Sunday Riley U.F.O. Review: Is It Worth It?

Struggling with acne or clogged pores? Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil is your skin’s new best friend. This green, salicylic acid-packed oil zaps blemishes, clears blackheads, and brightens old scars, all while hydrating. At 42, my hormonal breakouts are tamed, and my skin glows. It’s pricy, but a few drops last months. Grab it at Sephora or Ulta and transform your complexion. You’ll love the smoother, clearer skin that makes you feel confident—trust me, this oil’s a game-changer for blemish-prone faces.

My Journey with Sunday Riley U.F.O. Face Oil

At 42, my combination skin was a battlefield—hormonal acne on my chin, blackheads on my nose, and lingering scars from past breakouts. I’d tried salicylic acid serums before, but they left my sensitive skin dry and irritated. Then, I spotted Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil at Sephora, its emerald-green hue screaming “try me.” I splurged on the 0.5-ounce bottle for $40, hoping its 1.5% salicylic acid and botanical oils would work magic. I applied three drops at night after cleansing, massaging it into my face and neck.

The first night, the herbal scent—think tea tree and licorice—was strong but oddly soothing, fading fast. My skin drank up the dry oil, no greasy residue. By morning, my angry red pimples were calmer, less swollen. After a week, my chin breakouts shrank, and my nose looked less congested. By week four, my complexion was smoother, with smaller pores and faded acne marks, thanks to licorice and hexylresorcinol, per a 2020 study on skin brightening. I used it every other night to avoid dryness, pairing it with Good Genes for extra glow. The bottle’s barely dented after two months—a little goes far. My skin’s clearer, and I’m hooked, though the scent might not be everyone’s vibe.

What Makes U.F.O. Face Oil Special?

U.F.O. is a medicated dry oil with 1.5% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to clear acne and blackheads, as confirmed by a 2019 dermatology study. Tea tree and black cumin seed oils fight bacteria, while licorice root and hexylresorcinol brighten post-acne marks. Milk thistle and cucumber seed oils hydrate, countering salicylic acid’s drying effects, and chamomile with neroli soothes irritation. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, and fragrance, produced via a zero-waste process. Apply two to three drops day or night after cleansing; it absorbs fast. It’s not pregnancy-safe due to salicylic acid.

I’m amazed at how it balances exfoliation and hydration. My sensitive skin stays calm, not stripped, and the green tint (from natural oils) vanishes on application. If you’ve got oily, acne-prone, or congested skin, U.F.O.’s a powerhouse, though sensitive types should start slow to avoid irritation.

Maintenance Tips for Using U.F.O. Face Oil

• Start Slowly to Avoid Irritation: If you’re new to salicylic acid, use U.F.O. three times weekly at night. I started every other night to prevent dryness. Apply two to three drops after cleansing, massaging gently. Build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it, ensuring no redness or peeling.
• Always Follow with Sunscreen: Salicylic acid increases sun sensitivity, so SPF 30 or higher is a must for daytime use. I apply a lightweight sunscreen after my moisturizer to protect my skin. Skipping SPF risks burns or spots, undoing U.F.O.’s benefits. Keep sunscreen handy year-round.
• Use Sparingly for Longevity: Two drops cover your face; three max for face and neck. I overused it initially, wasting product. Massage lightly to spread evenly, extending the 0.5-ounce bottle to three months. This saves money and prevents over-drying from excess salicylic acid.
• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Heat or light can degrade salicylic acid and oils. I keep my bottle in a drawer, away from my bathroom’s humidity. Check the expiration date—old oil loses potency. Proper storage ensures U.F.O.’s actives stay effective for clearer, smoother skin.
• Patch-Test for Sensitive Skin: Test a drop on your wrist if your skin’s reactive. I had no issues, but salicylic acid can sting. Wait 24 hours for redness or breakouts. This step avoids surprises, letting you use U.F.O. confidently for acne without triggering sensitivity.

Pros and Cons of U.F.O. Face Oil

Pros:

• Clears Acne and Blackheads Fast: U.F.O.’s salicylic acid is a blemish-buster. My chin pimples shrank in days, and blackheads on my nose reduced after two weeks. Tea tree oil keeps bacteria in check, preventing new breakouts. If you’re battling acne or clogged pores, this oil works overtime to clear things up.
• Brightens Acne Scars: Licorice root and hexylresorcinol fade old acne marks like nobody’s business. My cheek scars lightened noticeably in a month, giving me an even-toned glow. If you’ve got lingering discoloration, U.F.O.’s brightening power makes your skin look refreshed and radiant.
• Hydrates Without Greasiness: Milk thistle and cucumber seed oils keep my skin soft, not parched, despite the salicylic acid. The dry oil absorbs fast, leaving no oily film. My combo skin loves it—no shiny T-zone, just a hydrated, smooth finish that’s perfect under makeup.
• Soothes Sensitive, Blemish-Prone Skin: Chamomile and neroli calm my reactive skin, reducing redness around pimples. Unlike harsh acne treatments, U.F.O. feels gentle yet effective. If your skin’s sensitive but breakout-prone, this oil’s soothing botanicals make it a safe bet for clearer skin.
• Economical Despite Small Size: The 0.5-ounce bottle seems tiny for $40, but two drops cover my face and neck. After two months, I’ve barely used a quarter. It lasts three to four months with regular use, making the price sting less for the results you get.

Cons:

• Strong Herbal Scent: The tea tree and licorice scent hits hard. I like its botanical vibe, but my husband called it “peppery.” It fades in minutes, but if you’re scent-sensitive, it might gag you. Test it first, as the smell’s divisive, per online reviews.
• High Price Tag: At $40 for 0.5 ounces, U.F.O.’s a splurge. I hesitated before buying, and budget-conscious folks might balk. While it lasts, the upfront cost hurts, especially compared to drugstore options. I wish Sunday Riley offered a smaller trial size.
• Potential for Irritation: Salicylic acid can irritate sensitive skin. I started with every-other-night use to avoid redness, but friends with ultra-sensitive skin reported stinging. Patch-test first, as it might cause dryness or breakouts if your skin’s not ready.
• Not Pregnancy-Safe: Due to salicylic acid, U.F.O.’s off-limits during pregnancy. I’m past that stage, but if you’re expecting, you’ll need to skip it or consult a doctor. It’s a bummer for moms-to-be who want to tackle acne safely.
• May Not Clear Stubborn Blackheads: While U.F.O. reduced my blackheads, some stubborn ones on my nose lingered. If you’ve got deep congestion, you might need a stronger exfoliant or professional extractions alongside it. It helps, but don’t expect miracles on tough clogs.

Also Read: My Experience With The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Deserves 

U.F.O. Face Oil Vs. Other Acne-Targeted Oils

• U.F.O. Face Oil Vs. Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil

Herbivore’s Lapis, with blue tansy and jojoba, soothes and hydrates acne-prone skin. I tried it for a month; it calmed redness but didn’t clear blackheads or pimples like U.F.O. At $58 for 1.7 ounces, it’s pricier but gentler, lacking salicylic acid. Herbivore’s great for sensitive, non-congested skin; U.F.O.’s my pick for active breakouts.

• U.F.O. Face Oil Vs. Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil

Biossance’s oil, with tea tree and squalane, balances oily skin. I used it for three weeks; it reduced shine but didn’t shrink pimples or brighten scars like U.F.O. At $49 for 1 ounce, it’s comparable but less exfoliating. Biossance suits oily skin; U.F.O.’s salicylic acid wins for acne.

• U.F.O. Face Oil Vs. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil

The Ordinary’s oil, at $11 for 1 ounce, hydrates and brightens with rose hip. I tested it; it softened my skin but didn’t tackle acne or blackheads. U.F.O.’s salicylic acid and tea tree are more targeted. The Ordinary’s a budget gem; U.F.O.’s my choice for blemish control.

• U.F.O. Face Oil Vs. Mara Algae + Moringa Face Oil

Mara’s oil, with algae and moringa, hydrates and fights aging. I tried it; it gave a glow but didn’t clear congestion or scars like U.F.O. At $72 for 1 ounce, it’s pricier and lacks exfoliants. Mara’s ideal for dry skin; U.F.O.’s better for acne-prone types.

• U.F.O. Face Oil Vs. Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen Face Oil

Summer Fridays’ oil, with 16 oils, nourishes and calms. I used it for a month; it hydrated but didn’t reduce breakouts or brighten like U.F.O. At $55 for 1 ounce, it’s cheaper but less acne-focused. Summer Fridays suits dry skin; U.F.O.’s my go-to for clarity.

Also Read: My Thoughts On COSRX Salicylic Acid Cleanser 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil is my acne-fighting hero, clearing blemishes, blackheads, and scars with salicylic acid and soothing oils. Despite the strong scent and price, its hydrating, brightening results are unmatched. A few drops last months, making it a smart buy. Add it to your routine, use it right, and watch your skin transform. You’ll wake up to clearer, glowy skin that boosts your confidence—grab U.F.O. now and see why it’s a staple for blemish-prone folks like me.