Typology built a whole brand on ‘radical transparency’ — so why does their tinted serum contain ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate? That’s a UV filter linked to hormone disruption, btw.
The irony? They market this as “clean,” but this ingredient is banned in some countries for kids’ sunscreen. Nobody talks about it.
It’s a lightweight tinted serum, $34 for 30ml. The claim: “non-comedogenic, clean coverage.” I bought it because I wanted a no-makeup makeup look that wouldn’t break me out.
SPF 20
Technically there, but ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is the filter — yikes.
6 shades
Only 6. And “fair” pulls orange on my neutral skin.
Glass dropper
Looks pretty. Gets messy by week two.
Photo: Valerie Elash / Unsplash
Hero ingredients are squalane and zinc oxide — sounds great. But check the full list: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is right there, hiding behind the “clean” label. It’s a known endocrine disruptor.
- Squalane: Lightweight moisture, nice slip
- Zinc oxide: Mineral SPF, but low concentration
- Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: Chemical UV filter, hormone concerns
- Titanium Dioxide: Another mineral, fine alone
First pump: feels like water, absorbs in 10 seconds. No stickiness. But the orange tint settles into my fine lines within an hour — not cute.
Week 3: my pores looked smaller, but I got a tiny breakout on my chin. Could be the filter. Could be coincidence. I’m not risking it again.
My skin felt hydrated, but the coverage is sheer enough that you’ll still need concealer. No dramatic glow-up — just a slightly evened-out tone and a lingering worry about what’s in it.
Typology’s tinted serum feels nice, but their “clean” claim doesn’t hold up. I’d skip it and find a truly transparent brand.