Finding the ideal sunscreen can be tricky, there are three K-beauty sunscreens that everyone loves: Beauty Of Joseon, Round Lab and Skin1004. 2024 came with lots of new products, and Skin1004 decided to surprise us with an even more moisturizing product. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule is one of three new sunscreens and it already got lots of love from customers. Why this sunscreen is so good?
What's UV?
UV stands for Ultraviolet, it's nothing else than the selected range of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. UV rays are not visible to humans, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. Each type of UV - UVA, UVB and UVC has different wavelengths and different properties.
UVA, UVB and UVC - what does each of them do and where you can meet them?
I'm sure you know about UVA and UVB, but UVC or the difference between UVA2 and UVA1? Let's start from the shortest wavelengths - UVC (100nm - 280nm) exist in space and is absorbed by the ozone layer, it can kill bacteria that's why on Earth you can find it in germicidal lamps - you might ask me, but these lamps are usually visible to a human - it's because they are made in a way that makes them safe for you and other people - you shouldn't enter the room when the UV lamp is on and make people aware that the lamp is on we add other substances so the lamp has a blue/purple colour when it's on. This technology is used for example at labs and hospitals. We all remember UVB (280nm –315nm) because it is said that B in UVB stands for BURN. Indeed, this UV length is responsible for sunburns, but it also helps with the synthesis of Vitamin D - a vitamin which we all need because lack of it can lead to osteoporosis. UVB is focused on the epidermis aka the outer layer of the skin while UVA (315nm –400nm) can penetrate through the epidermis and dermis so it penetrates your skin deeper. A in its name stands for Aging. The bad news is that UVA can penetrate glass, and both UVA and UVB cause lots of damage including skin cancer and oxidative stress.
Should I wear sunscreen at home?
We already know that UVA penetrates through the glass so do we need to use sunscreen at home? Yes, especially if you spend lots of time working near the window then it's better to put on a layer of sunscreen in the morning and have any type of protection at home as well. But you can also use window films to reduce the risk. The choice is left to you, what I do is keep my blinds on the window during the entire morning and when the sun is not that intense because my windows are situated on the Eastern side the light usually starts to fade afternoon - usually by afternoon I already have sunscreen on, few times reapplied.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
It depends on which side we look at this topic. Mineral sunscreens are sunscreens that don't contain any carbon atoms - this automatically makes them inorganic sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain carbon atoms, which makes them organic substances. The main difference is that mineral sunscreen usually leaves a white cast, and it's better if we use both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for a broad spectrum of UV protection. Chemical sunscreens don't leave a white cast, and they have more sophisticated formulas. Both are amazing, in some cases, PIH (hyperpigmentation), mineral sunscreens, and natural pigments can make a good layer of protection from UV rays.
Sunscreen reapplication
The majority of brands recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours. The reason behind this is simple - we are active, we are sweating, we wear clothes or we touch our faces. All these things can remove a layer of sunscreen from the skin. We react differently to the same amount of UV radiation - my skin might react badly to 5 minutes of sun without protection, and my skin might need 10 more minutes. That's why on average we say that reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is the best.
What do you mean by Western users?
The thing is that the brands that are popular in the Western market and sold as Kbeauty are created by Korean brands but not all of them are for the Korean market - some products are not available in Korea or they are available, but not as popular are in States or Europe. On the other hand, not every Korean brand sells its products outside of Korea. Some time ago Odile Monod - a beauty marketer & senior art director working in Korea shared a ranking of the most popular sunscreen brands in Korea created by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. You can see that some of the most popular brands are Dr.G, Hera, Cell Fusion C, and AHC aka my favourite brand of eye cream, but there are also brands like Lancome, Kiehl's and Nivea which belong to European companies. There are some Japanese companies like Anessa and Nivea as well - I made a review of Nivea's sunscreen and how different Japanese and European sunscreens are. In this context, when you check Nivea's website for the Korean market, the sunscreens sold in Korea are the same as the ones in Europe. But there are brands like Shingmulnara or Elroel - okay maybe Elroel is a bad example since I see even in Poland this brand has some products available, but these brands are not as popular outside Korea as Missha, Skin1004 or Beauty Of Joseon.
Skin1004 has a flagship store in Seoul, Beauty Of Joseon became popular outside Korea and now this brand is available at Olive Young, but many brands are popular outside but not in Korea or they start outside and then try their local market. Round Lab is trending on apps like Hwahae, but it's also popular outside.
Read more about: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
This is just a little information to keep in mind that not every product promoted as popular in Korea is popular there, but does it mean that the product is bad? No, but we have to remember that some products like tone-up creams are more popular in East Asia and they won't get as much popularity in the USA. So the top 3 sunscreens popular outside are not the same as the top sunscreens in Korea.
Brand introduction: Skin1004
Although the name of each Skin1004 product has "Madagascar" in the name, it's not a brand from Madagascar. Skin1004 is a Korean brand, but the inspiration for the brand came from nature. Skin1004 focused on every product created by the brand on Centella Asiatica from Madagascar. Does it matter where the Centella came from? Yes, the environment in which Centella grew can make a difference, and Madagascar's Centella is rich in four compounds which in my opinion are mostly useful for my skin (and yours too!) - madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and Asiatic acid. Skin1004 is free from artificial pigments. Every time we talk about Centella, we talk about Cica, but Skin1004 is focused on TECA aka Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica - asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid.
The name of the brand is clever Skin1004 sounds like Skin 천사. 천사 is a homophone - a word that sounds the same but has two different meanings. 천사 means 1004 and it also means angel. It means that Skin1004 is a true guardian of your skin. The brand wants to give your skin the best ingredients that are pure like angels. Skin1004 products are cruelty-free & vegan-friendly, and all sunscreens are reef-safe.
Why is Centella good for your skin?
If I would ever tell you that Centella Asiatica belongs to the Apiaceae family and it's related to celery, you would probably never believe me. But that's a fact! Centella is a herb with a long tradition and few nicknames. You probably heard names such as tiger grass or Gotu kola, but Asiatic pennywort might be new to you. This plant grows in many beautiful places like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Madagascar. This plant loves the humid climate. Centella has a wide use - from herbal medicine to culinary. I believe at this point you expect me to say "It's a hanbang ingredient", but Centella's roots are in Ayurveda, and in many African and Asian countries, Centella has been a folk remedy for ages. Its main use as a folk remedy is to boost your brain as well as to help with anxiety, stomach issues, hepatitis and inflammation of the urinary tract. Centella has wide use in skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis or vitiligo.
We should ask one important question, why Centella is so popular in skincare? To find that out, we should look deeper into Centella. This plant contains substances called " triterpene saponins" - bioactive compounds of many plants. Centella has many of them, but we mostly talk about four different triterpene saponins in skincare: madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid. Depending on the place where the Centella comes from, the number of different triterpene saponins might be a bit different. Madagascar Centella used by Skin1004 is mostly full of these four ingredients I mentioned before. Centella in skincare has many positive effects. If you've got acne-prone skin, you should choose Centella over for example Arbutin. While many of us use strong products to fight pigmentation after a pimple, usually we choose products to fight PIH - post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. That's a mistake because post-acne pigmentation and scars are not PIH, but PIE - post-inflammatory erythema. PIH and PIE are not the same, and how do you treat irritated skin? Not by irritating it more, but instead, we are focusing on calming the skin. Centella is a powerful healing ingredient - it speeds up wound healing. It stimulates collagen production which has positive effects on scars and wrinkles. It strengthens the blood vessels in the skin, that's why it might help with visible blood vessels - especially if your skin is thin, you might want to add Centella to your skincare.
Centella is not all about skincare, but hair care and body care - it stimulates hair growth and fights cellulite. Using Centella after pregnancy is a clever move!
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule - Packaging
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule comes in a brown box with a design that reminds of the desert. Inside the box, you can find a brown tube with an ampoule-like tip. A similar solution is used by Axis-y.
Read more about: Axis-y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule - Texture & Scent
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule has a typical sunscreen scent. There's no fragrance added to the product, but for me, sunscreen formulas have this typical scent.
The texture of the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule is amazing. If you've ever tried cult Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum then you can expect a very similar texture. It's a lotion that looks creamy, but it's more runny and lightweight cream. It's a rich formula that gives skin a natural glow. It's more hydrating than other Skin1004 sunscreens, even the Hyalu-Cica one. If you have dry skin, go for this texture first. It's dewy, bouncy and suitable for all skin types. This texture isn't sticky and it doesn't sting your eyes.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule - UV Protection
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule has SPF50+ and PA++++ protection.
Is Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule vegan-friendly?
Yes, Skin1004 as a brand is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. So is this product. Skin1004 is certified by PETA.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule - Ingredients
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Glycerin, Tromethamine, Panthenol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Centella Asiatica Extract, Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, t-Butyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydroxystearic Acid, Ceramide NP, Lactobacillus Ferment, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Phytosphingosine, Asiatic Acid, Sucrose Distearate, Lauric Acid, Phytosterols
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Dibutyl Adipate is an oily emollient. This oil-soluble ingredient dissolves in oils. It creates a hydrating film on the surface of the skin to prevent the skin from dehydration. You can see it in sunscreens as a solvent. Butyloctyl Salicylate is a solvent commonly used in sunscreens. It stabilizes some sunscreen agents and boosts SPF protection. Ethylhexyl Triazone or Uvinul T 150 is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVB range (280-320nm). Its peak is at 314 nm.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or Uvinul A Plus is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVA range (320-400 nm), and its peak of protection is 354 nm. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is quite a hard name to remember, that's why you can find people talking about this ingredient by calling it Tinosorb S. It's one of the newer types of sunscreen agents and one of the strongest ones. It's a chemical sunscreen that protects skin from UVA (315-400 nm) & UVB (280-315 nm), and its peak is high. It's a stable sunscreen that works with other sun-protecting substances to protect their early photodegradation. Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid is a long name, that's why you probably know this ingredient as Mexoryl SX or ecamsule. Mexoryl SX was patented in 1982 by L'oreal so when we talk about other brands we stick to the name Ecamsule. This sunscreen protects your skin from UVA radiation (315–400 nm) and peaks at 345nm. It's a chemical sunscreen with high stability.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate stabilizes the emulsion. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster.
Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with inflammation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer is a synthetic polymer, In sunscreens, it's related to the waterproof properties of the product. It stabilizes the product. Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and emulsifier. Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate is an emulsifier. Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a stabilizer. Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin) is an emollient. Centella Asiatica Extract is probably the most popular extract in skincare. It comes under a few names - Asiatic pennywort, tiger grass or Gotu kola. Centella Asiatica's roots are in Ayurveda. This extract is successful because it contains triterpene saponins - madecassoside and asiaticoside. Centella Asiatica Extract has anti-inflammatory properties. It speeds up the wound-healing process. You can use it to treat acne since it has soothing and antibacterial properties. It boosts fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin or even helps with hyaluronic acid synthesis. Centella is recommended for rosacea and cellulitis since it helps with blood microcirculation. In hair care, Centella can help with hair growth.
Betaine is an amino acid. We use it in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. Betaine keeps the water balance of the skin. It makes wrinkles appear less visible, and it soothes irritated skin. In hair care, betaine doesn't only moisturize the hair. It makes hair soft and shiny. Betaine in cosmetics usually comes from sweet beetroots. It naturally occurs in the skin and hair. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether is a thickener. Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a synthetic polymer. It makes emulsions more stable. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the roles of adenosine in our bodies is that of neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is a water-in-oil emulsifier. Laminaria Japonica Extract is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial antioxidant. It's a source of fucoidan and laminarin. It has moisturizing properties. Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract is an ingredient related to hanbang - traditional Korean medicine. It's an antioxidant with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe is a common ingredient in beauty products. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract has moisturizing properties. Aloe pulp contains over 95-99% of water. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract can be helpful after sunburns, sun exposure, acne, and sensitive skin. Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract is a source of flavonoids. It's an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract or Japanese Mountain Yam Root Extract is a source of ascorbic acid, tannin, iron, niacin, riboflavin and zinc. Lauryl Glucoside is a delicate, nonionic surfactant. It's a biodegradable ingredient.
Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps penetrate active ingredients, protects products from drying, and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. t-Butyl Alcohol is a solvent with a scent similar to camphor. It's common in perfumes. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a combination of coconut oil and glycerin. It's a notable emollient that is quite common in skincare. It leaves a protective film on the surface of the epidermis to save your cutis from dehydration. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has a significant role in skin care products - it makes the application process effortless. Some people might experience pore-clogging after using Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, but pore-clogging and skin reactions to ingredients are individual. What works for you might not work for someone else.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is a version of lecithin. It works as an emollient in the formulas. Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is an oily emollient. It's a source of oleic and palmitoleic acid as well as vitamins A and E. Macadamia Oil is a phenomenal choice for sensitive and dry skin. In hair care, this ingredient can help with dry and fragile hair. Hydroxystearic Acid is an emulsifier. Ceramides naturally occur in the skin - it's like cement in the skin. Ceramide NP (also known as Ceramide 3) strengthens the skin barrier to prevent dehydration. Lactobacillus Ferment is a probiotic with a positive effect on the microbiome of the skin. This soothing ingredient can moderate sebum production and help with acne since it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Madecassic Acid is a bioactive part of Centella Asiatica. It's an antioxidant with calming properties. It can help with sensitive skin and wounds by speeding up the healing process.
Asiaticoside is one of the terpenoids found in Centella Asiatica. It's a substance with antioxidant properties. This terpenoid can improve your skin by speeding up the wound-healing process. It can also help with wrinkles and boost collagen production. Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is an emulsifier. Not every acne-prone skin will enjoy it. Phytosphingosine is a lipid that naturally occurs in human skin. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Phytosphingosine can be helpful for acne-prone skin, sensitive skin and rosacea. It might help you get rid of statics in your hair. Asiatic Acid is a terpenoid found in Centella Asiatica. This ingredient stimulates collagen production and wound healing. It has soothing properties, but it's also an antioxidant. Sucrose Distearate is an emulsifier. Lauric Acid is a fatty acid, it has antibacterial properties. It works as an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Phytosterols are sometimes called plant-derived cholesterols. They are very similar to cholesterol, and they come from plants. They have moisturizing properties.
How does Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule work?
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule doesn’t leave any white cast, but I always recommend checking other creators since I have pale and cold-toned skin. People with warm-toned skin are more likely to see a greyish tint with tinosorbs, but so far I heard that this one doesn’t have this tint. Lots of people find Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule more suitable for darker skin tones than cult Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.
I love the Probio-Cica line, and I should finally post my review of other products from this line. Why is it so good? It’s a line focused on microbiome and skin barrier. This line is supposed to help repair the skin barrier, but it also has anti-ageing properties. The only eye cream (with bakuchiol) in Skin1004’s portfolio comes from the Probio-Cica line. The key of this line is fermented Centella Asiatica and Cica-ceramide solution.
This formula contains Lactobacillus Ferment derived from Jeju Island Windflower (Lactobacillus in this case is a complex ingredient). It’s one of the elements of Probio-Cica. The other ingredients are Centella and TECA-titrated extract of Centella (Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid).
Skin1004 infused Probio-Cica Sun Ampoule with hydrating essence. The formula should give a cooling and calming feeling. It does feel calming, but does it cool the skin? It’s hard to decide. The formula should be functional, it’s a sunscreen with anti-aging and brightening properties.
What Skin1004 did in Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule is an eye irritation test. Can more brands do this? My eyes are sensitive and I wish we could test products more.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule already found lots of fans because it's more hydrating than Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum. If Hyalu-Cica didn't give you enough moisture, then you should enjoy Probio-Cica. It has a dewy but non-sticky finish. It doesn't leave a white cast, it doesn't sting and it works well with my skincare and foundation. The formula is quite liquid and it easily blends into skin, it does leave a delicate, moist film on the surface of the skin. I don't see anything bad in this product.
It's suitable for all skin types, but Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule seems to fit dry skin types the best.
Where to find Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule and how much does it cost?
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule* is available at YesStyle for $10.37/50ml - the regular price is $15.21. You can use my code BETWEENDOTS to save on your orders.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule* costs $17/50ml on Olive Young, regular price is $20. You can use my code BETWEEND0 to save on your order.
Overall, Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule is a sunscreen that's worth a try and it might get even more popular than cult Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica sunscreen.
Have you ever tried Skin1004 products?
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*** This product was gifted by Picky & Skin1004, even though it still shows my personal opinion on the topic and product. This post contains affiliate links, all affiliate links are marked with *. By using these links you help me to pay for domain and all the cost related to blogging.***
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