CosRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun SPF 50+ PA+++

CosRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun SPF 50+ PA+++ ($16) is a new lightweight “essence-light” and hydrating chemical sunscreen (SPF) that contains snail mucin which launched recently from the brand. I got this Friday and have been using it daily since that time so, I thought I’d share some thoughts and a review on it as I know many of you, like me, are big fans of CosRX.

There are actually two formulas available of Shield Fit at the moment. The other is Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun but I ended up going with Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun as it sounded great for drier skin.

The idea behind this SPF is great. A chemical sunscreen with the moisturizing benefits of snail mucin? Sign me up! Sadly, CosRX literally destroys this formula with alcohol and essential oils. First off, let’s discuss size. This is $16 and 1.18 oz in size. I can go through this in a flash of an eye. My beloved Allie is over 3 oz in size. Seriously, 1 oz? I can get maybe two weeks out of this at best.

Size aside, let’s chat formula. They called this “essence-light” which I find very inaccurate and even misleading. It’s a pretty traditional milky SPF with a runnier formula. I think when essence comes to mind I think quick to absorb, lightweight and perhaps serum-like, refreshing, non-sticky. This isn’t exactly quick to absorb! The milkier texture does take a moment to full absorb into skin. It leaves behind that sort of rubber hugging effect a lot of traditional SPF formulas do. It’s not a uncomfortable feeling in the least as once it does absorb it feels like nothing at all on my skin. But initially it does feel a little greasy and weird on my skin. I was disappointed as knowing it had snail I was hoping for something that absorbed in a sec but it does not. I also, didn’t feel like it was super hydrating either but let’s not forget one of the top ingredients is alcohol. However, I won’t be holding alcohol against CosRX. Most Japanese SPFs I love contain alcohol. It’s what gives them that gel-like formula that absorbs in a snap. It does have a white cast initially but that disappears fairly fast once absorbed.

I will however, rant that this contains a host of crummy essential oils like bergamot, mandarin orange, and basil. It also contains hyaluronic acid but it’s so far down the list I have my doubts it makes and real difference in the formula at all! Even Snail Secretion Filtrate is lower on the list with all the essential oils higher up. WHY, Cosrx, Why!? It does have a light fragrance that was orange-like.

I feel like there’s so much loss potential with CosRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun SPF 50+ PA+++ with it being a chemical screen and containing snail mucin but it’s such a disappointingly small amount plus the essential oils are such a buzz kill!