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I often get asked about sunscreen recommendation from the drugstore, and I get that not everyone wants to go through the hassle of ordering online. So today let’s talk about the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible SPF 50+ that promises lightweight and invisible broad spectrum protection with additional skin benefits.
Garnier has several different sunscreens both for body and for face as well as a variety of self tan options, but the one we are going to talk about today is one of two new releases they launched with the Skinactive Vitamin C Glow Booster Routine, the other one is called Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Glow Fluid SPF 50+, so for me as someone that isn’t really into anything “glow” testing the Invisible Fluid first was a no brainer
But can it deliver?
What the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible claims
Performing as both a moisturiser and a makeup primer, the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Invisible protects, hydrates and brightens skin. The multi-tasking formula delivers SPF 50+ defence against UVA, UVB and long UVA rays, while visibly boosting the skin’s clarity and radiance.
Facts about the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible
Prize and size
One tube contains 40 ml and is available for 12,95 € at my local drugstore or the website here. Prices do vary though and there is often a deal going on, so it might be worth looking for different options.
Texture and smell
The cream looks like you would expect a sunscreen to look, it is white, more lightweight than traditional SPFs and can be a little runny if you do the two finger method for measuring out the amount needed. Easily noticeable is the perfume scent it has, smelling fresh, but not overly citrus, which was my main concern with a product with added Vitamin C. Once applied, the scent dissipates quickly.
How to use the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible
Sunscreen goes on as last step in your morning routine before makeup, and this is one of those that people with normal to oily skin can use instead of a moisturizer rather than on top of one. (More info: Does everyone need a moisturizer?)
The cream has more body when spread on the face than the runny texture would have led me to expect and can definitely be felt on the skin more than other Korean options for example. It doesn’t stay that way though, it absorbs completely without any tackiness and leaves the skin hydrated, but not suffocated. (More info: How much sunscreen do you really need for face and neck?)
The finish is a little more glow than I would naturally have, but in a very grown up way, not overly dewy. It never pilled on me, could be taken right up to the eyes and, at least on my skin, didn’t show signs of white cast. The finish is a little glowy, but in a very natural way, so not much added glow, and it doesn’t get shinier over the day, which I really appreciate.
Ingredients of the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible
amic|solv|vc, Diisopropyl Sebacate emo|solv, Silica vc, Isopropyl Myristate emo|perf 3 3–5, Ethylhexyl Salicylate sunsc 0 0, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 
sunsc, Ethylhexyl Triazone sunsc, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane sunsc, Glycerin 
sii|h 0 0, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid sunsc, Propanediol solv|h, C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer vc, Triethanolamine buff 0 2, Drometrizole Trisiloxane sunsc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract/Lemon Fruit Extract, Carbomer vc 0 1, Sodium Hyaluronate sii|h 0 0, Sodium Lactate buff|h, Silica Silylate vc|emo, Cellulose vc, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 cci, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 cci, Tromethamine buff, Adenosine cci, Ascorbyl Glucoside aox|sb, Hydroxyacetophenone aox, Hydroxyethylcellulose vc, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid exf, Caprylyl Glycol h|emo, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate chel, Polysorbate 20 emu|surf 0 0, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer vc, Butylene Glycol h|solv 0 1, Tocopherol aox 0–3 0–3, Linalool perf, Geraniol perf, Limonene perf|solv, Citral perf, Parfum/Fragrance perfHover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
First things first, the filters. You will find Octisalate, Uvinul T 150 and Ensulizone for UVB protection, Avobenzone for UVA protection and then Tinosorb S and Mexoryl XL, a L’Oréal exclusive filter, protecting both in the UVA and UVB range. (More info: The difference between physical, mineral and chemical filters explained and What is UVA protection and how is it measured?) With the exception of the filter exclusive to La Roche Posay that is a good mixture of tried and trusted as well as more modern filters offering broad protection. A word of warning: If you are someone with sensitivities against older organic aka chemical filters, you might also react to this combination as well. (More info: The best sunscreen for sensitive and acne prone skin)
The product is called Vitamin C Daily Brightening Fluid, so of course it contains a Vitamin C derivative, Ascorbyl Glucoside, but as that makes an appearance at the middle of the ingredient list, I wouldn’t really count on it having a strong effect. (More info: The benefits of Vitamin C in skincare explained) For skin hydration you will find Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid and then two peptides from the Matrixyl Complex aiming to increase collagen in the skin. (More info: The benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in skincare explained and The benefits of peptides in skincare explained)
If your skin is sensitive to fragrance or fragrant essential oils, this might not be the product for you as it contains both Lemon Fruit Extract containing Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene and Citral as well as Fragrance. There is also alcohol in the ingredient list, I know some people prefer to not use it, but in my opinion there isn’t a good reason unless you have a known allergy. (More info: Is fragrance in your skincare dangerous? and Is alcohol in your skincare dangerous?)
More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products
Does it live up to its claims?
Some of them.
It certainly can act as a moisturizer, hydrate and protect. I am not too sure about the brightening effects, but the added peptides are a nice and unexpected touch.
How does it compare to…
Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV SPF 50
The main difference between these two sunscreen offers from Garnier is the main added active for the additional claimed benefits, as the sunscreen filters are not identical, but should in both options offer good broad spectrum protection. In the Anti-Age one here it is Niacinamide and a bunch of antioxidants, but no Vitamin C derivatives or peptides. The finish in the Anti-Age Super UV one is more dewy than the one in the Invisible Fluid and it is a little richer and more hydrating, so can lean on the heavy side for me in summer. Out of the two I personally prefer the Fluid Invisible, but that can be different for you when you have a different skin type.
You can read my full review of the Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV SPF 50 here.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+
This is one of my two favorite “office sunscreens”, meaning the ones I would use on a daily basis when I don’t plan on going to the beach. It is hydrating enough to be used instead of a moisturizer, has a good selection of filters protecting in both the UVA and UVB range and is in finish more natural with only a little bit of extra glow, similar to the Invisible Fluid mentioned here. In direct comparison I find the one from SKIN1004 to be a little more lightweight on the skin and would probably pick that as my favorite if I had to. Which I don’t, so I have both in my stash. SKIN1004 has Centella Asiatica Extract as well as Niacinamide for additional skin benefits, but no Vitamin C derivative and no peptides.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid to?
Even if I wouldn’t bet on the claimed skincare benefits of the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid, I really like it as sunscreen with good protection and easily available at your local drugstore. It doesn’t claim to be water resistant, so I wouldn’t recommend it for the beach or sweaty outdoor activities, but especially those with normal to dry skin will appreciate the hydration it gives alongside the nice finish. If your skin is really oily, it might be a little too rich, and if you are allergic to citrus fruits or fragrance it obviously isn’t suitable you for you either, but it definitely gets a recommendation from me.
Shop Garnier here
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