SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Review: Is It Better Than Beauty of Joseon?
If you’ve been searching for a Korean sunscreen that feels more like skincare than SPF, you’ve probably seen the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum everywhere.
It keeps showing up on K-beauty bestseller lists, especially on YesStyle and StyleVana, and it is often compared with other viral Korean sunscreens like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen.
So the real question is: is the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica sunscreen actually worth the hype, or is it just another lightweight Korean SPF?
Here’s my honest review.
💜 Want to try it? Shop the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum on YesStyle · StyleVana · Amazon
Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
The SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is one of the easiest Korean sunscreens to recommend if you want a lightweight, hydrating, non-heavy daily SPF. It has a soft serum-like texture, blends quickly, and feels comfortable for everyday use.
I think it is especially good for people who dislike thick, greasy sunscreens and want something that works well under makeup.
That said, if you have very oily skin or you prefer a matte finish, this may feel a little too dewy depending on your climate and skincare routine underneath.
🛍️ Convinced? Grab the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum on YesStyle · StyleVana · Amazon
Best For
- Normal to dry skin
- Combination skin that likes a hydrated glow
- People who want a lightweight daily Korean sunscreen
- Anyone looking for a Beauty of Joseon or Round Lab sunscreen alternative
- Makeup wearers who want SPF that layers smoothly
Maybe Skip If
- You want a completely matte sunscreen
- You have very oily skin and dislike any glow
- You need a water-resistant sunscreen for swimming, beach days, or intense workouts
What Is SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum?
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ is a Korean chemical sunscreen designed to feel hydrating and lightweight on the skin.
Despite the word “serum” in the name, this is not a serum you use before sunscreen. It is the sunscreen step itself. The “serum” name mainly describes the texture: soft, fluid, moisturizing, and skincare-like.
The product is part of SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella line, which is known for soothing, barrier-friendly formulas. This sunscreen focuses on a hydrated finish rather than a dry matte finish.
Why It’s Trending
There are three reasons this sunscreen keeps getting attention:
- The texture is very easy to wear. It does not feel like old-school sunscreen.
- It has strong K-beauty retailer visibility. It has been ranking high on platforms like YesStyle and StyleVana.
- It fits the current sunscreen trend. People want SPF that feels like moisturizer, not a sticky extra layer.
It also sits in the same conversation as Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen, and Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel — all sunscreens that became popular because they feel comfortable enough for daily use.
Texture & Finish
The texture is probably the biggest selling point.
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum has a light cream-serum texture that spreads easily and melts into the skin without much effort. It does not have that heavy, paste-like sunscreen feeling.
On the skin, the finish is hydrated and slightly glowy. I would not call it greasy, but I also would not call it matte. It gives the kind of fresh, moisturized finish that many Korean sunscreens are known for.
If your skin is dry or normal, this finish will probably look healthy and comfortable. If your skin is oily, especially in humid weather, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer underneath or set your T-zone with powder.
Does It Leave a White Cast?
One of the best things about this sunscreen is that it blends in very easily and should not leave the obvious white cast that many mineral sunscreens can leave.
Because the texture is lightweight and serum-like, it disappears into the skin quickly. This makes it a good everyday option if you hate sunscreens that sit visibly on top of the face.
As always, white cast can vary depending on skin tone and how much product you apply, but compared with thicker or mineral-based sunscreens, this one is much easier to work with.
How It Feels Under Makeup
This is one of the areas where the SKIN1004 sunscreen performs well.
Because it has a smooth, hydrating finish, it layers nicely under base makeup. It does not pill easily when applied over a simple skincare routine, and it gives foundation or cushion a soft, moisturized base.
My tip is to keep your morning skincare simple:
- Light toner or essence
- Optional lightweight serum
- SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
- Makeup after a few minutes
If you use a heavy cream underneath, the finish can become too glowy or slippery, especially if you have combination or oily skin.
What I Like About It
1. It feels more like skincare than sunscreen
This is the main reason I understand the hype. It does not feel like a chore to apply. The texture is soft, smooth, and comfortable enough for daily use.
2. It is hydrating without feeling too thick
Some hydrating sunscreens feel too rich or sticky. This one gives moisture, but it still feels light enough for daytime.
3. It works well for no-makeup and makeup days
On no-makeup days, it gives a healthy glow. Under makeup, it acts almost like a moisturizing primer.
4. It is a strong alternative to Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
If you like the idea of Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun but want to try something slightly more watery and serum-like, SKIN1004 is a very good alternative.
💜 Love the pros? Shop the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum on YesStyle · StyleVana · Amazon
What I Don’t Like
1. It may be too dewy for very oily skin
The finish is not greasy, but it is definitely not matte. If your skin gets shiny quickly, this may not be your perfect sunscreen unless you use powder.
2. It is not the sunscreen I’d choose for swimming or heavy sweating
This is more of an everyday city sunscreen. For beach days, outdoor workouts, or heavy sweating, I would use a dedicated water-resistant sunscreen.
3. The name can be confusing
Because it says “Sun Serum,” some people may wonder if it is a serum or sunscreen. To be clear: this is your sunscreen step.
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica vs Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
This is probably the comparison most people care about.
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| Product | Texture | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum | Light serum-cream | Hydrated, fresh glow | Normal, dry, combination skin |
| Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun | Moisturizer-like cream | Soft natural glow | Most skin types, especially normal to dry |
If you want something that feels more like a lightweight serum, I would choose SKIN1004. If you want something that feels more like a soft moisturizer, Beauty of Joseon may be better.
Personally, I think SKIN1004 feels a little more “watery” and fresh, while Beauty of Joseon feels slightly creamier.
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica vs Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen
Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen is another popular Korean SPF with a hydrating finish.
💜 Want to try Round Lab? Shop Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream on YesStyle · StyleVana · Amazon
Compared with Round Lab, the SKIN1004 sunscreen feels a bit more serum-like and lightweight. Round Lab has a very comfortable moisturizing feel, but SKIN1004 may be the better pick if you want something that disappears quickly and layers easily.
If your skin is dry, you may prefer Round Lab. If your skin is normal to combination and you want a fresher finish, SKIN1004 is very appealing.
Who Should Use This Sunscreen?
I would recommend the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum if:
- You want a daily Korean sunscreen with SPF50+ PA++++
- You dislike thick or sticky sunscreens
- You want something that works under makeup
- You prefer a hydrated, glowy finish
- You are looking for a Beauty of Joseon or Round Lab alternative
I would be more cautious if:
- You have very oily skin
- You live in a very humid climate
- You only like matte sunscreens
- You need water resistance for sports or swimming
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight serum-like texture
- Comfortable for daily wear
- No heavy sunscreen feeling
- Hydrating finish
- Works well under makeup
- Good alternative to Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
- Easy to blend
Cons
- May be too glowy for very oily skin
- Not ideal as a beach or sports sunscreen
- Can feel too moisturizing if layered over heavy skincare
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum good for oily skin?
It can work for oily skin, but it depends on how much glow you like. The formula is lightweight, but the finish is hydrated rather than matte. If you have oily skin, use a light moisturizer underneath or skip moisturizer in the morning.
Does SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica sunscreen leave a white cast?
It blends in easily and is much less likely to leave a strong white cast compared with many mineral sunscreens. The finish is transparent and skin-like once absorbed.
Is SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum good under makeup?
Yes. It layers well under makeup because the texture is smooth and hydrating. Let it settle for a few minutes before applying foundation or cushion.
Is this better than Beauty of Joseon sunscreen?
It depends on your preference. SKIN1004 feels more serum-like and fresh, while Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun feels more like a moisturizer. If you want a lighter sunscreen, SKIN1004 may be better. If you want a creamier feel, Beauty of Joseon may be better.
Can I use it every day?
Yes, this is designed as a daily sunscreen. Apply it as the last step of your morning skincare routine and reapply as needed during the day.
Final Verdict: Is SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Worth It?
Yes — I think the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is worth trying, especially if you want a Korean sunscreen that feels light, hydrating, and easy to wear every day.
It is not the most matte sunscreen, and it is not the one I would choose for swimming or intense outdoor activity. But as a daily sunscreen for normal, dry, or combination skin, it is excellent.
If Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun feels a little too creamy for you, or if Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen feels a bit too moisturizing, SKIN1004 may be the sweet spot.
Final rating: 4.6/5
Best for: daily use, hydrated skin, makeup prep, normal to dry skin, combination skin that likes a glow.
Where to Buy
You can find SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum at major K-beauty retailers. Prices often change, so it is worth comparing before buying.
