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The Scinic Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence is a chemical sunscreen infused with hydrating essences and plant-derived extracts which, together, provide soothing and moisturizing benefits to the skin. True to its claims, it does not contain any essential oils nor [drying] alcohols. It is also fragrance-free in the sense that no fragrance has been added to mask, nor chemicals have been added to remove, the natural smell of the product. This formulation makes the sunscreen suitable even for sensitive skin; it is “super mild,” as the name suggests.

As for sun protection, it uses new generation UV filters that work not only to provide broad-spectrum coverage but high photostability as well. It certainly looks good on paper, but how does it fare in actual usage?

As mentioned, this sunscreen from Scinic is fragrance-free, although it is not without a scent. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it smells like a blend of plant — obviously from the plant-derived extracts — and Cherry Laffy Taffy. Don’t worry, the scent is mild and goes away almost instantly. In terms of consistency, it is thicker than the runny Missha Waterproof Sun Milk yet a bit lighter than its Aqua Sun Gel variant — which, by the way, are the only other sunscreens I’ve tried in the last 5 years or so. In spite of its easily spreadable texture, it does have a notable “tacky stage.”

Upon application, it looks and feels greasy and sticky. It takes about 10-20 minutes for the fluid to completely settle into your skin, but once it has and the tackiness subsides, you are left with a youthful, healthy glow that is silky to the touch. For me, that radiance stays on for hours without the greasy feeling, and it is only by the fourth or fifth hour that I start to notice oil building up in my t-zone. On the other hand, those with oily skin might find that greasiness to persist from the outset. While it is lightweight on initial application, reapplications tend to feel heavier and, again, tacky. That’s why I suggest patting the area with paper towel first in order to remove any excess shine and pore buildup before reapplying.

The sunscreen leaves no white cast, making it suitable for all or most skin tones. I feel it layers nicely under makeup as well, providing a subtle, natural sheen under matte and semi-matte finishes. I haven’t exactly observed any “immediate cooling effect” after application. Nonetheless, my combination skin does feel moisturized enough throughout the day, even if it’s the only product I have on, whereas those with extra dry skin may feel the need for a more moisturizing product later in the day.

Regarding its brightening and wrinkle improvement claims, well, these are benefits that naturally come with long-term sunscreen use. As for sweat-resistance, it doesn’t sting my eyes even when my eyelids get sweaty during my workout — and yes, I apply it right on the eyelids. However, I did detect cream stains on my cap which I can safely assume are from the sunscreen. The hunt for the perfect sweat-resistant outdoor sunscreen is clearly still on, but for now, I don’t mind simply reapplying this $7-$10 (on sale) sun protector more frequently.

Final thoughts:

After learning about the Purito sunscreen controversy of 2020, I was set on only purchasing sunscreens that have been certified. During my research, I conveniently stumbled across this YouTube video uploaded by 화장품은 과학이다 by 안언니 (Cosmetics Is Science By Ahn Unnie). Here, 안인숙 (Ahn In-Sook), Director of the Korea Institute Of Dermatological Sciences, introduces 11 Korean sunscreens that have been clinically tested and verified by their research institute. If you wish to learn more about their test procedures and evaluations, you may do so by visiting their website and/or YouTube channel. I spent a good amount of time reading about the products featured. Eventually, despite it being an unfamiliar brand to me, I decided on the Scinic Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence because of its high SPF and PA ratings, which are at 57.6 and 23.5 respectively, and relatively low price… and I’m glad I did! You could say it is now my holy grail product, at least for indoor protection.

**Everyone’s skin is different. What works/doesn’t work for me may not/may work for you. Remember to check the ingredients list and do a patch test before using any new skincare product.

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DIRECTIONS / HOW TO USE THE SCINIC ENJOY SUPER MILD SUN ESSENCE (according to the label):

At the last step of basic skincare, evenly apply an appropriate amount on areas vulnerable to UV ray exposure, such as the face.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Propanediol: moisturizing
Niacinamide: anti-inflammatory, skin barrier repair, brightening
Glycerin: moisturizing, skin barrier repair
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Bambusa Vulgaris Water: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Centella Asiatica Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing
Adenosine: anti-inflammatory, skin barrier repair
Panthenol: anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, skin barrier repair

Main reference (ingredient functions): INCI Decoder (https://incidecoder.com/)

FULL INGREDIENTS LIST (from the product label): 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