As a pale, sun-aware person prone to freckles, I am always using some sort of sun protection, during any time of the year and in any weather. Even on my laziest days, I may skip all the skincare steps and all makeup, but I won’t set foot outside without sunscreen. Because of that, I finish bottles and try new ones regularly.
Today I offer you a review of Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream SPF49 PA++. This is a non-irritating, mineral sunscreen from a line designed for sensitive skin (I’ve reviewed emulsion from that line before, read that here). The product is available in different sizes on* eBay, Amazon and YesStyle (use reward code KBHOBBIT for extra savings).
Most of us have probably already heard of SPF (sun protection factor), but what is PA? It’s based on a Persistent Pigmentation Darkening test, which measures how much UVA a person can be exposed to without tanning/skin darkening. The range is from + to ++++. In short - higher SPF and more “+”s after the PA mean higher protection against the sun. The PA of Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream is ++, right in the middle of the possible range.
How to use:
Apply at the last step of skincare
Follow with makeup, if using
At the end of the day, be sure to remove with cleansing oil or balm and not just a foaming cleanser.
My impressions:
I have mixed feelings about this product, because it has many, many pros, but also a couple of cons. I have combination skin with an oily t-zone and dry-to-normal cheeks. Breakouts happen, but not often and not severely. For me, Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream is a purely Fall/Winter product that replaces a cream. It would be too heavy in the warmer months. I also prefer a matte finish to the skin, which this cream doesn’t provide. However, that’s very easily fixed with a light dusting of translucent powder. I put together a quite subjective list of pros and cons for your reading pleasure.
Pros:
100% mineral protection
High SPF of 49
No white cast (I have fair skin, perhaps this isn’t the case for deeper tones)
Low-irritant formula perfect for those with sensitivities
All non-sunblock ingredients rated 1-2/non-toxic on EWG database
Skin-loving components like madecassoside, green tea extract, and panthenol
Can easily replace cream for normal to oily skin
Affordable
Cons:
Could be too heavy for oily/combination skin
PA++, fine for Fall/Winter but I prefer +++ or ++++ for Summer
Verdict: The pros win. If you have normal to dry skin and want to avoid potentially harmful chemical filters while also sparing your wallet, then this is a great option. And if you are prone to dryness in the winter, definitely check it out as I find it to be quite nourishing and moisturizing.
For more options, read my other sunscreen reviews here.
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Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream Ingredients: WATER / AQUA / EAU, DIMETHICONE, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, ZINC OXIDE (NANO), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NANO), BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, LAURYL POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM
HECTORITE, SILICA, TRISILOXANE, PANTHENOL, AMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE,
SODIUM CHLORIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, POLYGLYCERYL- 3 DIISOSTEARATE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, ALUMINUM STEARATE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, STEARIC
ACID, ALUMINA, C12-15 ALCOHOLS, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, MADECASSOSIDE, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT