The first Korean sunscreen I’ve tried was the Missha Essence Sun SPF45 in the pink bottle back in 2014 if I remember correctly. It was like nothing I had tried before: elegant texture, spread with ease, non-sticky… The MISSHA All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ has become one of their best-sellers in the recent years and I’ve had my eye on it for the longest time.

The Aqua Sun Gel has only organic (chemical) filters and it’s formulated to be used as a daily sunscreen (not waterproof). It comes in a 50ml (1.69 fl.oz) squeeze tube. You may be surprised to see the bottle filled only halfway, but it DOES actually contain 50ml as it says on the packaging. It’s just that the tube is bigger in size, so don’t worry.

Application

Apply the sunscreen generously as the last step of your morning skincare routine and before makeup. Wait around 15 minutes before makeup application so the sunscreen has time to set and form an even film on the skin.

How does the MISSHA All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel perform

• Protection:
SPF50+ PA++++

• Texture:
Lightweight watery texture compared to your usual creamy sunscreen, spreads thinly and leaves no greasy residue. Hair doesn’t stick to your face. It also sets pretty fast. Dries down to a matte or semi-matte finish depending on what skincare products you’ve used. If I don’t use a face cream I notice the finish is close to matte (no shine at all), but over a face cream there is the sheen from the cream peaking through.

• Does it contain alcohol?
Yes.

• Fragrance/Scent?
Yes. It has a noticeable floral scent. Not the best out there, but for me it’s tolerable.

• Is it drying?
It can be drying to some degree for those with dry/dehydrated prone skin due to the alcohol in it. Alcohol denat is usually used to make the formula more cosmetically elegant. In my opinion moisturizing sunscreens would be a better option for these skin types, however when using a face cream under it that’s more emollient, this doesn’t seem to be an issue for me. With gel-type moisturizers only, my skin would feel a bit tight. So, if you currently have this sunscreen try to use a “heavier” cream and it’ll most likely fix it.

• Does it leave a white cast?
No. There is absolutely no white cast. Hence, I can confidently recommend this for darker skin.

• Irritation or breakouts?
No irritation or breakouts occurred. I wouldn’t recommend it for those with rosacea though since it contains alcohol.

• Easy to re-apply?
Yes. Very easy to reapply as it doesn’t pill nor become heavy on the skin. Also, it’s great for re-application because it doesn’t leave a cast. Some sunscreens despite being wearable with one layer can leave a noticeable white cast when applied more than once. This doesn’t happen with the Aqua Sun Gel.

• How does it work with makeup?
Works great with makeup and other products. No pilling. As I mentioned above you must prep your skin well with skincare if you’re dry or prone to dehydration!

• Does it sting the eyes?
It does sting the eyes sometimes if used on the eyelids. I usually feel it when it’s windy and my eyes get watery.

Ingredients

All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel has only organic (chemical) filers:

Homosalate (UVB), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (UVB), Avobenzone (UVA), Tinosorb S (new gen filter, broad spectrum and very photostable), Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate (UVB/UVA II), Octocrylene (UVB/UVA II).

Plant extracts like Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Morus Alba Fruit Extract with soothing and antioxidant properties.

Water, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isoamylp-Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bht, Disodium Edta, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Butylene Glycol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Thymus Wulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Water, Centaurea Cyanus Alower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Alower Water, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol


Final Verdict

Pros

  • Lighweight watery texture, non greasy.
  • Spreads easily and thinly on the skin.
  • It doesn’t pill.
  • Not sticky at all.
  • No whitecast. Suitable for darker skin.
  • Smooth finish.
  • Most suitable for oily, combo and normal skin types.
  • Works great with makeup and other skincare.
  • Affordable.

Cons

  • Sometimes stings the eyes.
  • Contains alcohol and fragrance for those with alcohol/fragrance sensitivities.
  • Can be drying for dry skin/dehydrated prone skin.

I think what draws people to this sunscreen is its super elegant formula. Spreads with ease, applies thinly without being greasy or sticky. A dream come true for all those with oily skin! Would perform so well in humid weather. It makes everyday application actually pleasant, which is important especially for those that avoid using sunscreen everyday due to its usual thick texture. Also, zero white cast so dark skin can use it with no issue. It does have its drawbacks like the drying part, but I think it can be easily fixed with the right face cream. Dry skin types can simply avoid it, since there are more suitable options out there. I’d recommend this only for oily to normal skin. Wouldn’t recommend for those with rosacea, alcohol or fragrance sensitivities. The scent is a matter of personal preference. For me, it’s not the scent I would prefer, but I don’t mind it either.


Where to buy:

Unfortunately, this sunscreen has been reformulated just recently, so the old formula is not available on the big stores anymore. Maybe you can still find it in stock in some smaller ones.
The new version is available at Stylevana US / Stylevana EU.

Did you find the MISSHA All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel Review helpful? Have you tried this sunscreen before?

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