COSRX has finally launched 2 new sunscreens in 2019, bringing their total sunscreen offerings to 3. In this review, we are evaluating the COSRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun 50+ PA+++ which is targeted towards moisture and hydration by banking on their signature Snail Essence ingredient.

Read the reviews of COSRX's other sunscreens: Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun (Sensitive) & Aloe Soothing Sun Cream!

Summary

+ Multi-molecular hyaluronic acids, panthenol, and snail essence are moisturizing
+ Spreads easily and dries quickly
+ Very Good UVA & UVB protection ratings

= Fragrance can be a put off for some
= Could’ve used more advanced and environmentally friendlier UV filters

-  Low concentration of snail essence despite being the namesake ingredient of the product
- 3 types of essential oils can be sensitizing and problematic
- Contains Alcohol which can be sensitizing and irritating

Ingredient Analysis

As the namesake of this sunscreen, the star ingredient of the COSRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun is Snail Mucin which hydrates, soothe, and repair skin. As such, this sunscreen is touted to moisturize your skin (like an essence) yet having a lightweight feel and finish. So, this sunscreen should be suitable for all skin types.

However, looking at the ingredients list, snail mucin (a.k.a. snail secretion filtrate) is close to the bottom, just like in the Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun. So, the benefits of snail mucin will be minimal. If you’re looking for a snail product to moisturize and repair skin overtime, then check out the popular Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence instead. But the inclusion of multi-molecular hyaluronic acids and panthenol does make this sunscreen sufficiently moisturizing.

But, perhaps COSRX had to include many moisturizing ingredients to offset the significant amount of alcohol (seeing it’s the 3^rd ingredient on the list) which can be drying, sensitizing, and over time disrupt the skin’s barrier. Alcohol is used in skincare products (especially K and J-beauty) typically to give the product a lightweight texture and feel while allowing it to dry quickly and increase the absorption of active ingredients. While it does have its benefits, the drawbacks typically don’t make it worth it, especially when it's at higher concentrations in a product.

Speaking of drawbacks outweighing benefits, essential oils make another appearance in this sunscreen as well. This time it’s Bergamot, Orange, and Basil oils – all fragrant, all potentially irritating and sensitizing.

Coming back to the core of this sunscreen, COSRX formulated the Snail Essence Sun using common chemical UV filters: Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, and Avobenzone. While they’re all proven to work well, it’s a bit disappointing that COSRX didn’t use more advanced (and environmentally friendly) filters such as Tinosorb and Uvinul. But, they can’t really be faulted here as they do have to adhere to (US) regulatory requirements if they want to call it a sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, choose a mineral sunscreen instead as chemical UV filters, in general, can be sensitizing for some.

Experience & Feel

The COSRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun is rated at PF 50+ and PA ++++, which gives you very good broad-spectrum protection. Can’t go wrong there. This sunscreen is not waterproof and does wash off easily, so do reapply regularly, especially if you sweat.

This product smells slightly like earl grey tea because of the included essential oils, and not all may appreciate the scent. However, it doesn’t linger long after application.

It’s very easy to apply and you don’t need as much product compared to the All Green Comfort Sunscreen to cover the same area. It feels very lightweight, and dries very quickly, great for oilier or combination skin.  While it dries quickly, it does leave a very slight shiny finish (depending on the amount of product used).

True to its claims, the Snail Essence Sun is quite a moisturizing sunscreen, despite it being on the lighter side, texture wise. But, if you have drier skin, we would still recommend a slightly thicker, more moisturizing formula. Overall, if you have oiler or combi skin, this is more suitable for you.

Full List of Ingredients

Water, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat., Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate [Octisalate], Acrylates Copolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane [Avobenzone], Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Beheneth-25, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Disodium EDTA, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipropylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, 1,2-Hexanediol, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate

Where to Buy?

Singapore

Malaysia

Indonesia

Philippines

United States