ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - Perissa ST17.5

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - Perissa ST17.5

SPF 40Efficacy90/100IrritancyLow·3 UV filters
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Works for

2 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 40 · 3 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 40Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersTinted

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own~1.7–2.1%
Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin~0.1–0.15%
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant12%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Evens skin tone
1 ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Highlighted Ingredients Niacinamide Helps visibly smooth skin texture and refine uneven tone.”
Source: Dermstore

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.75–1.15%
Anti-blemish
2 ingredients credited for this claim
Weak support
What the product description says
“Plant-Based Squalane Helps hydrate and improve elasticity without clogging pores.”
Source: Dermstore

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.75–1.15%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.5%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support

This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.75–1.15%
Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · 10 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: sodium hyaluronate, caprylyl glycol.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalane, shea butter ethyl esters.

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~5.7–7%
Shea butter ethyl estersKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~4.3–5.2%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.5–0.75%
Isopropyl isostearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~1.5–1.9%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.6–0.85%
AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.5%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.75–1.15%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.95%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 8 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
PhenylpropanolHelps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulationHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Isoamyl laurateHelps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product textureMedium~2.9–3.5%est.
Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownMedium~1.7–2.1%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.3–1.6%est.
MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~1.1–1.3%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.6–0.85%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Isopropyl isostearateAn emollient that helps soften the skin3/5~1.5–1.9%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix together3/5~1.3–1.6%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide12%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide
Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Squalane~5.7–7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Shea butter ethyl esters~4.3–5.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Shea butter ethyl esters
Isoamyl laurate~2.9–3.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product texture

More about Isoamyl laurate
Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate~2.1–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate
Butyloctyl salicylate~1.7–2.1%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own

More about Butyloctyl salicylate
Propanediol~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Isopropyl isostearate~1.5–1.9%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Isopropyl isostearate
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~1.3–1.6%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
Methylpropanediol~1.1–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol
Niacinamide~0.75–1.15%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Sodium chloride~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Lecithin~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Caprylyl glycol~0.6–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Silica~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
Bisabolol~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate
Allantoin~0.3–0.5%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Phenylpropanol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Phenylpropanol
Sodium myristoyl glutamate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium myristoyl glutamate
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
Aluminum hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)

More about Aluminum hydroxide
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Iron oxides~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Ci 77891~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Titanium dioxide~0.1–0.15%
UV filterUnder-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Water, Squalane, Shea butter ethyl esters, Isoamyl laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate, Butyloctyl salicylate, Propanediol, Isopropyl isostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium chloride, Lecithin, Caprylyl glycol, Silica, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Allantoin, Phenylpropanol, Sodium myristoyl glutamate, Sodium hyaluronate, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Aluminum hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Iron oxides, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
ILIASuper Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - Perissa ST17.5YOUR PRODUCTGlytone UsaAge Defense UV Mineral Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ColorescienceSunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Bronze SPF 50 PA+++Supergoop!CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 - 215N – light with neutral undertones
Match—84%82%81%
Price$48.00—$31.99−$16.01$44.00−$4.00
Shared key ingredients—7 of 85 of 83 of 8
Key difference—DimethiconeDimethiconeCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Irritancy Low Low Low Low
SPFSPF 40SPF 50SPF 50SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

We assess that "ILIA - Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - Perissa ST17. 5" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).

It should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

It contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "ILIA" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 133.81CA$ in Canada, for 71.95A$ in Australia, for 48.00$ in the United States and for 26.01£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

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ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - Perissa ST17.5
ILIASuper Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - Perissa ST17.5

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.