If you’re serious about slowing down aging and preventing skin cancer, you know that sunscreen should be used all year long. This is why I’m always excited to try out new sunscreens no matter the season! On the other hand, I can also help you find the most suitable formulation for your skin type, condition or preference.

Lately, Oshen Skin has introduced me to this new cruelty-free K-Beauty brand which has come out with 2 beautiful sunscreens: The Hamel Vegan Aqua Glow Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ and Hamel Vegan Relief Water Essence Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++.

Both come in adorable egg-shaped packaging. You can see my unboxing of both sunscreens here.

What is it: An organic (chemical) sunscreen.

Where to buy: You can find this at Oshen Skin (you get 15% OFF on regular priced products).

Price: $26

Volume: 50ml (1.69 fl.oz.)

PAO: 12 months after opening.

Packaging: Minimalistic egg-shaped packaging with a screw cap. I turn it upside down, shake the bottle so the product gathers at the top, and then squeeze the product out.

Application

As always, apply generously after your skincare routine. Give the sunscreen time to set on the skin and form its protective layer, and then proceed with makeup application.

How does the Hamel Vegan Aqua Glow Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ perform

• Protection:
SPF50+ PA++++

• Texture and finish:

Thin serum-like fluid texture that feels slippery which allows you to work the sunscreen on the skin effortlessly. Right after application it appears very dewy on me and feels somewhat sticky, but starts to look more natural and the stickiness goes away within 15 minutes or so.

If minimal lightweight skincare is used, it sets even faster. If you use a lot of hydrating products underneath the dewy look will be more intense and it make take the sunscreen a bit longer to set. However, despite this, I have noticed that on my skin this sunscreen mattifies over time (or probably it starts to remove – not very sure).

It feels moisturizing on the skin surface, but if you have dehydrated skin it may feel like sitting on top like a mask for a bit. This is easily fixed by applying a hydrating toner/essence and giving it time to sink in.

• Does it contain alcohol?
No. It’s free of drying alcohols.

• Fragrance/Scent?
It doesn’t contain any added fragrance, but has a very nice subtle smell.

• Is it drying?
No, my skin doesn’t feel dry or tight. If that’s something you experience a thin layer of a lightweight moisturizer usually does the trick.

• Does it leave a white cast?
No. There is absolutely no white cast. I’m sure all skin tones would find it suitable.

• Irritation or breakouts?
Because at first it appeared dewy and a bit tacky, I just had a feeling it would break me out. But luckily, it hasn’t cause me any acne at all. Also, no irritation or redness.

• How does it work with makeup?
You’ll have to adjust the makeup and skincare according to your skin type. Always wait for the sunscreen to fully set. You’ll see what type of makeup will be more suitable for this base, something dewy or more matte.

• Does it sting the eyes?
It adheres great on the skin and it doesn’t move around, but if you get teary or sweat gets in your eye, this is going to sting. Unlike other sunscreens that have stung my eyes, (like the MISSHA All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel) this wasn’t that bad or unbearable. But, nonetheless it felt uncomfortable. So, now when applying it I’m careful not to put it too close to the lashline.

• Easy to re-apply?
As with most sunscreens, with each re-application it starts to feel a bit heavy and more dewy. But, this happens mostly those first minutes that it takes to set. Aferwards, it starts feeling normal and more lightweight again. For my skin type I can only re-apply this only once. After that I need to remove the layers and start fresh.

Ingredients

The Hamel Vegan Aqua Glow Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ chemical UV filters are:

Uvinul T 150 (highest photo-stable absorption of all available UVB filters), Mexoryl SX (UVA), Uvinul A Plus (high UVA protection and high photostability), Polysilicone-15 a.ka. PARSOL® SLX (UVB), Tinosorb S (broad spectrum and very photostable).

Skincare ingredients include: Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin.

No alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils.

Purified Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/ VP Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Methylpropanediol, Polyether-1, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glucose


Final Verdict on the Hamel Vegan Aqua Glow Sun Serum

Pros

  • Runny serum-like texture.
  • Very dewy at first, but looks a bit more natural over time.
  • The initial sticky feeling goes away after 10-15 min.
  • No whitecast – suitable for all skin tones.
  • Doesn’t pill.
  • Suitable for all skin types, except for oily skin that wouldn’t like the finish.
  • Free of alcohol & fragrance.
  • Cruelty-free & Vegan.

Cons

  • Moisturizes skin surface, but it may feel like a mask on top for dehydrated prone skin.
  • Not suitable for oily skin especially in humid climate.
  • It’s going to sting if you get teary or sweat gets in your eyes.

In conclusion, if you like a glowy finish then you’ll like this sunscreen. It would suit all skin tones and contains no fragrance which makes it a good option for sensitive skin types. I like the serum-like formula as it applies thinly on the skin. The only downside is that I don’t think oily skin would appreciate the intense glowy finish or the initial tackiness.


Did you find this Hamel Vegan Aqua Glow Sun Serum review helpful? What’s your favorite sunscreen at the moment?

*PR– Product provided by Oshen Skin, but opinions are completely my own.
*Affiliate Links – It means I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product through the links I have provided at no extra cost to you. Sincerely thankful to all of you that support my blog!