As a 20-something guy with sensitive, acne-prone combination skin, I decided to give this a try! I snagged a 1+1 deal for 9,900 won when it first launched, which seemed like a steal. Here's my two-week review:
1. Sunscreen filters:
It uses a combo of Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus. This is a common filter mix in many Korean organic sunscreens made by Greencos, like Mediheal NMF Sun Serum and The Lab by Blanc Doux Oligo Hyaluronic Sun Essence. It's good at blocking both UVA and UVB, with excellent photostability. However, it's a bit weak against long-wave UVA (above 370nm).
2. Application:
It has a gel-to-cream texture, similar to Mediheal's Tea Tree Biome Cica Cream. Spreads easily and leaves a moisturized feel. Very similar to The Lab by Blanc Doux sun essence, but slightly more gel-like. No white cast!
3. Hydration:
Lives up to its name as a hydrating sun serum. Contains various types of hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, and tocopherol. Stays moisturizing even hours after application.
4. Whitening and anti-wrinkle claims:
It contains niacinamide for brightening and adenosine for anti-wrinkle effects, plus ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate in capsule form. Similar to what you'd find in other sunscreens with these claims.
In summary: During sales, it's a great value for a gentle, organic sunscreen packed with beneficial ingredients!
Downsides:
Update: Doubts about SPF... A recent test by the head of the Korean Dermatology Research Institute showed SPF levels below 30 for similar Greencos products like Hygee and Round Lab Birch Juice sunscreens. This raises serious concerns about its effectiveness.
The sunscreen filters... I wish there was a sunscreen that could block all UVA rays, including those above 370nm. Korean organic sunscreens typically use Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus, sometimes with additional filters.
It's unfortunate that ingredients like Tinosorb S Aqua, Tinosorb M, avobenzone + octocrylene aren't common in Korean sunscreens. These offer better protection against long-wave UVA. Tinosorb M isn't popular due to its sticky texture and white cast. Tinosorb S Aqua isn't used because it contains sodium lauryl sulfate, which is on the '20 ingredients to avoid' list.
It's a shame that effective filters are avoided due to texture issues or ingredient concerns. I wish Korean manufacturers would produce sunscreens with these more comprehensive filters.
While 'clean beauty' and environmental concerns are important, people's health should be the priority. It's disappointing to see sunscreens with poor protection being marketed as gentle and non-irritating. Witch's Pouch is now releasing a Galactomy Sun Serum - please stop misleading consumers.
For those serious about anti-aging, look for products containing Tinosorb M. Tinosorb S Aqua products are hard to find - I wish more Korean brands would use it!
Tip: It's best to choose sunscreens from well-known manufacturers like Amore Pacific, LG Household & Health Care, Cosmax, Kolmar Korea, Coson, or Cosmecca. Their expertise in formulating sun filters tends to be more reliable.
The Hwahae Testers should investigate the actual SPF levels of these sunscreens to ensure consumers are getting the protection they expect and deserve.
