Dr. Idriss’ Purple Sunscreen Solved All Our SPF Woes

The skincare side of TikTok can sometimes feel like the Wild West. One minute we’re being told that sunscreen is a cancer-causing villain (spoiler alert: it’s not!); the next, we’re being told that beef tallow is the solution to all of our problems (spoiler alert: it’s not!). That’s precisely where actual experts like dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss step in, cutting through the noise and helping us separate fact from fiction.

Equal parts expert and influencer, Dr. Idriss is the reason I’ve finally started sticking to a consistant SPF routine. So it makes total sense that her brand’s newest launch is—you guessed it!—sunscreen. Ahead, more on the launch of the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Disco Block SPF 50 Whipped Sunscreen, and team Byrdie’s unfiltered thoughts.

The Product

It’s about time TikTok’s favorite dermatologist launched a sunscreen. In addition to offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, the chemical sunscreen is also formulated to address both future and current discoloration. The formula is infused with clinically proven ingredients like hexylresorcinol, squalane, and ceramides to simultaneously even out and hydrate the skin. (The name Disco Block is a nod to both the glowy finish, and the fact that it addresses discoloration.)

Sensorially, the sunscreen has a whipped, cloudlike texture that’s meant to melt into the skin. It also has a subtle lavender tint that brightens up the complexion without a white cast. The sunscreen retails for $38 and is available starting July 1.

The Reviews

Holly Rhue, editorial director

“Well, this is just a delightful face sunscreen if I’ve ever found one. The whipped, airy texture is surprisingly moisturizing (I have on zero moisturizer here, just the Dr. Idriss SPF). My skin still looks and feels dewy and soft even an hour after first application. And even though this isn’t a water-resistent sunscreen, it stayed on surprisingly well. I made sure to apply to my under-eyes and eyelids (as I always do), and the formula didn’t run into my eyes or give me that annoying stingy, watery eye feeling. If you’re on the oily side, you might enjoy this one more in the cooler months—it really is impressively moisturizing!”

Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

“With my 30th birthday looming, I’ve decided this is the year I finally get serious about sunscreen (better late than never). It’s been easier than I thought, thanks to a slew of great SFP launches over the past few months, this one included. I love the whipped formula, it feels so hydrating yet lightweight. I like to apply it over a gel cream since I’m so dry lately, but if you’re oily you could skip the moisturizer all together. It’s glowy, not greasy, and plays well under makeup. I love that it also treats dark spots—my nemesis—while preventing new ones. Another slay from Dr. Idriss!”

Jasmine Phillips, Social Media Editor

“Two words: ‘Glazed donut’ is exactly how I felt upon applying Dr. Idriss’ Major Fade Disco Block in the best way possible. As someone who has dry/combo skin, I’m always looking for products that will provide long-lasting hydration and this one does. I sometimes find that other sunscreens absorb into my skin a little too quickly but this formula slowly penetrates leaving my skin glowy and protected with no white cast in sight. Something about the tube packaging really excites me, as does the purple tint. Add in the SPF 50, and this whipped sunscreen is an automatic must-have.”

Derek Deng, Associate Content Editor

“I hate when sunscreen feels like sunscreen. Whereas most American formulas don’t pass that test, this one is a rare exception. The cloudlike texture of Disco Block is unlike any American SPF I’ve tried; as a self-proclaimed sunscreen snob, I can confidently say that this texture could compete with my beloved Korean sunscreens (although, inevitably, it does have that faint sunscreen-y smell.) With no pilling, stickiness, or greasiness whatsoever, it’s a whipped dream, and it leaves my skin softer than ever. As Dr. Idriss loves to say: ‘Just wear the damn sunscreen.'”