Korean sunscreens, sunscreens, sunscreens.  We can’t get enough of them, especially with the huge hole many of my favorite sunscreens has left us with.  If you don’t know what I’m referring to, make sure to check out this post to get the low down on the whole sunscreen drama which started last year in December. Also if you want to see the list of clinically proven Korean sunscreens, make sure to check out this post as well. Abib quickly becoming a favourite brand in my books recently came out with four new sunscreens to choose from and I just couldn’t get enough.  I had the privilege of being able to test out all four for you guys, so we’re going to see which one is a must-have and which one might not work for you.  Let’s get into it!

 *Sponsored by Abib.  All opinions are my own.*

Who are Abib? What is their brand story?

Abib is from the first month of the ancient Hebrew calendar that corresponds to Nisan.  Abib (the K-beauty brand) based its ideology on “the first month”, to thrive and aim for pure and simplistic skincare.  Their mission is to keep your skin cycle at its prime, natural complexion without the fuss and illusion of current trends.

The brand strives to produce products that help increase the skin’s self-generating power, prevent toxic ingredients, slow down the aging process and induce removal of dead skin cells and increase the skin’s natural defense.  Abib’s packaging is also kept at a minimalistic aesthetic to showcase the products simplistic and pure approach by eliminating unnecessary elements and minimal colors.  They also take the extra step with their packaging by choosing recycled materials, printing with soy ink, and using 100% biodegradable shipping packaging to make sure they produce the least amount of a carbon footprint possible.

Full name of product:
Abib heartleaf sun essence calming drop

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
“The Heartleaf calming sun essence, calming drop, a powerful drop to protect your skin.

50,000 ppm of heartleaf extract from the Jiri mountain, the sun essences fortified with heartleaf smoothly absorbs onto the skin. Not only does it calm your skin, but also provides sun protection.

Light absorb
Skincare and sun protection in one bottle!  The light and moist texture quickly absorb into the skin, providing a soft and featherlight finish.  Experience a daily suncare that is light and comfortable.”

Sunscreen:
SPF 50+ PA++++

Chemical or physical sunscreen?:
Chemical & physical (but mostly chemical)

Price:
$28.00 usd

Amount of product:
50 mL

Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Cosmax Inc.

Where to buy:
Abib Global
Stylevana
Stylekorean
Jolse

Ingredients:
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Alcohol, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenethyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-15, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Hexyl Laurate, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Aspergillus Ferment, Triticum Aestivum (Wheat) Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Decyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tromethamine, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Glycerin, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Lipase, Protease, C20-22 Alcohols, Xanthan Gum

Sun filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polysilicone-15, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone

Product packaging:
Out of the four, the heartleaf sun essence has the most elegant packaging.  Housed in its glass bottle, this very unique sunscreen comes in a dropped system which makes it easy to control how much sunscreen you are putting on.

Out of the four sunscreen options to choose from Abib, this heartleaf sun essence was the most interesting to me.  There were talks about the essence or lighter textured sunscreens might not give you the indicated sun protection, however with 6 sunscreen filters being used in this formula, I don’t think we have anything to worry about. 

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is a new generation chemical sunscreen agent designed for high UVA protection and high photostability, while Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazin is one of the best sunscreen agents with a strong broad-spectrum UVA and UVB range from 280-400 nm. Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol is a hybrid of a chemical and physical agent which is another filter not available in the USA. Ethylhexyl Triazone is also a newer chemical filter used for its high photo stable absorption of all UVB filters, while Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone can be used in low concentrations to achieve high SPF values.

If you guys don’t know about the different sunscreen regulations in the world, the USA’s FDA-approved sunscreen filters are a decade behind and only has 8 approved UVB filters and 2 approved UVA filters.  Compared to Europe which has 27 approved filters, the USA is so far behind, it’s not even funny.  Of course, Asia also being one of the leading innovators in sunscreen formulations, they are bound to have better textures and more filters to choose from.

Texture/ Finish:
This might be one of the most interesting textures for sunscreens I’ve ever used.  When you first drip the Abib heartleaf sun essence, it seems very watery and you might even question if it will give you the protection you need.  Once you massage it into your skin though, it almost thickens up just a slight bit and turns into a tad bit of a melting jelly texture.  You are then left with absolutely no white cast, very hydrated-looking skin, and very protected from the sun.

If you can see on my knuckles, the dewy finish is prevalent, however, it feels very comfortable on the skin.  I’m not sure how oily skin types might react to this one, but you guys might think it is too hydrating for your liking.  Those with dry, normal, and combination skin types would love this version from Abib.

Flash white cast?:
There is absolutely no white cast even with flash! Just a nice healthy glow to the skin.

Fragrance?:
There is a slight sunscreen scent to it, but it kind of smells like tofu pudding in my opinion.  Smell-o-scale: 6/10 in terms of how strong the scent is and it does fade right after application.

Pro:
-very lightweight
-super hydrating
-caused no skin irritation
-no white cast

Con:
No complaints!

Repurchase?:
Yes!

Stars given out of 5:
?????

This sunscreen easily won its holy grail stamp of approval from yours truly.  The texture, the hydration level, everything about this sunscreen is absolutely perfect.  I would love to see this sunscreen get tested by a third-party lab so we get reassurance, but with the number of filters, I’m quite confident the SPF levels are as indicated.  Overall I give this two thumbs up and the sunscreen you have to get if you are choosing one from Abib.

Full name of product:
Abib quick sunstick protection bar

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
“Abib quick sunstick protection bar SPF 50+ PA++++
The easiest way of protecting your skin from the sun.

Sun protection
Experience how it perfectly applies to your skin with its wide stick.  Protect your skin easily and quickly.

For make up
It leaves your skin fresh and non-sticky without any white cast!  The formula gets perfectly absorbed into the skin even after reapplying several times.

Smooth
Refreshing texture without stickiness or uncomfortable residue!  The molecules are bonded with hydrogen to control excessive oil and hydrates the skin.

Soothing
Acacia-peptide and ceramide strengthen the skin barrier.”

Sunscreen:
SPF 50+ PA++++

Chemical or physical sunscreen?:
Chemical sunscreen

Price:
$28.00 usd

Amount of product:
22 g

Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Cosmax Inc.

Where to buy:
Abib global
Stylekorean
Jolse

Ingredients:
Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Diisostearyl Malate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dextrin Palmitate, Octocrylene, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Water, Butylene Glycol, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ceramide NP, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

Sunscreen filters: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Octocrylene

Product packaging:
Abib’s quick sunstick comes in a cute little deodorant-esque packaging which you simply pop off the lid and roll up the sunscreen.  This format would be great for those who are either on the go or lazy like my boyfriend.  Getting your partner to use sunscreen is so hard ugh!!

There are two versions of sun sticks to choose from Abib and this is the clear, no color one.  It looks a bit yellow in the tube, but there is absolutely no color to this.  Now, this sun stick uses five different sun filters. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is a clear, oil-soluble chemical sunscreen that absorbs only absorbs UVB radiation, not UVA rays. Ethylhexyl Salicylate is another UVB sunscreen filter that is best used in combination with other filters while Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is a new generation chemical sunscreen that has high UVA protection and high photostability. Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (aka. Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol) is one of the best chemical sunscreen agents with a broad spectrum.  Lastly, Octocrylene protects the skin from UVB and a little bit of UVA.

Texture/ Finish:
Out of the first, this one is the most lightweight and would definitely work with all skin types.  For me and my dry skin, it was decently hydrating without drying my skin out.  I can easily see those with oily skin types or those who prefer those who like barely-there sunscreens loving this version.  This Abib quick sunstick also rubs in nicely and doesn’t leave my skin feeling velvety.  I personally don’t even bother massaging it into the skin after applying it directly on my face and neck.

Flash white cast?:
There is absolutely no white cast on the skin with flash photography.

Fragrance?:
There’s a hint of glue stick/ sunscreen scent, but it is super faint.  Smell-o-scale: 4/10 in terms of how strong the scent is and it fades after application.

Pro:
-easy to apply
-very travel-friendly (curse TSA and their 100 mL limit)
-lightweight on the skin
-no white cast!

Con:
No complaints either!

Repurchase?:
Maybe

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are looking for an easy, on-the-go, sunscreen that you don’t even need a mirror to apply, this version is totally for you.  This would be great for kids as well since it is a no-mess format of application.  This Abib quick sun stick is definitely screaming to be with my boyfriend who is the laziest skincare user and absolutely hates anything “sticky”.  Overall I did really enjoy this sunscreen and would be a great addition to anyone who also needs a good sunscreen underneath their make up.

Full name of product:
Abib tone-up sunstick silky bar

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
“Abib tone up sunstick silky bar SPF 50+ PA++++
Silky bar, a refreshing daily suncare that brightens up your skin.

Tone up
Experience a brighter complexion!  Brighten up your skin conveniently, the silky bar supports the skin to have a naturally clear and brighter look.

Silky texture
Complete comfort that doesn’t transfer!  The light texture applies to skin with no stickiness, leaving a soft and silky finish.

Hydration
Aquaxl and hyaluronic acid supports refreshing, moist suncare.”

Sunscreen:
SPF 50+ PA++++

Chemical or physical sunscreen?:
Chemical sunscreen

Price:
$24.00 usd

Amount of product:
20 g

Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Cosmax Inc.

Where to buy:
Abib global
Jolse

Ingredients:
Polyethylene, Homosalate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octocrylene, Ceresin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Silica Silylate, Dimethicone, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Synthetic Wax, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Octyldodecanol, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Tocopherol, Water (Aqua), Xylitylglucoside, Bht, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Sunscreen filters: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Product packaging:
Product packaging is exactly the same as the quick sun stick.  It is housed in this plastic deodorant type of packaging which you rotate the wheel on the bottom to push up the product.  This stick does go down smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about having to worry about dispensing the right amount of product. 

Texture/ Finish:
Unlike the Abib quick sunstick, this one does have a brightening effect with its creamy white texture and finish.  When you first apply it to the skin, it does look like a scary chalk white that won’t look flattering on the skin.  Once it has been blended into the skin, there is a faint white and brightened complexion but it is quite undetectable.  It is ever so slightly creamier than the sun stick, however, the texture and finish are the same.  It is the same super-thin texture that is very lightweight and practically undetectable on the skin.  I didn’t feel any type of drying throughout the day reapplication was very easy.

Flash white cast?:
To my surprise, flash photography with this tone-up sun stick doesn’t give as strong of a white cast as I thought.  My guess is because all the sunscreen filters are chemical filters that usually melt into the skin and leaves an undetectable finish.  If you are wondering about the filters, they are the exact same as the quick sunstick up above.

Fragrance?:
No scent detected

Pro:
-natural brightening effect
-lightweight texture
-easy reapplication

Con:
-I personally wouldn’t use it all over my face and neck.

Repurchase?:
Maybe, it depends on the usage

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This version is one that takes a bit more effort to use in my opinion.  I am not one to use many tone-up products in makeup anyways.  I do like that this tone-up formula is very natural and melts into the skin well without giving me Casper the ghost in a stick, however, I use this very strategically as a highlighter alongside the quick sun stick.  This is of course my opinion, but for those who like an all-over brightening product with great sun protection, this one might be for you.

Full name of product:
Abib mild sunscreen protection tube

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
“Abib mild sunscreen protection tube SPF 50+ PA++++
Double protected layer that perfectly protects your skin from the sun.

Sun protection
Double functioning sunscreen (Physical sunscreen + chemical sunscreen) presents strong sun protection.

For makeup
Contains oil-control powder that makes your skin fresh and silky.  NO need to work about cakey makeup!

Hydration
Goes on smoothly without any white cast.  Leaves your skin feeling hydrated.

Soothing
Acacia peptide and ceramide strengthen the skin barrier.”

Sunscreen:
SPF 50+ PA++++

Chemical or physical sunscreen?:
Chemical sunscreen

Price:
$32.00 usd

Amount of product:
50 mL

Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Cosmax Inc.

Where to buy:
Abib global
Stylekorean
Jolse

Ingredients:
Water, Cyclomethicone, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Caprylyl Methicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tribehenin, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ceresin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glucose, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Panthenol

Sunscreen filters: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (aka. Avobenzone)

Product packaging:
The Abib mild sunblock is the only one that comes in a tube, which I quite like for ease of usage.  I love Abib’s simplistic approach to the design and they make the overall look very unisex.  You know you have a man in your life that is still very “ugh the packaging is too girl, it’s not for me” type of attitude (aka. my boyfriend).  Preserve your skin, not your masculinity.

To dispense the sunscreen, simply twist off the lid, and voila!  Nothing to it :).

Texture/ Finish:
Abib mild sunblock protection tube version is just a tad bit thicker than the heartleaf sun essence.  Once you massage your skin, it does melt into your skin, leaving an ever so slight white cast due to its chemical and physical sunscreen filters used in the formulation.  This version contains three sunscreen filters.  Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen that protects you from UVB and is usually used in combination with other filters as it is not photostable by itself. Ethylhexyl Salicylate is also another UVB sunscreen filter while Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (aka. Avobenzone) is another chemical filter with strong UVA protection.

Out of the four versions, the Abib mild sunblock protection tube is the only one that has more of a satin/ hydrating matte finish.  I didn’t find it to dry out my skin through the day nor did it make my skin itchy in any way either.  This version does take a little bit more work to blend into the skin and leaves a slight white cast. I wouldn’t recommend this version if you are a darker complexion as it might possibly make you look ashy.

Flash white cast?:
Even before the flash photography, you can see a bit of a white cast in the photo on the right.  You can clearly see where the sunscreen ends on my wrist but it doesn’t look as severe under natural light.  I think it might be more pronounced under studio lights, but I would definitely avoid this sunscreen if you are going to get photographed.  Under flash photography, the white cast isn’t absolutely screaming however if you are reapplying, I think that might be a problem.

Fragrance?:
There is a traditional sunscreen scent to this but it isn’t strong.  Smell-o-scale: 4/10 in terms of how strong the scent is and it fades after application.

Pro:
-uses both chemical and physical filters
-satin/ matte finish without being drying

Con:
-white cast

Repurchase?:
Not for me

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think the Abib heartleaf sun essence definitely spoiled me with its stellar formulation.  Although this version isn’t for me, I think there is definitely someone out there that would appreciate the satin/ matte finish as well as a slight brightening finish.  Just make sure you are not going somewhere where you are getting photographed!

_________________________

No surprise here but out of the first versions, my favorite and one I highly recommend is the Abib heartleaf sun essence.  It is one of those sunscreens that is just so comfortable on the skin, doesn’t cause irritations for me and I can even wear it alone without prepping my skin with moisturizer beforehand.  The deep hydration property could also be a good hydrating primer with great sun protection.  That is one sunscreen I will sing to the high heavens and easily recommend for anyone that is looking for sunscreen!

 *Sponsored by Abib.  All opinions are my own.*