Affordable everyday sunscreen: Innisfree Daily Mild Sunscreen review

Written By Jenny Wu on June 17, 2021

There’s not much hype around the Innisfree Daily Mild Sunscreen, but don’t let that fool you – this is a workhorse sunscreen that gets the job done!

Key Points

Independently tested to have excellent UVA protection
Light lotion texture and satin finish will work for all skin types
Don’t confuse this with the US version, which uses different filters!

Overview

What is it
A water-based chemical sunscreen with mild ingredients protects skin from UV rays, also soothing and moisturizing the skin

Protection Factor
Labeled: SPF50+ PA++++
Actual Tests: SPF30, Broad Spectrum, PA++++/UVAPF 23.8. More on this below.

Filters
Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S

How I use it
In the mornings as the final step of my skincare routine, on days where I’m mostly indoors. I apply a pea sized amount each time and layer until I’ve applied the correct amount. A cushion puff can really help with even application!

Best suited for
All skin types that want proven UVA/UVB protection for everyday use.

Things to note
It’s alcohol-free but does contain fragrance. Also contains Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, and Sorbitan Oleate which are potentially comedogenic. Avoid only if you know one of these ingredients causes breakouts.

Packaging
A matte white plastic tube, which is nice because it doesn’t track finger prints!

Scent
A noticeable sweet floral fragrance? I really like it, but ymmv. It does fade once applied.

Texture
A light watery lotion texture. Very easy to spread and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky at all.

Finish
Almost invisible satin finish. If you’re wearing an oil based moisturizer underneath the finish will be dewier, whereas a mattifying moisturizer will give you more of a velvet finish. No white cast and no pilling!

Where to buy
$9 – $11/50ml on Stylevana, Yesstyle, Amazon, and Beauty Box Korea

innisfree daily mild sunscreen — So good I’m posing with it.

Ingredients Highlight

Water/, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Methylpropanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, C20-22 Alcohols, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tromethamine, Fragrance/Parfum, Carbomer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Fructooligosaccharides, Pullulan, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, C14-22 Alcohols, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Glucoside, Aloe Leaf Extract

This is a chemical sunscreen that uses 3 next-generation filters – Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, and Tinosorb S – that are known for their photostability. That means you don’t have to worry about these degrading in the sun (I’m looking at you Avobenzone).

The rest are mainly emulsifiers, though Innisfree did include a few humectants like Aloe Extract. However the amount is so low that it’ll hardly make a difference, so don’t skip your moisturizer with this one!

Korean sunscreen controversy – inaccurate labels

If you’re into K-beauty, you’ve probably heard the scandals surrounding Purito and Keep Cool sunscreens. Both use just 2 UV filters in low % and was later found to provide much lower SPF protection than the labeled SPF50!

This made people start questioning Korean sunscreens’ efficacy, which imo is unfair. Sunscreens underperforming is nothing new, I have TWO posts with a dermatologist’s test results showcasing this same issue across multiple brands:

First post: PA? PPD? Broad Spectrum? The ultimate guide to understanding and choosing the best sunscreen
Second post: Dermatologist-tested best sunscreens of 2020 (and my personal picks)

Innisfree Daily Mild Sunscreen test results

The Hong Kong Consumer Protection Council tested 30 different sunscreens, including this one, in January 2020, and here are the testing methods:

SPF: Using the ISO 24444:2010 standards to conduct in-vivo tests (ie. on actual skin). 10 test subjects were used with Fitzpatrick Type II and III skin, which are closer to the Asian skin tones.

Broad Spectrum: Using the ISO 24443:2012 standards to conduct in-vitro tests (ie. not on actual skin). Wavelength must exceed 370nm to be considered broad spectrum.

PA/UVAPF: Using the ISO 24443:2012 standards to conduct in-vitro tests. According to EU regulations, UVAPF must be at least 1/3 of the SPF levels. For accurate PPD testing ISO 24442 in-vivo tests must be conducted, which was not done here.

Actual test results are: SPF30, Broad Spectrum, PA++++/UVAPF 23.8

It was at this moment that Innisfree knew they done messed up

So obviously the Innisfree Daily Mild Sunscreen has the same issue as Purito and Keep Cool, and that’s bad news 😬 BUT!

SPF30 is sufficient if you’re mainly indoors
UVA rays are actually the bigger concern since they can pass through windows, and we know for sure this has great UVA protection. As far as I’m aware no other sunscreens have been tested for UVA protection.

That’s why I don’t mind using this sunscreen at all! Now let’s talk about the product itself.

Usage Experience

✔️ So, so comfortable on the skin!

A sunscreen is only good if you’ll actually apply it and apply enough, and the Innisfree Daily Mild Sunscreen makes that a breeze. The texture is similar to the Purito one but even lighter, and it feels like nothing once it’s on. It also looks like nothing, as in the finish will be determined more by your moisturizer than this sunscreen.

✔️ It’s affordable!

A lot of elegant sunscreens can be pricey (love you Kanebo Allie but why are you so expensive!), but this one can be found for less than $10! Good sunscreens should be accessible for all people, so props to Innisfree here!

❌ Not ideal for extended outdoor use

If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, SPF 50 is recommended. Furthermore this sunscreen isn’t water resistant either, so if you sweat, you’re going to lose some that protection unless you reapply immediately. For those wanting one all-purpose sunscreen, this ain’t it.

❌ Can sting if it gets in your eyes

For a product that claims to be mild it sure is rough on the eyes! Just make sure you’re not rubbing your eyes and the product shouldn’t get in. Oh and avoid major sweating since this isn’t water resistant!

Final Verdict

9.2

out of 10

Ingredients

8.5
Packaging

8
Texture/Application

10
Performance

9
Price

10

For such an affordable sunscreen this absolutely blew my expectations out of the water, and I'm shocked no one is talking about it? It checks off pretty much everything I need in an everyday sunscreen, but without the dewy finish which I can see being a plus for a lot of people. However keyword is everyday. For outdoorsy folks you'll want another sunscreen with higher SPF and ideally water resistant.

Now their inaccurate claims is obviously problematic, but affordable sun protection > brand problems for me. Ymmv, if you don't feel comfortable supporting the brand the Allie Extra UV Gel N is another great one and is suitable for outdoor use as well!

Product was provided by StyleKorean for review purposes, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links, and each purchase helps cover the cost of running this blog at no extra cost to you! Full disclosure policy

Jenny Wu

Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.

Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨