Garnier UV Daily BHA + Niacinamide vs. Vitamin C Sunblocks: Complete Analysis

Hello everyone!

I have recently been testing out two new sunblocks from Garnier. These include the BHA + Niacinamide Anti-Blemish Fluid [Invisible + Matte] and the Vitamin C Brightening Fluid [Invisible]. Both of these sunblocks are SPF50+ and are lightweight fluids designed for different purposes, catering to slightly different skin types. In this video and review, we will be showcasing, reviewing, comparing, and offering alternatives for these sunblocks.

And if you would like to see my previous sunblock video reviewing some excellent liquid SPFs, then check it out HERE.

First off: both of these sunblocks are great because they provide a high sun protection of SPF50+ [UVA +UVB].

Why go for SPF50?: If applied correctly; SPF50 sunscreens block out 98% of UV rays, whereas SPF30 blocks out 97%. This may be a small difference, but most people do not apply enough sunblock throughout the day, so every little helps (especially when it comes to sun protection).

Of Note: These sunblocks are both Vegan and Cruelty-Free.

Watch the Video Review Here:

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Favourite Fluid SPF50 Sunblocks – Swatches + Review + Dupes:

The Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV – Brightening Fluid SPF50+ (Invisible)

This is a Chemical / Organic Sunblock that protects from UVA, Long-UVA and UVB rays.

Available at: Boots: LINK / Superdrug: LINK / Look Fantastic: LINK

Price: £12.99 ($16.42) for 40ml

EU-Allergen free?: No

Fungal-acne suitable?: No

Vegan + Cruelty-Free?: Yes

Fragrance + EO Free?: No

Contains Alcohol?: Yes

What it is + What it does: This is a high sun protection, Daily UV Fluid [SPF50+]. And, other than UV protection, this sunblock works to help prevent the formation of dark spots and fine lines.

Filters: Octisalate (UVB) / Tinosorb S (UVA + UVB  – one of the best sunscreen filters today) / Octyltriazone (UVB) / Avobenzone (UVA) / Ensulizole (UVB).

Key ingredients: Ascorbyl Glucoside: A Vitamin C Derivative (Not as effective pure vitamin C i.e. L-Ascorbic acid) that works to protect the skin (antioxidant properties) and brighten it, reducing dark spots.  

• This also contains Capryloyl Salicylic acid [or LHA]. It is a derivative of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates the pores and helps reduce the look of blackheads [therefore, the pores are less likely to become clogged and form new spots].

Interestingly, this also contains Matrixyl 3000; which is a famous peptide complex that is well-ageing. It helps stimulate collagen production in the skin, thereby helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles [and reduce skin roughness].

Furthermore, this also contains Adenosine which is anti-inflammatory [+ barrier repair + wound-healing] and Hyaluronic acid which is hydrating.

So overall, this sunblock aims to brighten the skin, improve its complexion and hydrate it. [Smooth the skin + improve skin radiance].

Packaging: Lightweight tube and is easy to apply product. (This is also recyclable).

Texture: This is a lovely, lightweight cream, almost-fluid sunblock. It sinks right into the skin and doesn’t linger. It does not feel sticky, tacky or greasy. Yes, it contains alcohol, but it helps make this product lightweight, non-greasy and dry quickly (i.e. fast absorption).

That being said; the company states that the two finger rule works for the whole face and neck. I would disagree, as when applying this sunblock, it absorbs quite quickly into the skin and I don’t have enough time to really spread it along the whole face, so it requires a bit more product to-do-so. [So you might get through this quite quickly].

The company states that this has an invisible finish with no white cast, and I would agree. There is no white cast on my warm golden-tone skin, so it should be suitable for darker skin tones.

Good under makeup?: Yes, as this doesn’t ball up.

Does this turn milky when sweating?: No.

Fragrance?: This has a signature Garnier Sunblock scent and does contain fragrant ingredients [Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Parfum/​Fragrance – which could potentially be irritating to sensitised skins].

• I’m not the biggest fan of the scent myself, but it does dissipate after rubbing in.

Overall, this sunblock works to prevent dark spot formation, improve skin radiance and elasticity [and provide UV protection]. It suits my oily-combination skin just fine, even in the summer, and isn’t really dewy, so I didn’t feel uncomfortable wearing this, even when working out.

If you are sensitive to alcohol, fragrance and essential oils, or if you have very dry skin, this may not suit you. [Suitable for: Oily-Combination, Combination + Normal Skin Types].

Alternatives / Dupes: the L’Oreal Revitalift Clinical SPF50+ Vitamin C Daily Invisible Fluid also contains a vitamin C derivative and is mattifying and lightweight (Swatches + Review HERE).

• In terms of the texture, the Haruharu wonder K-beauty black rice sunblock is very similar (Swatches + Review HERE).

• Furthermore, the Numbuzin Number 1 Clear Filter sunblock is an excellent dupe (See Review Video HERE)

The BHA + Niacinamide – Daily UV Fluid​ SPF50+

Available at: Look Fantastic: LINK / Boots: LINK / Superdrug: LINK / Asos: LINK

Price: £12.99 ($16.42) for 40ml

Fragrance + EO Free?: Yes

Contains Alcohol?: (Denatured) Yes

Vegan + Cruelty-Free? :Yes

What is it + What does it do?: This is a chemical/organic, fluid SPF with a high sun protection rating [SPF50+ UVA, Long UVA + UVB Protection).

Sunscreen Filters: Octisalate (UVB) / Octyltriazone (UVB) / Tinosorb S (UVB + UVA – one of the best sunscreen filters known today) / Avobenzone (Gold standard UVA protector) / Mexoryl XL (UVA + UVB – L’Oreal exclusive sunscreen filter) / Mexoryl SX (UVA – Loreal exclusive sunscreen filter).

Aims to: Reduce imperfections and mattify the skin.

• It does this using BHA, aka Salicylic acid, which decongests the pores and is an exfoliant, it helps reduce blemishes, is anti-inflammatory and sebum-reducing.
• Zinc PCA and Niacinamide are also included which helps regulate and reduce excess sebum production as well, reducing the size of pores and helping to mattify the skin.

Furthermore, this sunblock is fragrance and essential oil free [it just smells of a typical sunblock], so it’s aimed at oilier and more blemish-prone skins.

• This also contains Aloe Leaf Juice which, alongside Salicylic acid, is soothing.

In terms of the packaging: this is more of a fluid SPF compared to the previous sunblock, so if you don’t have a cap on and put this down for a moment, it will leak because it’s so watery. [It may have been better to use pump packaging for this to avoid spillage]. It’s also difficult to measure the 2-finger rule as this is very liquid-y, so use a measuring spoon if you are unsure.

In terms of the texture: This is a more fluid SPF which means it is very lightweight. It’s so breathable on the skin. It spreads even easier than the previous sunblock and leaves a really seamless finish, you hardly notice that it’s there. This isn’t as creamy or as emollient as the Invisible Sunblock, but it didn’t feel drying on my oily-combination skin.

Does this sit well under makeup?: Yes

Is this greasy or sticky?: No

Does this ball up?: Also no

Does this turn milky when sweating?: No

Does this sting the eyes?: No

White cast?: No,

Texture: Like the Invisible sunblock [yellow] this also contains denatured alcohol, which keeps this sunblock very lightweight, not greasy, not dewy and fast-absorbing.

As this doesn’t have a dewy finish, this sunblock is suitable for oilier skins, oily-combination skins and those living in hot and humid weather. [I wouldn’t recommend if you are sensitive to alcohol].

Dupe / Alternative: All the fluid sunblocks featured in my previous SPF video are recommended as excellent alternatives, as they are also just as lightweight [suitable for oily-combination skins].   

• The Vichy Sun Fluid is also a liquid sunblock and is lightweight but instead; is in a pump bottle, so it’s slightly easier to apply. Swatches + Review HERE

Overall:

(Please see the video to see texture swatches side by side). The BHA + Niacinamide sunblock is more liquid-y, running down the skin, whereas the Vitamin C sunblock is creamier.

• Neither sunblock provides a white cast.

Interestingly, the BHA + Niacinamide sunblock is supposed to be matte which I would agree, but the Vitamin C sunblock isn’t that much dewier [it’s dewier than the BHA + Niacinamide sunblock, but it doesn’t look very dewy or greasy still].

The BHA + Niacinamide sunblock is more suited towards very oily + Acne Prone, Sensitive Skin [Unless you are sensitive to alcohol]. It has a matte finish and works to tackle excess sebum, blackheads and blemishes, whereas the Vitamin C Sunblock works to tackle skin dullness, elasticity and pigmentation, and is more suited towards Oily-Combination, Normal and Combination Skins. [contains Fragrance + Essential Oils + Alcohol].

• My sister, who has more sensitive eyes than me, said that the Vitamin C Sunblock tended to sting her eyes a bit by the end of the day.

Personally: I like the key ingredients of both sunblocks, they both have their benefits, I like their texture and wearability too [And no white cast]. The Vitamin C sunblock is scented and slightly thicker than the BHA + Niacinamide, so I would overall choose the BHA + Niacinamide sunblock [Oily-Combination skin].

Note: There is actually a third addition to this line you can try out; it’s the Vitamin C Daily UV Sheer Glow. However this sunblock contains mineral ingredients and is tinted to provide some coverage which I fear, would make my warm golden skin tone look a bit grey or ashy [the base looks pink, but I have a golden base] – see picture below.

My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.

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