I’ve tried, no joke, over 80 sunscreens. I was hitting peak ‘sunscreen fatigue’—you know, when they all start to feel like the same old, same old because, honestly, a lot of them kinda are.
Then, bam, I stumble upon Dr. Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun. At first glance, just another SPF50, PA++++ Korean sunscreen, right?
Wrong. It’s got this little something-something that snagged it a spot as my new fave. Grab your cup of coffee (or tea), and let me spill on why this one became an instant favorite.
Key Points
- A great independently tested sunscreen that’s proven to be SPF50+ and PA++++, so you get the promised UVA and UVB protection.
- Hydrating enough to replace your moisturizer, saving you a step in the morning.
- Doesn’t include Tinosorb M, so there’s no chance of a white cast!
Table of Contents
Overview
What is it
The dual formula for hydration & UV Protection! With the different molecular weights, 10 type of hyaluronic acid help strengthen the moisture barrier.
Protection Factor
Labeled: SPF 50+, PA++++
Actual Tests: SPF 54.5 and PFA 16.24
Filters
Uvinul T 150, Mexoryl SX, Ensulizole, Parsol SLX, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S
Best suited for
Dry to normal skin types looking for a moisturizer and independently tested sunscreen in one. Combination and oily skin may not love the glowy finish (I recommend the Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream instead).
Things to note
Alcohol free but does contain fragrance.
Packaging
A plastic tube featuring a slender, pointed opening for more precise control over product dispensation.
Scent
A faint floral scent that I find rather pleasant. A nice change from the usual rosemary fragrance of Korean sunscreens (why are they so obsessed with that scent??)
Texture
A lightweight essence/serum that spreads easily and sets quickly on the skin. Feels moisturizing without being heavy or oily.
Finish
Dewy with a bit of initial stickiness that goes away after ~1 minute. No white cast or pilling, making it great to layer under makeup.
Price & Size
$19.95 for 50ml on Stylevana (SHOPJENNYfor 10% off), Yesstyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off), Jolse, or StyleKorean
Product Demo
Dr.Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun Ingredients
The Dr.Ceuracle sunscreen boasts 6 UV filters:
- Uvinul T 150 is a highly effective UVB filter with one of the best photostable absorptions. Only a small % is required to provide SPF protection.
- Mexoryl SX is one of L’oreal’s patented UVA filters that’s proven to be effective, stable, and not harmful against coral reefs.1
- Ensulizole is a water-soluble filter that primarily absorbs UVB rays (280 nm – 315 nm). It also has a lightweight texture that feels comfortable on the skin.2
- Parsol SLX is a silicone-based filter that also protects against UVB rays. As such, it also boasts an elegant texture with a non-shiny finish. It can also help stabilize other filters!
- Uvinul A Plus protects against UVA rays. It’s stable with minimal amount getting absorbed into the skin.
- Tinosorb S is a broad spectrum filter that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. A study of 18 filters found this to have one of the best SPF protection, not to mention it’s stable and safe.3
You can see from the chart that there’s great UVB and UVA coverage up til 380 nm, but this would be the case with all sunscreens except for those with L’oreal’s proprietary Mexoryl 400 filter. For everyday use this is plenty enough, and the independent test proves it too!
Now what also makes this a great moisturizer is its plethora of moisturizing ingredients, including 10 types of hyaluronic acid:
- Sodium Hyaluronate is what people actually mean when they say “hyaluronic acid”, not the actual Hyaluronic Acid (I know, it’s weird), though both are included here. These are your go-to ingredients for drawing in moisture and preventing our skin from drying out. Both of a higher molecular weight, which just means it’s too big to get deep into the skin, so instead they sit on the surface to retain that moisture.
- Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate have lower molecular weight which means they can get deep in our skin, which then had some people worried they might cause inflammation. But, surprise, research shows they’re actually anti-inflammatory and even help with skin repair!4,5
- Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate is a high weight hyaluronic acid, and according to manufacturers, does more than just moisturize: it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and increase collagen production too!
- Potassium Hyaluronate is the rarer salt form of hyaluronic acid, and while there aren’t any studies on its efficacy, we can assume it works similarly to its more popular cousin.
- Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate , or Hyaloveil-P, is hyaluronic acid that’s produced via fermentation. According to the supplier it shares the same benefits as HA.
- Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is like a net of HAs, so it’s not surprising that studies show it has 5 times the water binding abilities of regular HA!6
- Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a bit of a mystery since not much research is out there, but manufacturer claims that it can hold twice as much moisture as HA.
- Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol is another HA compound with Dimethylsilanol, so we can assume the potential benefits are similar to Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate. No studies to prove anything though :(
More isn’t always better, as you can see several of these hyaluronic acids are less proven. They won’t harm your skin, but I wouldn’t say you’re getting 5x the hydrating power of a product with only 2 types of HA either.
Luckily this sunscreen has other, better researched, moisturizing ingredients to round out the list: glycerin, panthenol, and our favorite niacinamide (woohoo!).
Remember, this is a sunscreen, just a really moisturizing one that happens to be able to replace your moisturizer. So look at the ingredients as a sunscreen and not a moisturizer, and you’ll find it’s pretty darn good.
How I Use This Sunscreen
As with all sunscreens, I use this as the last step in my morning skincare routine, making sure I use at least two fingers worth of product for my face, and another finger for my neck.
A typical morning routine will look like this:
cleanser ➡️ toner or first essence ➡️ vitamin c serum ➡️ eye cream ➡️ this sunscreen
I skip moisturizer 99% of the time because the Dr. Ceuracle is plenty hydrating enough.
My Usage Experience & Results
First, I love the packaging. The nozzle design makes it easier and neater to get just the right amount out, especially when you’re doing the two-finger application. Small detail, but it makes a big difference.
Next, I’m loving the texture. It’s got that essence-like texture that reminds me of the famous Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence but with the hydration level turned up a notch. So much that I can safely skip my day cream. For someone with dry skin, this is a big plus. It’s like using a light, hydrating water cream that keeps you moisturized all day.
The finish is on the dewy side, which may or may not be your thing. But for those that are team dewy, it’s a win. It just makes my skin look super hydrated without crossing into oily territory.
As an everyday sunscreen, it’s fantastic. I love that I can shorten my routine by one step yet still keep my skin protected and hydrated. The only snag is that it does sting a bit if it gets into your eyes – learned that the hard way during a cry-fest (postpartum does that to you). But, a quick fix with a bit of powder around the eyes sorts that out.
One thing that makes the Hyal Reyouth Sunscreen stand out from other highly rated Korean sunscreens is its lack of Tinosorb M. While that is a chemical filter, it has some physical filter traits which unfortunately means, it can give off a tiny hint of white cast. Now it’s usually a non-issue on my light skin, but darker skin tones will definitely benefit from avoiding Tinosorb M.
Dr. Ceuracle vs Other Sunscreens
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen
Both feel equally light and elegant, but the BoJ has more of a natural finish that oily and combination skin types will prefer more. Normal and dry skin types will still need a moisturizer beforehand, but otherwise this is a fantastic spf.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream
Both can replace your moisturizer step, the main difference is in the texture. Round Lab feels more like a lush cream, while the Dr. Ceuracle feels like a water cream. They moisturize equally well so it just comes down to texture and filter preferences.
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Another lovely sunscreen that can replace your moisturizer step, the Skin1004 feels lighter than the Round Lab but not quite as light as Dr. Ceuracle. It does have less filters though, and I don’t love the pump packaging (how many pumps = 2 fingers?).
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
The texture is very similar, though the Biore feels noticeably more refreshing thanks to its alcohol content. If you want a sunscreen that truly feels like nothing, go with the Biore, but you may also be disappointed in its inferior uv protection. I do like this one for the body though!
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Final Verdict
Pros
- Great filters and independently tested so you know you’re getting plenty of UVA and UVB protection.
- So moisturizing you can skip your day cream, even if you have dry skin!
- Dewy and completely clear finish that layers well under makeup.
Cons
- Can sting if it gets into your eyes.
- A little pricier than some of the other popular Korean sunscreens
Scores & Summary
-
Ingredients
9/10
-
Packaging
10/10
-
Texture/Application
10/10
-
Performance
9/10
-
Price
8/10
From the ingredients to the texture to the finish to its two-in-one function, my dry skin is absolutely loving the Dr. Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun, even more so than the Beauty of Joseon! It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you have a similar skin type and wish to pare down your morning routine, I can’t recommend it enough.
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims.
Fel, Jean-Pierre, et al. “Photochemical Response of the Scleractinian Coral Stylophora Pistillata to Some Sunscreen Ingredients.” Coral Reefs, vol. 38, no. 1, 29 Dec. 2018, pp. 109–122, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00338-018-01759-4, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-018-01759-4.
M. Mubeen et al. “Elucidating the Photoluminescence Quenching in Ensulizole: an Artificial Water Soluble Sunscreen..” Journal of fluorescence (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10895-021-02736-x.
C. Puglia et al. “Evaluation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsions as carriers for UV-filters: characterization, in vitro penetration and photostability studies..” European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 51 (2014): 211-7 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejps.2013.09.023.
Gariboldi, Silvia, et al. “Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Increases the Self-Defense of Skin Epithelium by Induction of β-Defensin 2 via TLR2 and TLR4.” The Journal of Immunology, vol. 181, no. 3, July 2008, pp. 2103–10, https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.181.3.2103.
Schlesinger, Todd, and Callie Rowland Powell. “Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Topical Gel in the Treatment of Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 5, no. 10, Matrix Medical Communications, 2012, pp. 20–23, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3486775/.
Sundaram. “Pilot Comparative Study of the Topical Action of a Novel, Crosslinked Resilient Hyaluronic Acid on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in a Dynamic, Three-Dimensional Human Explant Model.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD, vol. 15, no. 4, J Drugs Dermatol, 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27050698/.
This really sounds interesting for those that struggle with the cast from TinosorbM. Thank you for the review. I might revisit in winter, when my skin needs a little more hydration, right now it would probably be too much.
Anne from Doctor Anne