Ultra Violette SPF Review: The Sunscreen That Changed My Skin Routine

Discover why Ultra Violette’s SPF formulas are redefining everyday sun protection and glowing skin.

By Medha deb
Created on

Ultra Violette has quickly become one of the most buzzed-about sunscreen brands, earning cult status for its range of facial SPFs that promise not only broad-spectrum protection but also luminous, makeup-friendly finishes and skin-caring ingredients. With its recent arrival at Sephora and hype across social and editorial platforms, Team Cosmo put Ultra Violette to the test. Here’s everything you need to know about why this SPF might just dethrone your current favorite for good.

Why Ultra Violette?

  • Non-greasy, lightweight formulas designed for daily wear.
  • Packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C, squalane, kakadu plum, and fruit extracts.
  • No white-cast — suitable for all skin tones.
  • Multitasking benefits: acts as a primer, hydrator, and even substitute for lightweight foundation on no-makeup days.
  • Glow-boosting and smoothing properties for instant radiance.

Real User Experiences: Team Cosmo’s Verdict

Team Cosmo’s editors, all with different skin types and concerns (from ultra-sensitive to oily and acne-prone), put Ultra Violette to the test:

  • Supreme Screen: Applies like a lightweight moisturizer, dries down to a hydrating glow, and boasts an acne-safe formula with SPF 50. Ideal for sensitive skin, it includes glycerin, squalane, and fruit extracts that soothe and brighten as it protects.
  • Queen Screen: Luminizing sunscreen with a serum texture, enriched with pink algae extract to firm and smooth, plus vitamins C, B5, E, and F for brightening. Tinosorb M and S, and Uvinul filters (not allowed in the US yet) provide its unique featherweight wear.
  • Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm: Hydrates lips, provides SPF protection, and leaves a luminous tint — a three-in-one multitasker ideal for travel and sun-soaked days.
  • Future Screen: Fluid-like, ultra-lightweight mineral formula (SPF 50) with dewy finish, won’t clog pores, and is a favorite for acne-prone skin.

Editors loved the seamless layering with other complexion products, making Ultra Violette a staple not just for sun safety but for achieving a bright, fresh, and hydrated look.

Breaking Down the Range: A “Wardrobe” for Your Skin

Founders Ava Matthews and Bec Jefferd created Ultra Violette to be a “wardrobe of facial sunscreen,” letting you mix and match formulas for your skin’s changing needs — much like the rest of your skincare routine. Sheets of SPF are out; now you can choose:

  • Glow-boosting serums for dewy days.
  • Mineral formulations for sensitive or breakout-prone moments.
  • Hydrating lotions that double as brilliant makeup primers.

This choice means SPF no longer feels like a chore, but an essential beauty step tailored to you.

The Science: Key Ingredients & Filters

Ingredient/FilterBenefitProduct
Kakadu PlumBrightens skin, high vitamin CQueen Screen, Supreme Screen
SqualaneHydration, barrier protectionSupreme Screen, Future Screen
GlycerinHydrating humectantSupreme Screen
Pink Algae ExtractFirms, smooths, reduces pigmentationQueen Screen
Tinosorb M/S, Uvinul A Plus/T150Advanced broad-spectrum UV filters (not US approved)Queen Screen
Zinc Oxide, Titanium DioxideMineral filters, US-approvedFuture Screen

Texture, Application & Performance

  • Lightweight feel: Ultra Violette SPFs are designed to melt into skin, feeling no heavier than your favorite serum.
  • No white-cast: All formulas are developed to avoid the chalky, tell-tale residue common to many sunscreens, suitable for all skin tones.
  • Finish options:
    • Satin or dewy for a natural glow.
    • Soft-focus for a more blurred, even skin effect.
  • Easy layering: Worn solo or under makeup, Ultra Violette doesn’t pill, streak, or interfere; ideal for multi-step routines.

Users with oily skin noted slightly more shine by day’s end, while drier skin types found the luminous finish perfectly hydrating and fresh.

Ultra Violette at a Glance: Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB)Certain filters not available in US
Skin-caring ingredients boost hydrationSome formulas can leave shine on oily skin
No white-cast, suitable for all skin tonesPackaging may be prone to leaking
Works as primer & no-makeup basePrice point higher than drugstore SPFs
Fun, vibrant packaging encourages daily useAvailability varies by region

User Insights: Who Is Ultra Violette Best For?

  • Sensitive skin types: Editors with highly reactive, quick-to-burn skin found Supreme Screen a breakthrough — no irritation and calm, even skin after sunny days.
  • Dry or combination skin: The serum formulas deliver lasting hydration and plumping, perfect for those who want glow with protection.
  • Oily and acne-prone skin: Mineral formulas like Future Screen offer SPF 50 protection and a soft-focus finish that won’t clog pores.
  • No-makeup enthusiasts: The luminous base evens skin tone and blurs imperfections for effortless radiance.
  • Makeup lovers: All Ultra Violette SPFs layer smoothly with tinted moisturizers and foundations — no pilling or streaking.
  • Sun care multitaskers: Sheen Screen lip balm means every part of your face gets protection, hydration, and a hint of glow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Ultra Violette available in the United States?

No, some of Ultra Violette’s most innovative filters like Tinosorb M, S, and Uvinul are not approved by US sunscreen regulations, so key formulas are currently unavailable in America. However, mineral options may be stocked, and the brand is widely available in the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

Does Ultra Violette cause breakouts?

Ultra Violette formulas are non-comedogenic and tested to avoid acne triggers. Future Screen, in particular, is recommended for acne-prone skin and earned praise for its lightweight, non-clogging formula.

Can Ultra Violette replace my moisturizer or primer?

Yes. Many users find Supreme Screen and Queen Screen sufficiently hydrating to double as a moisturizer, while the soft, smoothing finishes make them excellent primers under makeup.

Will Ultra Violette leave a white-cast?

No. All formulas are designed to disappear into the skin without leaving a chalky or ashy finish — even on darker skin tones.

What is the Sheen Screen lip balm?

It’s a three-in-one lip product that hydrates, delivers SPF protection, and leaves a luminous pigment, making it a favorite for sun care multitaskers.

Editors’ Top Picks: Ultra Violette Products Worth Trying

  • Queen Screen Luminizing SPF 50+: The serum that started the obsession — glow in a bottle, for dewy-finish fans.
  • Supreme Screen Hydrating SPF 50+: Blurs, hydrates, and brightens while protecting even the most sensitive skin.
  • Future Screen SPF 50: Mineral, non-comedogenic formula for oily and breakout-prone types.
  • Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm: Sun care for lips, with color and calm hydration.

Each formula combines visible results with wearable protection, earning Ultra Violette its place as a new sun care staple.

Ultra Violette’s Impact: Why the Hype?

  • Skin-first approach: Ultra Violette repositions SPF as essential skincare, not just a summer accessory.
  • Effortless integration into daily routines due to pleasant formulas and versatile finishes.
  • Beauty-forward packaging that encourages regular use—no more forgetting SPF!
  • Cosmo’s editors recommend Ultra Violette as their travel and everyday choice, cementing it among the best on the market for face sunscreens.

Comparison Table: Ultra Violette’s Best Sellers

ProductBest ForTexture/FinishSPF Level
Queen ScreenDewy, luminous skinSerum, glow-boostingSPF 50+
Supreme ScreenSensitive or dry skinMoisturizer-like, hydratingSPF 50+
Future ScreenOily/acne-prone skinMineral, soft-focusSPF 50
Sheen Screen Lip BalmLip protection, multitaskersBalm, luminous tintSPF 50+

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Ultra Violette?

If you want SPF that’s as much about beauty and skin care as it is about protection, Ultra Violette sets a new standard. The formulas cater to diverse skin needs and occasions — no more one-size-fits-all sunscreen. While US regulations mean you may need to shop this hero range abroad or opt for the mineral versions, the extra effort is worth it.

For anyone who treats SPF as a crucial but sometimes frustrating step, Ultra Violette’s wardrobe approach means you can finally enjoy sun care as much as self-care.

Frequently Asked Questions (Summary)

  • Is Ultra Violette available in the US? Not all filters are US-approved; check current inventory.
  • Will it cause breakouts? Non-comedogenic formulas designed to be safe for acne-prone skin.
  • Can it replace moisturizer/primer? Yes, hydrating and smoothing properties make most formulas multi-use.
  • Does it leave a white-cast? No, all skin tones approved.
  • What’s special about the lip balm? Hydration, pigment, and SPF for lips.
Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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