Essilor’s new premium anti-reflection coating
Crizal Natural Look has replaced the now-discontinued Crizal Sapphire HR as Essilor’s premium anti-reflection coating. If you have previously worn Sapphire HR or were planning to order it again, Natural Look is its direct successor rather than an additional option alongside it.
The important point is that Essilor has kept the premium protection people valued in Sapphire HR, while changing the way the coating looks on the lens. The aim is to make the lens surface itself less noticeable, with less visible residual reflection colour and a more natural appearance on the face.
What has stayed the same?
Natural Look retains the practical benefits expected from a premium Crizal coating. Essilor states that it provides the same advanced level of scratch resistance as Sapphire HR, together with resistance to smudges, dust and water and back-surface UV protection.
At Actons, Natural Look also retains the two-year scratch guarantee that was an important selling point of Sapphire HR. The change from Sapphire HR to Natural Look does not alter the price at Actons.
No coating makes a lens indestructible, so good cleaning and storage still matter. We include a cleaning cloth and solution with your glasses, and the cleaning-solution bottle can be refilled free of charge at the practice.
What is different with Natural Look?
The main improvement is aesthetic. Even very good anti-reflection coatings can leave a visible coloured reflection on the lens. Natural Look uses Essilor’s Advanced Aesthetic Technology to reduce both the intensity of those reflections and the colour that remains.
Essilor’s launch material describes Natural Look as its most discreet Crizal coating, with improved eye visibility and more natural colour rendering compared with Sapphire HR. In practical terms, the coating is designed to draw less attention to itself, so people see your eyes rather than coloured reflections on the lenses.
That makes Natural Look particularly appealing if appearance matters to you, or if you have previously noticed the residual colour of an anti-reflection coating in photographs, video calls or certain lighting.
A particularly good match with Transitions
Essilor also specifically recommends Natural Look with Transitions lenses. The reason is straightforward: if the coating itself contributes less residual colour, the Transitions tint can look more true to tone as the lens moves from clear indoors to dark outdoors.
This is especially relevant with Transitions GEN S, which is available in eight colours. If you are choosing Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Amber or another colour to complement a frame, a more neutral coating helps that chosen colour remain the main visual effect.
What if I used to order Sapphire HR?
You do not need to look for a separate replacement product. Natural Look is now the premium Crizal option we would discuss where we previously recommended Sapphire HR. The durability and guarantee remain familiar, while the coating has been improved to look clearer and more natural on the lens.
You can read more about Natural Look, Transitions, Varilux, Eyezen and our other spectacle lens options on the main Lenses page.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I still order Crizal Sapphire HR? | No. Sapphire HR has been discontinued and Crizal Natural Look is its replacement. |
| Is Natural Look as scratch resistant as Sapphire HR? | Yes. Essilor states that Natural Look provides the same advanced level of scratch resistance as Sapphire HR. |
| Does Natural Look still have the two-year scratch guarantee? | Yes. At Actons, Natural Look retains the same two-year scratch guarantee. |
| Does Natural Look cost more than Sapphire HR? | No. At Actons, Natural Look replaces Sapphire HR at the same price. |
| Why does Natural Look look clearer? | It is designed to reduce both the amount of reflected light and the residual colour of those reflections, making the coating less noticeable on the lens. |
| Is Natural Look suitable with Transitions? | Yes. Essilor specifically recommends Natural Look with Transitions because its more neutral appearance helps the Transitions colour remain more true to tone as the lens activates. |
Would you like advice about Crizal Natural Look?
We can explain whether a premium coating is worthwhile for your prescription, frame and everyday use, and compare it with the other lens options available.
Product performance information is based on current Essilor product information. Guarantee terms apply.
