Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Review: Lightweight, Hydrating Korean SPF50+
Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Amy
If you’ve ever skipped sunscreen because it felt heavy, greasy, or ruined your makeup, I’ve found something that might just change your mind. I’ve been testing the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++—quite the mouthful, I know—for a few weeks, and I’m ready to share my thoughts.
What Is Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum?
This is a lightweight Korean sunscreen from Skin1004, a popular K-beauty brand known for using calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica. It also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, making it ideal for anyone looking for daily SPF protection without the stickiness, greasiness, or white cast you often get with other sunscreens.
And spoiler alert: it really delivers on those claims.
First Impressions and Texture
I usually hate thick, heavy sunscreens, but this one feels more like a watery serum than a typical SPF. It absorbs quickly, feels weightless on the skin, and layers beautifully over your skincare or under makeup.
- No white cast
- No greasy residue
- Leaves a healthy, natural glow—not shiny or matte, just fresh-looking skin
It’s the kind of sunscreen you’ll actually enjoy using every day.
How It Performed on My Combination Skin
I’ve worn this during school runs, busy workdays, and family days out in the sun. Here’s how it performed:
- No pilling or patchiness under makeup
- No stinging or eye irritation
- No clogged pores or heavy feeling
I have slightly sensitive, combination skin, and it played nicely with all my other products. I did notice a few chin breakouts while testing, but I’m not sure if it was the sunscreen or just hormonal flare-ups. It’s something I’ll continue to monitor.
I also experienced a mild tingling on application now and then. To be fair, this happens to me with most sunscreens, even those labelled for sensitive skin. It settled quickly and didn’t leave any redness or lasting irritation.
Can You Skip Moisturiser?
Honestly, yes, especially if you have oily or combination skin. On busy mornings, I’ve skipped my moisturiser and gone straight in with this SPF because it feels so hydrating on its own.
How I Use It in My Routine:
- Cleanser
- Essence
- Serum
- Moisturiser (optional)
- Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum (use two finger-lengths worth of product)
- Makeup or go bare-faced
If your skin is on the drier side, you might still want to layer a moisturiser underneath, but this sunscreen works beautifully on its own in the warmer months.
Don’t forget to reapply if you’re outside for long periods, though I usually rely on a top-up with a spray SPF or powder later in the day.
Are Korean Sunscreens Effective?
So for me, the Skin1004 Sun Serum is perfect for everyday wear, school runs, office days, and cloudy weather in the UK. But I’ll be packing something a bit heavier duty when I’m on holiday or spending long hours outdoors in the summer.
While Korean sunscreens like this one are fantastic for daily wear, there has been some discussion about whether they provide the full SPF50+ protection claimed, especially in extreme heat or direct sun.
Personally, I love this sunscreen for everyday use, but I switch to European or Australian sunscreens when I’m on holiday or outdoors for long periods. Brands like La Roche-Posay and Ultra Violette are my go-tos when I need heavy-duty UVA and UVB protection.
It’s also worth noting that Skin1004 isn’t officially available in the US, so you’ll need to order it from international retailers or K-beauty specialists.
Where to Buy
You can get the 50ml tube here for £9.79 or the 100mls (pictured above) for £14.89 here, both at YesStyle. Make sure to use my code HURRYUP123 for extra discount!
In the UK, it is also available at Boots for £16 (50mls) if you prefer to shop locally.
Final Thoughts
I really like this sunscreen. It’s one of the easiest SPFs I’ve ever used, no white cast, no greasy feeling, and it makes my skin look and feel healthy. Plus, it works brilliantly under makeup, which is a huge win in my book.
I’ll definitely keep using it, though I’ll be keeping an eye on those chin breakouts just in case. Overall, I think it’s a fantastic option if you want an everyday SPF that feels light, hydrating, and non-sticky.
Definitely one to try if you’ve been hunting for something that feels more like skincare than sunscreen.
Looking for more Korean skincare products? Check out my Budget Glass Skin Routine here or Skin1004 Tone Brightening Ampoule review here.
