I got this Sun Essence because it was touted as an exact copy (not a dupe, but basically the same in different packaging) of the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50. It’s not – but do we have a good, affordable Korean sunscreen on our hands nevertheless? Let’s find out in my Scinic Mild Sun Essence SPF50 review.
The brand
Scinic is a Korean brand whose name is a portmanteau of “Science”, “Natural” and “Clinic”. Like a lot of other Korean brands, it stresses both its “natural” ingredients and scientific approach. It’s not very well known in the Western world, but its sunscreens are manufactured by reputable company Kolmar and were independently tested after the great sunscreen scandal of 2020.
Sunscreen description
As often with A-Beauty sunscreens, they get reformulated every year, so do take care which version you buy. I bought my tube at the beginning of 2022.
Here’s the official description from Olive Young (I usually go directly to the brand’s website, but Scinic only has a Korean site, as far as I can see), South Korea’s biggest drugstore chain.
[IDEAL FOR]
Olive Young
Those who want a strong, water-based UV protection
Those who need a sun essence that also fights skin-aging effects
[INGREDIENTS/MATERIAL]
Contains aloe vera leaf extract and anthemis nobilis flower water to soothe skin, relieving redness and irritation
[FEATURES]
Triple functionality: UV blocking + brightening + wrinkle improvement
Has SPF 50+ PA+++ for strong UVA and UVB blocking
(With) a moist, smooth texture and a mild formula
Has a lightweight feel without the stickiness
Scinic Mild Sun Essence SPF50 review: Ingredients
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-15, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl Methicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Silica, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Adenosine, Panthenol, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum
Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Everybody’s darling centella asiatica, plus niacinamide and panthenol. No essential oils, fragrance or alcohol denat. This should be nice and soothing.
Weirdly, some retailers (YesStyle, for example) list this as a physical sunscreen, while it’s not.
Filters
| Sunscreen Filter | Type | Spectrum | Remarks |
| Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate / 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 |
| Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine / Tinosorb S | chemical / organic | broad spectrum (UVA & UVB, 280-400 nm, peak at 310-345 nm) | very photostable, available elsewhere but the US |
| Polysilicone-15 / Parsol SLX | chemical / organic | UVB (290-320 nm), peak at 312 nm | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with nice and non-shiny finish. Can stabilize Avobenzone and works well with Ensulizole |
| Tinosorb M / Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol | chemical / organic | broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB, 280-400 nm, peak at 305 nm & 360 nm) | highly photostable, not available in the US, can help stabilize other filters (eg Octinoxate) |
| Ethylhexyl Triazone / Uvinul T 150 | chemical / organic | photostable UVB filter,(280-320nm) with a peak protection of 314nm | oil soluble, odorless & colorless powder, available elsewhere except the US & Canada |
| Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone / Iscotrizinol | chemical / organic | UVB and UVA II (peak protection at 310 nm) | very oil soluble, suitable for water-repellent and water-resistant formulations, VERY photostable |
This has been independently tested: the result is SPF 56.7 (+/- 7.5) PA 23.51 (+/- 2.42) (mentioned here).
Sustainability
I didn’t find any info on that, nor if the Sun Essence (and the brand) are cruelty-free or vegan.
Application
This is a watery cream, or cream gel, comparable with Canmake’s and Isntree’s textures. While it looks like a run-of-the-mill thick lotion, it turns watery upon skin contact.
It’s a bit thicker in texture than both mentioned above.
I use two generous finger-lengths, which yields easily the required amount of 1.4g. This also fills the 1/4 tsp measuring tool.
I do find, that even with a minimal skincare routine (watery toner + serum), this takes ages to sink in properly. We’re talking hours here.
Until then, it leaves a visible shiny (and slightly tacky) finish on your skin. I’ve checked reviews, and people seem to liken it to a “glass-skin”-finish. I’m not living the glowy life – I do want a matte base for my foundation application, and this ain’t it.
Strangely, sometimes the Sun Essence does sting slightly upon application, which is weird and something I haven’t ever experienced before in the many, many sunscreens I’ve reviewed this and last year. It doesn’t sting my eyes, though, and doesn’t pill.
Makeup Application
Applying foundation over this one works surprisingly well, and also yields a very nice, hydrated, and yes, glowy, finish. You’ll be unsurprised to hear that it’s not my fave finish. I can’t help myself: I do want a finish that’s not sticky to the touch.
Finish
Did I say glowy?!
In other words: it’s a very hydrating formula that forms a slightly tacky layer on your skin. It’s by far not the worst that I’ve ever encountered, but I’d say that this one is best for people with dry skin. I’d also say that I wouldn’t want to wear it on hot and humid days. This one if for the colder months for me, which is a pity, because the filters are just so damn good.
Upon reapplication, I’ve noticed a very slight white cast building up.
Comparison
So, is the Scinic Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF50 a dupe of the super hyped Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream?! No. It has a very similar inci list and even sports the same filters (check here!), but: in my opinion, Scinic is better – and more affordable. Why? Because Scinic thankfully refrains from adding essential oils to its formula like Round Labs does. So, if you’ve got sensitive skin, or do want to save some money: Scinic is for you.
Checklist
Scinic Mild Sun Essence SPF50 review: Rating
This one has a lot going on for it: great ingredients suited for more sensitive skin that’s on the drier side. Modern UV filters. Price. But then, it feels heavier than I want it to, and consequently, I really don’t reach for it when I have other options. It’s a pity I didn’t opened it when it was colder: I think I would’ve liked it better then.
Availability & Price
You shouldn’t pay more than 10$ for the 50ml tube. It’s easily available (for example) at Stylevana, YesStyle and Olive Young.
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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