There have been some amazing sunscreen and sunstick releases in 2023, especially within the Korean skincare space, which basically meant a wider range of sunscreens with NO white cast!
I have received and used a number of them this year (both sunscreens and sunsticks), many of which are 2023 releases while others have been on my radar for a while. Although they are mainly Korean brands (because they take “no white cast” more seriously👀), I also tried other brands like Good Molecules and Lacura, so the range is pretty “inclusive”.
I know it can be hard to choose a sunscreen when there are lots of options but I’m here to guide you through it!
In this post, I’ll be sharing brief reviews of 23 sunscreens I’ve tried (so far) in 2023 and which ones are worth your money or complete fails. I’ll also add links to video reviews for each of them so you can see for yourself, their prices (as at the time of writing this post), and where to shop.
The list is in no particular order, but I will add stars next to my favorites – ⭐️ for current faves, ✨ for rising stars. Let’s go!
Related Post: 20 Affordable Sunscreens With No White Cast & Where to Buy Them
DISCOUNTS & REFERRALS
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Please use the links below for each product if you’d like to shop any of them. Some of them are affiliates so I get a tiny commission for completed purchases at no cost to you!
This contributes to the maintenance of the blog, so I absolutely would appreciate you using the links!🖤
A) SUNSCREENS
Before the reviews, here’s a full shopping catalogue for all of the sunscreens and sunsticks! You can click each of them to shop🎉
1) SKIN&LAB Hybarrier Fresh Sun Lotion ⭐️
About: Chemical sunscreen with 5 UV filters and 8 types of hyaluronic acids. SPF50+, PA++++
This is definitely one of the best sunscreens I used this year, I absolutely loved how smoothly it blends into the skin, felt very lightweight and of course, NO white cast.
Watch my full review/application.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $13 – $25
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
2) SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
About: This sunscreen is a popular one among K-beauty enthusiasts. It has 4 chemical UV filters, SPF50+, PA++++, and star ingredients like hyaluronic acid, CICA, and lots of leaf/fruit extracts.
It feels lightweight (“serum-like”) and blends in nicely, leaving a soft dewy finish and no white cast.
Watch my full review/application.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $9 – $10
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
3) PURITO Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen ⭐️
About: Chemical sunscreen with 4 UV filters, five types of ceramides, CICA vitamin E, and other ingredients, all of which help to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
It’s another fave I discovered this year, mainly because it gives this matte, velvety skin finish that I really like! Although I admit it takes some effort to fully blend in (you can also use the method of “letting your sunscreen sit”), it’s still one of my favorites because I just love the finish, perfect for oily skin types.
Watch my detailed review/application.
Bonus points: It has a mini version so you can try it to decide if you’d like it. There’s also another version with a more dewy finish (and it has a mini version too).
Size: 15ml, 60ml
Prices: $6 – $18
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
– Mini version (15ml)
**Sunscreen Comparison (SKIN1004 vs. PURITO)
Someone on TikTok requested a comparison of these two and I noticed that if you skip the moisturiser step, SKIN1004 gives a less dewy finish.
Watch the video comparison here.
I still preferred the matte finish from Purito but you can reach for SKIN1004 on days where you want a somewhat matte but still dewy finish, if that makes sense😅.
4) JUMISO Awe-Sun Airy-Fit Sunscreen
About: Lightweight chemical sunscreen with bamboo extract for skin hydration. SPF50+, PA++++. It has a lightweight feel, blends in easily with a slightly dewy finish. No distinct smell, No white cast.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $12 – $18
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
5) JUMISO Awe-Sun Airy-Fit Moisturiser with Sunscreen
About: A 2-in-1 sunscreen with 4 UV filters and doubles as a moisturiser. Very hydrating, great for winter, No white cast. SPF50+, PA++++.
Watch my full review/application.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $10 – $18
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
6) ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
About: Also labeled a community favourite, it is a chemical sunscreen with 8 types of hyaluronic acid, CICA, ceramides and other ingredients for moisturising the skin. Very hydrating, leaves a dewy finish, no white cast, SPF50+, PA++++.
I personally find it a bit too dewy, but my sister loves it and so does the skincare community.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $20 – $22
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
**Sunscreen Comparison (ISNTREE vs. SKIN1004)
Both sunscreens have similar textures, ingredients, and UV filters. The two brands even collaborated on April Fool’s day!
You can watch the comparison video here.
Differences:
– Costs: SKIN1004 is more affordable.
– Finish: SKIN1004 seemed to settle with less glow compared to ISNTREE, which might make it a bit better for oily skin types✅.
– Product design: SKIN1004 has a pump-like applicator while ISNTREE is the usual tube type.
7) AXIS-Y Biome Double Defense Sunscreen ✨
About: This is another no-white cast sunscreen that was released earlier in the year. It has 3 UV filters and a special biome blend from the brand. It also has ingredients like peptides from cranberry extract, kombucha, galactomyces ferment, etc – summarily, a lot of the good stuff. Lightweight texture, blends in easily with a smooth finish.
It would have also made my favourite list if not for its overwhelming smell! I have gotten used to it now and it’s a semi-favourite, but it made me want to puke on my first try and I almost decided to throw it out.
Watch my review/application.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $18 – $24
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
8) DR. CEURACLE Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun ⭐️
About: A chemical sunscreen with 4 UV filters and 10 types of hyaluronic acid, also has niacinamide.
This is hands-down the most watery sunscreen I’ve ever come across and used. SPF50+, PA++++, lightweight gel-type texture, no white cast because it literally disappears into the skin! I also lovee the dropper-like applicator, it was perfect for the watery formula.
Read my full review on this texture video.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $15 – $20
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
9) DR. CEURACLE Cica Regen Vegan Sun
About: Also a chemical sunscreen with 4 UV filters and a combination of ingredients that make up CICA barrier complex, including CICA. SPF50+, PA++++, lightweight formula, blends in easily and leaves no white cast.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $15 – $20
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
**Sunscreen Comparison (DR. CEURACLE vs. DR. CEURACLE)
Dr. Ceuracle has many sunscreen versions, with different textures and suitable skin types. For Cica Regen Vegan Sun versus Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun, both of them blended easily with no white cast so the main difference was the texture. Cica Regen was more of the typical sunscreen creamy texture while Hyal Reyouth has a watery formula.
You can watch the comparison video here.
10) B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Real Sunscreen ✨
About: A chemical sunscreen with 5 UV filters, and interesting ingredients like ice plant, green tea and different mint leaf extracts for hydrating and soothing the skin. SPF50+, PA++++, lightweight lotion-like texture, no particularly distinct smell, blends in easily and leaves no white cast.
I bought it a while ago but only recently opened it, and it’s already on its way to being a favourite! I need to use it more but for now, the finish feels somewhat dewy but still matte. It also has the regular tube but still manages to feel sleek (this is a sign that I’m starting to be biased towards it😂).
Size: 50ml
Prices: $10 – $12
Shop on:
–Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
Wondering why I’m not tired yet? I am!😂 Compiling this list was NOT easy.
11) MARY & MAY CICA Soothing Sun Cream
About: Chemical sunscreen with 5 UV filters, 7 types of fermented CICA extracts, SPF50+, PA++++, leaves a dewy finish and no white cast.
Read my full review/application.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $11 – $12
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
12) FRUDIA Ultra UV Shield UV Essence
This is probably one of the few sunscreens I could not find full details of the UV filters in it on Yesstyle, but it does not leave a white cast and has some hydrating ingredients. Overall, it was pretty decent, although I eventually found the scent too floral for my liking. It’s one of the most affordable ones on this list.
Here’s a full review, and you can watch the texture video here.
Size: 50g
Prices: $9 – $10
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
13) BENTON Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream
About: Vegan chemical sunscreen with 4 UV filters and soothing ingredients like different forms of CICA, panthenol, SPF50+, PA++++. Mint-green color, minty smell, no white cast (or green😅).
Like most sunscreens on this list, this was also part of a PR package so you can read/watch the full review.
It took too much effort to fully blend in for me, which is ironic because I loved the PURITO one above and it literally requires similar effort😂 – only difference is it gives a dewy finish (which is probably the reason). My sister ended up liking it better though.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $14 – $22
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
14) ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Watery Light
I already wrote a full/comparison review for this one, so you can check it out. You can also watch this comparison texture video.
Size: 50g
Prices: $10 – $15
Shop on:
– YesStyle (Use rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
15) MIXSOON Centella Sun Cream
I first tried this sunscreen last year and wrote several reviews for it (even here on the blog). However, I got another bottle to try this year so I wanted to include it as well.
Watch full review/application.
Size: 50g
Prices: $22 – $25
Shop on:
– Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
16) LACURA Moisturising Sun Spray SPF50+
This is the only “Western” sunscreen on the list (Good Molecules does not count since they are manufactured in Korea) and it’s here because I was influenced to buy it.
It turned out to be too greasy for me but it only costs £3.59 for 200ml! Definitely a great buy for those still trying to get into using sunscreens and/or for the body.
Read my full review here.
⚠️ Sunscreens That Leave a Cast
Like I mentioned earlier, I tried more sunscreens in this 2023. Unfortunately, that also means I encountered ones that left different kinds of casts. I added them there so you can also know what sunscreens to avoid if you do not want a white cast (or grey👀).
17) GOOD MOLECULES Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
This is one of the worst sunscreen purchase I have ever made. I was so excited to try it because “finally, there is a sunscreen with mineral filters that Black people can use without looking ghostly“. I could not have been more wrong.
Although marketed as a “sheer” sunscreen, it is far from it. DO NOT believe the marketing gimmicks, or the videos on their website with dark-skinned content creators using it and not getting a cast – it leaves a horrible grey cast that just would not go away (at least for my skin tone).
I’m not even going to write a review, just watch this video I made while applying it.
I am still very salty about it because I bought it myself and it was a total waste of money. I also gave another POC (Indian) and it left a cast on her as well.
Basically, stay away from it.
18) KAINE Green Fit Pro Sun SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Like I said, I typically stay away from hybrid/mineral sunscreens (except the above mistake) but this one was part of a gifted skincare set.
About: A hybrid sunscreen with 5 UV filters and ingredients with hydrating and antioxidant properties like hyaluronic acid, bamboo water, and different leaf extracts. SPF 50+, PA++++.
I still tried it but the white cast did not disappear, just as expected. However, I think I would have liked it if it did not have Titanium dioxide (the mineral fliter) because it has a runny lotion texture and leaves a smooth matte finish on application. It also does not leave a cast if used on the hands/legs, in minimal qunatity.
Size: 55ml
Prices: $10 – $17
Shop on:
– Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
19) TOCOBO Vita Tone Up Sun Cream
This was also part of a gifted package for a review challenge (#sunscreensAsOutfits), I’d never buy a “tone-up” anything😂.
About: A hybrid sunscreen with 4 UV filters (Titanium Dioxide), SPF50+, PA++++, and ingredients like sea buckthorn and other vitamins. Has a slightly pink tint, runny lotion texture and serves as a good makeup base.
Since it is more suited for non-POCs, I eventually gave it to an Indonesian (and she liked it). I actually liked its scent though, and it gave that “tone-up” effect when I applied it on my hands, as can be seen in my video review. Love the bottle too!
For some reason, I deleted most content I created around this time so I no longer have a picture for it but here’s a group picture of the sunscreens I reviewed for the challenge.
Size: 50ml
Prices: $19 – $21
Shop on:
– Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
B) SUNSTICKS
I also got to try sunsticks for the first time this year and I was able to use four different kinds. They are small and somehow more expensive than their sunscreen counterparts, but they come in quite handy.
I still have my eyes on the B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Real Sun Stick (and will definitely purchase it soon), but for now, let’s share the ones I’ve used.
20) ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick ⭐️
This is hands down my favorite of all sunsticks that I tried this year. Maybe I’m biased since it was my first sunstick, but the others I’ve used just did not measure up.
Size: 22g
Prices: $23 – $27
Shop on:
– Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
21) BEAUTY OF JOSEON Matte Sun Stick
I did not like this one much. Rather than a matte finish, it felt chalky and left some sort of “cast” that would make you have to rub your face to get rid of (which defeats the purpose of using a sunstick).
It’s most likely not visible on lighter skin tones and non-POCs but it’s noticeable for others.
Size: 18g
Prices: $14 – $15
Shop on:
– Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
22) ABIB Quick Sunstick Protection Bar
This is a community favorite for some reason (people find it hydrating) but I personally found it too dewy (more suited for drier skin types).
Size: 22g
Prices: $15 – $22
Shop on:
– Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
**Sunstick Comparison (ISNTREE vs. ABIB vs. BEAUTY OF JOSEON)
I shared a brief comparison of these three sunsticks and best suited skin types, you can read/watch here.
23) ABIB Airy Sunstick Smoothening Bar
Last but not the least, ABIB released a new version of their sunstick for people like me complaining about the dewiness of the first one. This one was less dewy, but still dewy enough to also like it if you liked the other version.
Size: 23g
Prices: $16 – $25
Shop on:
– Yesstyle (Use my rewards code KHAIRAH21 for extra 2-5% off)
I also did a full video comparison/review, so you can watch and decide which is more your type.
Thank you for reading! It took me daysss to compile all of them so I hope both the list and my reviews are helpful!
A few of them made my eyes water but those were most likely personal reactions, hence why this was not highlighted. All in all, you should definitely try some of them (both the sunscreens and sunsticks) either before 2023 ends or sometime soon.
You can use the links above to purchase the products and my Yesstyle discount code as well.
– Yesstyle: use rewards code KHAIRAH21 to get up to 5% off (NO minimum purchase, no expiry),
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried (or will try) any of them and you found the list useful in helping you decide🖤
Till Next Time,
With Love,
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