For skincare enthusiasts who meticulously apply seven products before bed but conveniently “forget” sunscreen most mornings, The Ordinary’s latest launch might finally end the daily SPF dilemma. That extra step with no immediate gratification has long been easy to skip, despite dermatologists’ persistent warnings about premature ageing and increased cancer risk. Now, as The Ordinary SPF Serum returns after a complete reformulation, even the most stubborn SPF avoiders might find themselves converted.
Why The Ordinary SPF Serum Returns Matter to Skincare Minimalists
After discontinuing their original Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants following feedback about its thick texture and noticeable white cast, The Ordinary didn’t rush a replacement. Instead, they returned to the lab with a deliberate mission: create sun protection people would actively want to use. The result—UV Filters SPF 45 Serum—represents a fundamental shift in approach, swapping mineral filters for FDA-approved chemical ones to deliver a lightweight, comfortable experience.
This matters because the statistics surrounding sunscreen usage are sobering. Despite growing awareness of sun damage, studies show only 18% of Americans who use sunscreen apply it daily, while a staggering 45% report rarely using it at all. The most sophisticated anti-ageing serums become essentially pointless without addressing the primary cause of premature ageing: sun exposure.
Understanding the SPF Number Game
Contrary to what many consumers believe, brands don’t simply decide what SPF number to put on their products. During testing, The Ordinary’s formula naturally achieved SPF 45—a level absorbing just 0.2% less UVB radiation than SPF 50, while offering proper broad-spectrum protection.
For those unfamiliar with UV terminology, here’s a quick breakdown: UVA rays (think: A for Ageing) make up over 90% of UV radiation and cause primarily indirect damage through oxidative stress. These rays penetrate clouds and glass, affecting skin even when working indoors by a window. Meanwhile, UVB rays (B for Burning) constitute only 5% of UV radiation but are 1000 times more harmful, directly damaging DNA and increasing skin cancer risk.
What makes true broad-spectrum protection crucial is that both ray types contribute to skin damage and cancer risk—they just operate through different mechanisms.
From Obligation to Desire: Rethinking Daily Sun Protection
The breakthrough with The Ordinary’s reformulation isn’t just better protection—it’s creating an SPF that doubles as a beneficial skincare step. The serum texture provides instant and all-day hydration while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Being non-comedogenic, it won’t trigger breakouts, and its subtle glow works equally well on bare skin or beneath makeup.
For Singaporeans battling year-round equatorial UV exposure and humidity, texture becomes particularly crucial. Heavy formulations quickly become uncomfortable in our climate, which explains why many abandon daily SPF despite knowing better. A lightweight serum that doesn’t feel like an additional layer could be the game-changer local skincare routines need.
Beyond Protection: The Experience Factor
While protection remains paramount, The Ordinary has clearly recognised that experience determines compliance. The sensorial aspects of skincare—how products feel, look, and integrate into existing routines—often determine whether they become staples or collect dust.
For sensitive skin types (which represent about 28% of UK sunscreen consumers), finding formulations that don’t irritate can be particularly challenging. The Ordinary’s claim that their new SPF serum works for all skin types, including sensitive skin, addresses a significant barrier to consistent use.
Democratizing Effective Protection
Perhaps what’s most refreshing about this launch is The Ordinary’s characteristic transparency about their development process. Rather than marketing hyperbole, they’ve openly acknowledged their previous formula’s shortcomings and detailed the scientific reasoning behind their reformulation choices.
In an industry where marketing often overshadows substance, this approach stands out, particularly for younger consumers who value authenticity and evidence-based claims over empty promises.
As UV damage accumulates daily, not just during beach vacations, having affordable, pleasant-to-use protection becomes a public health issue as much as a beauty concern. By creating an SPF that feels like a treat rather than a chore, The Ordinary may have finally solved the compliance problem that dermatologists have struggled with for decades.
For those who’ve been waiting for sun protection that doesn’t feel like punishment, The Ordinary’s new offering suggests the wait might finally be over. The real question isn’t whether to use SPF daily—it’s whether this formula will finally transform sun protection from the skincare step we skip to the one we look forward to.