothness, membrane support, and texture,” which can help counteract the dryness that mineral sunscreens can leave behind. The formula’s sugars add a layer by boosting hydration and supporting the skin’s barrier, while cornflower (echinacea) and arctic root extracts help balance oil. So you don’t have to trade dryness for daytime shine.
Importantly, none of these seem to compromise the stability of the formula. That’s because adding moisturizers and botanical extracts can interfere with zinc oxide if you’re not careful. “This is especially true if you change the pH or introduce electrolytes that destabilize the dispersion,” Bachmann says. “A properly formulated system is structured to keep the zinc oxide uniformly distributed and stable.”
This seems to be one of the formulas for actually getting a mix right, at least from where I sit. It felt surprisingly moisturizing to my dry, sensitive skin. It blended smoothly without getting stuck in the flaky areas around my cheeks and nose, making everything look plumper rather than dry. In this unpredictable and changeable weather we’re experiencing on the East Coast right now, it feels like a small miracle.
Source: Allure – www.allure.com
