The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 22 Reddit threads · Updated November 10, 2026
Chemical SPF 45 supports dark-mark routines without white cast; layering varies. The catch: Greasy, overly glowy finish on oily skin. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeMoisturizer-like SPF 50 for face and body · $28.00 · 162.7 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeCheap, aging-skin glow · $6.49 · 50 ml vs $19.00 for the original
Best for Sun ProtectionNiacinamide plus rice extracts in a Korean SPF 50+ PA++++ formula · $12.60 · 50 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 162.7 ml
- Price per ml: $0.17/ml (original $0.32/ml)
The why
A chemical SPF 50 lotion with avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene for face-and-body use. It leaves no white cast and works under foundation, but oily skin may hate the tackiness and some users report serious eye stinging.
One minus
Eye stinging can be severe, especially with sweat
Both recommended for Sun Protection.
“I'll also add that I use Supergoop Play sunscreen on my face when I run which is a chemical formula and I don't have any issues with it stinging my eyes even with lots of sweat.”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Chemical SPF 45 with no white cast
- Price
- $19.00 · 59.1 ml · $0.32/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 50 ml
- Price per ml: $0.13/ml (original $0.32/ml)
The why
A tinted SPF 30 chemical sunscreen with avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene gives mature skin a visibly luminous finish. The sheen can turn greasy by day’s end, and SPF 30 disappoints anyone seeking higher protection.
One minus
Turns noticeably greasy by day’s end
Both recommended for Sun Protection.
“cheap and the perfect amount of glow for my aging skin”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
#3
Best for Sun Protection
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Beauty of Joseon·Chemical Sunscreen
See alternativesNiacinamide plus rice extracts in a Korean SPF 50+ PA++++ formula
- Size: 50 ml
- Price per ml: $0.25/ml (original $0.32/ml)
The why
A Korean chemical SPF 50+ with niacinamide, rice extracts, and multiple ferments, formulated like a moisturizer rather than beach armor. Dry, normal, and makeup-wearing skin tends to love the glow; oily or breakout-prone users often find it greasy or clogging.
One minus
Greasy, persistently dewy finish; hair can stick
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Sun Protection.
“Finally if im going to be under the sun I use the beauty of jouson probiotic sunscreen- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++).”
— Reddit, r/eczema
Other alternatives worth a look
Watery, milky-toner texture; vanishes without a film · 39 recs
Oily SkinTinted
No white cast on darker skin tones · 20 recs
Sensitive SkinSilicone-Free
SPF 60 holds up for beach, water, and hiking days · 26 recs
Dry SkinDewy Finish
Silica-powered matte finish · 26 recs
Oily SkinSensitive Skin
More Chemical Sunscreens Reddit recommends for Sun Protection
Browse more
Reddit's best chemical sunscreens by concern or ingredient list
Looking for a different product?