Review: COSRX – Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (Hit or Miss?)

Where to purchase: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Skinsider: LINK

Price: ~£11.68

Volume: 50ml

Made in: South Korea

What is it?: This Lightweight, non-greasy and no white cast, SPF50 PA++++ chemical sunscreen protects the skin against UV rays while hydrating and soothing it (using Aloe + Witch Hazel + Niacinamide to help protect and soothe the skin).

Good for: Combination, Oily, and Normal skin types. [And darker skin tones] – as this is lightweight and non-sticky + hydrating without being too rich.

Who might not like it?: Dry Skins (May not find it hydrating enough and might want to layer a richer moisturiser underneath). Very sensitive skin (Chemical UV filters could irritate very reactive skin).

COSRX Snail Line – Complete Review

Vegan?: Not stated by COSRX (even though many of their products are Vegan-friendly).

Cruelty Free?: Yes.

Malesezzia Suitable?: Yes.

EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes.

How long does it last after opening?: 12 months.

Packaging: Plastic tube with a flip-top cap. It’s easy to use and not too messy (didn’t spill everywhere).

Directions: ”Apply a moderate amount to entire skin before sun exposure.” (From the Website).

How I use it: I apply this as instructed, in the AM.

Does this turn milky when sweating?: No.

Ok to workout in?: Yes i.e. this didn’t feel thick or heavy or make me sweat more than usual.

Does this sting the eyes?: This didn’t sting my eyes, even when I was sweating [be weary if you have very sensitive eyes however].

Sunscreen Filters: Drometrizole Trisiloxane [Mexoryl XL – UVA + UVB protection], Ethylhexyl Triazone Uvinul T 150 [UVB], Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [Uvinul A Plus – UVA], Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid [Mexoryl SX – UVA].

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Brightening + Antioxidant + Anti-blemish) / Adenosine (Skin-barrier reinforcing) / Sodium Hyaluronate (Hydrating without making the skin greasy) / Witch Hazel (Soothing + Anti-blemish i.e. sebum regulating) / Allantoin (Soothing) / Panthenol (Soothes).

Full Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Propanediol, Aqua/Water, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Methyl Trimethicone, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Arachidyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Sodium Metaphosphate, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Texture: This is a lightweight cream that feels more like a lotion. It’s hydrating and almost cooling upon application. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves no stickiness. It’s comfortable on my oily-combination skin and has a natural finish—neither too dewy nor matte.

Sticky?: No.

Greasy?: No.

Balls up?: Not for me.

Note: I’ve seen people mention that this balled up badly for them, but I haven’t experienced that at all, even under makeup. Maybe it would ball up if I scratched my skin with my nails, but I haven’t noticed any issues, even while wearing a mask or near the collar of my shirt or jacket.

• As you can see, this comes out as a lightweight, cream (doesn’t run down the hand). See Swatch Video below.

As you rub this, this becomes more lightweight, almost watery, and feels cooling.

Swatch Comparison: No Sunblock (Left) VS Sunblock (Right)

Swatch Comparison: No Sunblock (Left) VS Sunblock (Right) – Absorbed / Dried-down

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: This didn’t really sting my skin (but please be weary if you have very sensitive skin or open sores/wounds which a chemical sunblock could potentially irritate slightly).

Summer or Winter?: Dry Skin: Summer / Oily skin: Potentially only Winter / Oily-Combination + Combination + Normal Skins: All-year.

Layerable?: Yes.

Video Swatch:

• As you can see, this looks almost like a lotion. It has no white cast, isn’t sticky, and isn’t totally mattifying, but isn’t dewy either (natural finish).

Fragrance?: This is Fragrance + EO Free [Doesn’t have a strong smell].

Good Under Makeup?: Yes.

How long have I been using this?: 2-3 Months.

Will I use until Completion?: Yes.

How Long will that take?: ~1 more month (I am generous with my applications to try to ensure a good spread).

What I like:

✅ Lightweight & non-greasy (comfortable to wear) – Absorbs quickly without leaving a thick or sticky residue.
✅ Semi-matte to natural finish – Doesn’t make the skin overly shiny, but still feels hydrating.
✅ No heavy silicone feel – Not overly silky or slippery (this one feels more like a light lotion).
✅ No white cast – Works well for all skin tones.
✅ Fragrance + EO Free
✅ Cruelty-Free
✅ Hydrating + Moisturising
✅ Feels cooling on the skin when applying
✅ Didn’t irritate my skin
✅ Fast-absorbing
✅ Flip-top cap (I like the packaging)

What I don’t like:

• For Oily skins – May not be mattifying enough
• For Dry skins – May not be moisturising enough (especially in the winter)
• I wish this was more than 50ml

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4.4/5 – This is my favourite COSRX sunblock so far and one of the best K-beauty options I’ve tried. It’s smooth, lightweight, and hydrating, making it comfortable on my oily-combination skin even in warmer weather (I don’t like rich sunscreens). Unlike the Beauty of Joseon sunblock or Nivea Sun Essence, it doesn’t leave me looking too shiny (natural finish). I also like that it’s unscented, has skin-beneficial ingredients, and doesn’t feel overly silicone-heavy, tight, or dry. Plus, no white cast! A great pick for combination skin. [my skin is sensitive and I did not find this irritating].

Would I repurchase?: Yes.

Dupes / Alternatives:

• The Tocobo – Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ (Full Swatches + Review HERE) – It is a lightweight, watery, and cooling sunblock with no white cast.

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Ohlolly: LINK

• The Skin1004 sunblock – SPF50+ PA++++ (Full Swatches + Review HERE) – Although slightly more dewy, this also feels comfortable and moisturising (no white cast).

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK

• The Isntree – Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ – (Full Swatches + Review HERE) – It has a hydrating finish, not matte, and also contains hyaluronic acid (no white cast).

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK

My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skincare Reviews + Recommendations (@myskincareregime)

Follow me on IG for Updates!

Note: I earn a small commission when you purchase through affiliate links, which helps me purchase products for review + also help improve the Blog! If you would like to support me, thank you ever so much! and if not, that’s fine – I hope you enjoy my posts!