Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight mineral (physical) sunscreen from Active Nine built on non-nano Zinc Oxide for broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ protection. This "Mild Sun Relief Cream" is formulated to calm and condition skin with 2% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, adenosine, tea tree leaf water and a botanical Phyto Mucin 5 Complex — delivering high UV defense with only a minimal white cast and a soft, non-sticky finish suited to sensitive and acne-prone skin.
100% Mineral Defense
Non-nano Zinc Oxide reflects and absorbs both UVA and UVB rays without chemical filters, lowering the risk of stinging or irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORY100% Mineral Defense
Non-nano Zinc Oxide reflects and absorbs both UVA and UVB rays without chemical filters, lowering the risk of stinging or irritation.
Triple Functional
Clinically tested in Korea as a triple-functional formula: sun protection, brightening and anti-wrinkle care in one step.
Phyto Mucin 5 Complex
A vegan plant blend (ashitaba, lotus root, molokhia, okra and yam root) that mimics mucin to hydrate and balance oil-water levels.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Certified vegan and cruelty-free with no animal-derived mucin, no fragrance and no essential oils — a clean, no-stress daily SPF.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEA 100% mineral (zinc oxide) sunscreen with no chemical UV filters, retinoids, hydroquinone or true salicylic acid (BHA) — the type dermatologists most often recommend during pregnancy. Always confirm with your doctor.
Independently flagged as malassezia-safe. It avoids the free fatty acids, oils and most esters that commonly feed fungal acne, making it suitable for malassezia-prone skin.
Contains no added fragrance, essential oils, parabens, sulfates, harsh drying alcohols or common allergens, lowering the chance of reactive-skin flare-ups.
Contains tea tree (Melaleuca) leaf water and niacinamide. Both are well tolerated by most, but very reactive skin should patch test first as tea tree can occasionally sensitize.
Compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA and BHA used at other times of day. As the final daytime step it sits over treatments without deactivating them.
Mineral filters are far less likely to cause the eye-stinging associated with many chemical sunscreens, a plus for sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSZinc Oxide ~12–15%Proven
The sole UV filter and the second ingredient on the list, meaning it is present at a high active level. This non-nano mineral filter forms a protective layer that shields against UVB, UVA-II and UVA-I.
- Source: FDA-recognized as the broadest broad-spectrum mineral filter, covering both UVA and UVB.
- Source: Highly photostable, so it does not break down quickly under sunlight like many chemical filters.
- Source: Known for soothing properties and low irritation, which is why it features in sunscreens for sensitive and baby skin.
Niacinamide ~2%Proven
Vitamin B3 is the headline brightening active. It strengthens the skin barrier, helps fade dark spots, regulates oil and supports a more even, radiant tone over time.
- Source: Converts in skin to NAD, a coenzyme that supports cell repair, collagen production and barrier strength.
- Source: Gentle and well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate <1%Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. It acts as a humectant, drawing and holding water in the skin so the formula hydrates while it protects.
- Source: Smaller molecular size than pure hyaluronic acid, allowing more even surface hydration.
- Source: Occurs naturally in the body and is exceptional at binding moisture.
Adenosine ~0.04%Proven
The anti-wrinkle active behind the cream's "anti-aging" claim, used at the concentration typical of Korean functional sunscreens.
- Source: Helps boost collagen production and improve firmness and the look of fine lines.
- Source: Also studied for supporting tissue repair and wound healing.
Panthenol ~0.5–1%Proven
Pro-vitamin B5, a soothing humectant that calms and conditions skin — a key reason this is marketed as a "relief" cream.
- Source: Penetrates into deeper skin layers to bind water and support hydration.
- Source: Supports the skin barrier and aids the look of irritated or healing skin.
Phyto Mucin 5 Complex BlendPromising
A vegan botanical blend of ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei), lotus root (Nelumbo Nucifera), molokhia (Corchorus Olitorius), okra (Hibiscus Esculentus) and Japanese yam root (Dioscorea Japonica) that mimics the slip and hydration of snail mucin without any animal ingredients.
- Source: Lotus root, ashitaba and yam extracts contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Source: Included to hydrate and help balance the skin's oil-water levels, a common pain point with mineral sunscreens.
Butyloctyl Salicylate Few %Promising
A cosmetic salicylate ester used as an SPF booster, photostabilizer and emollient. Despite the name, it is not exfoliating salicylic acid (BHA) and behaves like a spreading agent, not a treatment acid.
- Source: Helps stabilize the UV filter and prevents it from degrading quickly in sunlight.
- Source: Improves spreadability so the zinc layer applies more evenly with less white cast.
28 ingredients
Water, Zinc Oxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Isododecane, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Panthenol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEAlways the final step of your morning skincare. Apply after moisturizer and before any makeup, using roughly two finger-lengths for the face and neck. Reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply Last in the AM
After your toner, treatment and moisturizer have absorbed, apply this cream as the final daytime step.
Use Enough
Dispense about two finger-lengths for full face and neck — under-applying lowers the effective SPF.
Pat & Spread Evenly
Gently massage and pat until absorbed. Give mineral sunscreen a moment to set before makeup to avoid pilling.
Reapply Through the Day
Reapply every two hours during prolonged sun exposure, or after sweating, swimming or towel-drying.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive or easily stung skin and prefer a mineral filter
- You are acne-prone or malassezia-prone and need a fungal-acne-safe SPF
- You want sun protection plus brightening and anti-wrinkle benefits in one step
- You avoid fragrance, essential oils and chemical sunscreens
- You want a high-value, vegan daily sunscreen on a budget
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very deep skin tone and dislike any trace of white cast
- You want a completely invisible, dewy chemical-filter finish
- You need a large-volume body sunscreen (this is a 50 ml facial size)
- You are sensitized to tea tree or niacinamide
- You prefer a richer cream for very dry skin without layering a moisturizer
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, non-greasy cream with niacinamide to help balance oil and a soft, natural finish.
Hyaluronic acid and panthenol add comfort, but very dry skin should layer a moisturizer underneath.
The Phyto Mucin blend helps balance oil-water levels across different facial zones.
Fragrance-free mineral formula with low sting risk; patch test for tea tree if very reactive.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free and fungal-acne safe, with niacinamide to support clearer skin.
Adenosine adds anti-wrinkle support; daily SPF is the single best anti-aging step.
Results timeline
3+ MONTHSImmediate Protection & Comfort
Full SPF50+ PA++++ protection from first use, with a soft, hydrated feel and only a minimal white cast.
90% noticedCalmer, More Balanced Skin
Panthenol, tea tree water and the Phyto Mucin blend help skin feel less reactive and better balanced day to day.
68% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
With consistent daily use, niacinamide supports a more radiant, even complexion and helps fade the look of dark spots.
61% noticedLong-Term Anti-Aging
Daily UV defense plus adenosine helps protect against photoaging, supporting firmer-looking skin and fewer new dark spots over time.
57% noticedRatings by platform
561+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 100% mineral SPF50+ PA++++ with low irritation and eye-sting risk
- Lightweight, non-sticky cream that absorbs fast for a physical sunscreen
- Fungal-acne safe, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Brightening niacinamide plus hydrating Phyto Mucin and HA
- Vegan, cruelty-free and excellent value for money
Criticized
- Slight white cast typical of zinc-based formulas
- Small 50 ml size disappears fast with correct usage
- Tea tree may not suit the most reactive skin
- Can pill under makeup if not given time to set
- Limited availability outside Asian beauty retailers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Shares around 18 ingredients including zinc, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. A touch dewier and easier to find in the West, but skips the Phyto Mucin botanical blend.
Also uses yam root and a mineral base, but adds a tone-up tint for instant brightness. Heavier cast than this clear-finish cream.
A pricier zinc + 2% niacinamide sunscreen with mugwort and squalane in a gel-lotion texture. More widely stocked but roughly double the price.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEThis Product (Featured)
AXIS-Y No-Stress Physical V.3
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high heat to keep the filter stable.
Squeeze tube, 50 ml
Yes — 50 ml is well under the 100 ml carry-on limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt is generally considered a pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly choice because it relies on 100% mineral zinc oxide and contains no chemical UV filters, retinoids, hydroquinone or true salicylic acid (BHA). The butyloctyl salicylate it contains is a cosmetic ester and SPF booster, not exfoliating salicylic acid. As always, confirm any product with your own doctor during pregnancy.
Yes. It has been independently flagged as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. It avoids the free fatty acids, oils and most esters that typically feed malassezia, making it a suitable daily SPF for those managing fungal acne.
Yes. As a sunscreen it is applied as the last step of your morning routine and layers over any treatment without deactivating it. Daily SPF is actually essential when using retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids, since those actives increase sun sensitivity.
It suits most skin types but shines for sensitive, oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its gentle mineral filter, oil-balancing niacinamide and fungal-acne-safe formula. Very dry skin can use it over a moisturizer, and deeper skin tones should rub it in fully to minimize cast.
UV protection and a calmer, hydrated feel are immediate. Brightening and a more even tone from niacinamide usually become visible after about 4–8 weeks of daily use, while the long-term anti-aging benefit of consistent sun protection builds over months.
It is always the final step of your morning skincare — after cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer, and before any makeup. Use about two finger-lengths for the face and neck, and reapply every two hours of sun exposure.
It is rated low on the comedogenic scale (about 1/5). The formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe, and zinc oxide itself is soothing rather than pore-clogging, so it is well suited to breakout-prone skin.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). To keep the zinc oxide filter performing at its best, store the tube in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight, and replace it once the period after opening has passed.
Verdict: The Active Nine Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream is one of the best-value mineral sunscreens in K-beauty. It delivers clinically tested SPF50+ PA++++ from non-nano zinc oxide while staying fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, vegan and gentle enough for sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, adenosine and the vegan Phyto Mucin 5 Complex add brightening, hydrating and anti-aging extras you rarely find at this price. The only trade-offs are the slight white cast inherent to zinc filters and a compact 50 ml size — minor compromises for a daily sunscreen this affordable and well formulated.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Zinc Oxide
Skin Protecting, Sunscreen Agent, Cosmetic Colorant
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 3 |
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|