IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ is my first foray into the stick form of sunscreens. My thought was: Can a stick form could possibly be lightweight? And have no white cast if the stick itself is white? Does it provide enough protection? Read on to see my review of IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick and if this product proved me wrong.
IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
The Brand
IOPE is a Korean beauty brand, manufactured under the parent company amorepacific group (who has Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Innisfree, etc.). So, IOPE is not an indie brand, even though they might not be as famous as the other Amorepacific brand portfolio.
This sunscreen is the first product I tried from them, honestly also it’s the first time I heard about this brand. From what I’ve read, it looks like they are focusing on lab-based functional skin care. We’re proscience here at twindly, so this product line sounds like something we might like!
Description & Claims
A portable sun stick for the face and body with a refreshing texture that protects the skin from UV rays and fine dust.
IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
It looks straightforward, so let’s see if they can back this up!
Ingredients
IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick Sunscreen Actives
| Sunscreen Filter | Type | Spectrum | Remarks |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (7.0%) / Octinoxate / Octyl Methoxycinnamate | chemical / organic | UVB (at wavelengths: 280-320 nm) with a peak protection at 310nm | clear, oil-soluble, “cosmetically-elegant” liquid, not photostable (loses 10% of its SPF protection ability within 35 mins), needs other filters to stabilize (like Tinosorb S) |
| Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (5.0%) / Uvinul A Plus | chemical / organic | high UVA protection (320-400 nm) with peak protection at 354nm | high photostability, can be used up to 10%, available elsewhere but the US & Canada |
| Octisalate / Ethylhexyl Salicylate (4.5%) / Octyl Salicylate | chemical / organic | UVB (280-320 nm) with peak at 306 nm | not a strong filter, used with other filters to solubilize. |
| Tinosorb S / Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (4.0%) / Bemotrizinol | chemical / organic | broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB, 280-400 nm, peak at 310-345 nm) | very photostable, available elsewhere but the US |
| Titanium Dioxide | physical / inorganic | UVB & UVA II – less good at UVA I | possible white cast |
Full Ingredients List
Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-14 Olefin), Polyethylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (7.0%), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (5.0%), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (4.5%), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (4.0%), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ozokerite, Titanium Dioxide, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Fragrance
Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick Application
With stick sunscreens, it is more difficult to control how much sunscreen you have applied on your skin. Obviously, the weighing and finger-length measurement methods wouldn’t work. However, IOPE has this promising video with UV light to show how effective their UV Shield Sun Stick is.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association has an article explaining how to apply stick sunscreens. TL;DR it’s four passes back and forth, and then rub it afterwards for an even layer of coverage.
IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick Impressions
The Texture
One of the claims was refreshing texture, and I can totally see where it’s coming from. The sun stick glides easily on the skin, it felt weightless, and I couldn’t even see it except for some tiny reflecting particles if I see it on the mirror.
It’s totally easy to do four swipes with this stick, the only inconvenience is that my face felt slippery. Please also note that I said slippery, as it’s also not sticky at all, and it doesn’t look oily or shiny. It might be problematic when I’d like to apply a more oily foundation, but otherwise it will look like a primer on the skin.
There is also a mild scrub feeling from applying this sunscreen. Nothing annoying.
Effectiveness
A few weeks back, I made an experiment with this sunscreen. I had this sun stickers that supposed to tell me if I need to reapply my sunscreen. I then put two different sunscreens. On my upper arm I wear this IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick, and on my lower arm I put my beloved Garnier Ambre Solaire Eco-Design SPF50
The sun stick performs as well as the liquid, although it has a problem in the end where the sticker almost peeled off, resulting in an uneven application. It is also more tricky to make sure you have covered all the valleys of your skin.
IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick Review
First, let’s sum up the experience just like the regular sunscreens we reviewed on the blog
- Face Routine: this works with anything, really. I find it slightly mattifying the oilier face cream too.
- Piling: No piling whatsoever. However, if applied over another sunscreen, it might pill (though I suspect it’s the other sunscreen’s fault).
- Feel on skin: Slippery, not oily but more like you feel a formed film on the skin.
- Scent: very similar to its sister IOPE Sun Protector. I am not that good in describing fragrances, but I will say this is a refreshing citrus-like spa scent.
- Reapplication: This is what the stick made for. Easy to carry and reapply.
- Stings the eye / general discomfort: No
Now, since this is a different type of sunscreens than the regular liquid one, I need to add a pros and cons.
PROS
- The best for carry on luggage. It’s not liquid, so it doesn’t take up space in my 1L bag.
- Convenient to carry around and it actually motivates me to reapply my sunscreen more when I’m out and about. (I’m usually that person who can’t be bothered to reapply even though I know I should)
- The texture is so pleasant to apply, especially as my skin is on the drier side when I spent a lot of time in the sun.
- No whitecast.
- Can be used for both face and body (super ideal for minimalist travellers).
- Claims to be waterproof.
CONS
- On its own, I am not sure if I could consistently apply the amount needed.
- Price. On its own it’s on par with other sunscreen price (around 25€ for 20g), BUT I ran out of it pretty quickly, even though I mostly use it to reapply sunscreen.
Verdict: IOPE UV Shield Sun Stick XP SPF50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Review
Honestly, this is so close to the Holy Grail status for me, with the only thing is I have yet try other sun stick types, so I still want to try other things.
I like this more than the other IOPE Sunscreen I reviewed earlier on the blog: IOPE UV Shield Sun Protector XP Review. But, I will mostly use it as a support / on the go sunscreen.
Have you tried this sun stick? Do you have other experiences with sun sticks? Do tell!
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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