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I took a short break from posting over the holidays but now I’m back with another product review! SKIN1004 very kindly sent me a Christmas package with a few of their new(ish) skincare releases, including some very exciting bits from their Tea-Trica line (look out for a review coming soon!). It also contained one product that I’d been eyeing up for quite a while: their Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++.
I’d seen glowing reviews for this ALL OVER Instagram, so even before trying it my expectations were really high. Having tested this for a little while, I’m ready to share my thoughts! If you want to see whether the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is worth buying, keep reading!
What is it?
SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is a non-nano chemical sunscreen that’s designed to hydrate the skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays.
What are the standout ingredients?
This sunscreen contains four different UV filters that help protect your skin from the sun:
- Uvinal A Plus -Protects against UVA rays.
- Uvinul T 150 – Protects against UVB rays.
- Iscotrizinol – Protects against UVB and some UVA rays.
- Tinosorb M – Protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
It also contains a handful of other ingredients that are beneficial for the skin:
- Niacinamide – A form of vitamin B3 that has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
- Centella asiatica – A plant extract that helps soothe and hydrate the skin. It also reduces inflammation and dryness.
- Green tea leaf extract – A plant extract that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- Hyaluronic acid – This sunscreen contains three different forms of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps the skin stay plump and hydrated.
- Tocopherol – Pure form of vitamin E. It aids cellular restoration and protects skin from free radicals.
How should you use this product?
Cleanse and tone your face as usual, then apply your moisturiser and wait a couple of minutes to let it dry down. Grab your sunscreen, give it a few pumps (I usually go for three or four) and spread it evenly over your face, neck and ears.
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The packaging
This sunscreen comes in a white tube with a blue pump and matching blue lid. This honestly surprised me because the original Air-Fit Suncream from SKIN1004’s Centella line (read my review here) just comes in a squeezy bottle. I do prefer the pump dispenser though as it makes it easier to regulate how much product you’re using.
The scent
This doesn’t really have a scent at all, though honestly I don’t mind sun creams that do. If you’re someone who tends to stay away from skincare products that contain fragrance, this is probably a safe bet.
The texture
The consistency of this product is unlike any other sunscreen I’ve tried. I guess the name gives it away – SKIN1004 describes this as a serum rather than a sun cream! When it’s first dispensed, this looks like (and sort of feels like) a lightweight cream, but it actually blends into a really hydrating gel.
This is the kind of sunscreen that gives an immediate glass-skin effect. It makes my skin look really dewy and healthy, so I’m happy to wear this by itself. On days when I’m wearing makeup though, I also find that this is the suncream I tend to turn to. It sits well under foundation / concealer because it has the grip of a primer. In fact, I’ll often skip primer when using this sun cream since I find this works well as a makeup base on its own.
Having said this, it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky like some primers do, rather it dries down to a satin finish. I think the initial dewiness might dissuade people with oily skin from trying it, but it doesn’t stay like this all day. I’d say, when it’s worn by itself, that the final finish is actually semi-matte, though – depending on the foundation applied on top – it can appear dewier.
Overall thoughts
I LOVE this sunscreen! I’d even go as far as saying this is my favourite sunscreen I’ve tried so far. It’s hydrating, super lightweight, and doesn’t feel chalky on the skin. I don’t how SKIN1004 have managed it but this really does feel like a serum, rather than a thick, heavy sun cream. Applying sunscreen is the step in my morning skincare routine that I enjoy the least – putting a potentially pore-clogging lotion on top of a freshly cleansed face is a nightmare for those with acne-prone skin. But I really don’t have to worry about that with this sun serum – I actually like how it feels on my skin!
Obviously, I’ve only been able to test this out over the winter, so I’d be really interested to see how it fares in the summer. This is designed to be hydrating, but – despite the moisturising ingredients – I don’t think it makes my skin look greasy or overly shiny. My skin gets a little drier in the winter so this could be one of the reasons why it’s working so well for me at the moment.
I do prefer the Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum to the Centella Air-Fit Suncream, simply because this one is colourless and because it feels a little bit lighter on the skin. I can also apply more of the Hyalu-Cica sunscreen as it layers slightly better than the Air-Fit Suncream does. If you’re looking for something with colour-correcting properties, go for the Centella Air-Fit Suncream. If you want something that feels light and comfortable on the skin, I’d choose the Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum. Honestly, this product has changed the sunscreen game for me, it’s 100% worth the hype.
Where can I buy the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum?
You can buy this from UK-based stores like Skinsider, or you can also purchase this from international retailers like YesStyle and Stylevana.
FAQ
How much product does the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sunscreen contain?
This sunscreen comes in a 50ml tube, which is comparable to the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid.
Which skin types does the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum suit?
I think this sunscreen would suit all skin types. Although it initially appears dewy, it does dry down to a semi-matte finish. It also doesn’t contain any fragrance so it wouldn’t be irritating for those with sensitive skin.
Does the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum cause eye-stinging?
I don’t find that this sun serum irritates my eyes at all.
Does the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum leave a white cast?
Because this is a chemical sunscreen, it shouldn’t leave a white cast on the skin. However, some people find that the hybrid filter Tinosorb M can sometimes leave an initial white layer. This usually disappears as it sinks into the skin.
Does the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum clog pores or cause breakouts?
While I can’t definitively say that this won’t cause breakouts for all wearers, the ingredients list doesn’t seem to contain any comedogenic or potentially irritating ingredients. In the time I’ve been using it, I also haven’t experienced any more breakouts than I usually would.
Is the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum cruelty-free?
SKIN1004 is PETA-certified and all of the brand’s products are cruelty-free.
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