Sunscreen
Quantity discount
CHF7.20 per piece for 3 units
Hidehere Cica Care Sun Protector 25G
Suntan cream, SPF 50+, 25 g
The ultimate facial sunscreen comparison – part 1
27.6.2025
Translation: Katherine Martin
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
In this two-part review series, I’ll be putting eight liquid facial sunscreens to the test. Of the first four, only one product ticked all of my boxes.
Putting on your daily sunscreen may feel like Groundhog Day, but it’s a ritual I’m more than happy to partake in. As long as the sunscreen I’m using is up to the job, that is. If you ask me, sun cream has to be fast-absorbing, non-greasy and preferably also compatible with make-up. Every year, I test my way through a bunch of new and long-established sun creams designed to be applied to your face daily, then give my two cents on them here. I’ve even got my own rating system. One sun stands for «Could I have a serious word with the product developer, please?», five suns for perfection.
Hidehere Cica Care Sun Protector
Protection: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA (PA++++)
Filter type: chemical
There isn’t much product to speak of here. The flat, lightweight pouch looks like an oversized sachet you’d get from a chemist, and is both convenient and cumbersome in equal measure. Although it fits in any bag, you need both hands to squeeze the cream out of the plastic opening. Basically, it gets gunky pretty quickly. The texture of the cream reminds me of stiff mayonnaise. However, once you rub it in, it soon softens up, feels light and doesn’t leave any traces behind. I just wish it were fragrance-free. The cream’s finish is on the velvety-matt side in terms of both look and feel, making it a good make-up base. Even so, I prefer using it on my body when I’m out and about.
According to Hidehere, this sunscreen’s suitable for sensitive skin.
☀️☀️☀️
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Correct gel cream
Protection: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA
Filter type: mineral + chemical
Well, the name «Oil Correct» is misleading. The zinc in the product is actually supposed to bring down sebum production. Instead, putting on the thick, peach sun protection leaves me glistening like a side of bacon. The cream’s seriously rich and, if you ask me, better suited to very dry skin types. By contrast, La Roche-Posay markets it as a mattifying product for oily skin. Still, at least you can work it in thoroughly and don’t end up with any visible residue on your face. Although the cream feels heavy at first, the initially very sticky film on your skin eventually gives way to a slightly less sticky, velvety feel.
The floral, powdery scent lingers subtly on your skin. As well as fragrances, the cream contains salicylic acid to combat impurities and niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier. Putting on make-up over the cream is easy at first, but three hours later, my make-up starts to run in my T-zone area.
Do you have dry, non-sensitive skin? Don’t wear make-up? Then this sunscreen could be a good shout. As far as I’m concerned, Anthelios Oil Correct gel cream definitely wouldn’t be my first choice.
According to La Roche-Posay, this sunscreen is suitable for oily skin.
☀️☀️
Sunscreen
CHF20.90 CHF418.–/1l
La Roche Posay Anthelios Oil Correct Crème spf50+ 50ml
Sun cream face, SPF 50+, 50 ml, 94 g
Nivea Cellular Daily UV Serum Fluid
Protection: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA
Filter type: chemical
The smell of alcohol is the first thing that hits my nose, but it disappears just as quickly as it arrives. A subtle, rubbery smell is left behind – no fragrances to speak of here. The packaging and colour of the fluid are really similar to the La Roche-Posay sunscreen. However, the texture of Nivea’s sun cream is much lighter, making it easy to apply and rub in. The fluid also contains moisturising hyaluronic acid and Licochalcone A, which protects the skin from oxidative stress. It’s also compatible with make-up, and gives your skin a light glow.
According to Nivea, it’s suitable for all skin types.
☀️☀️☀️☀️
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Protection: SPF 50+, UVB & UVA (PA++++)
Filter type: chemical
What a gem. In terms of consistency, the Water-Fit Sun Serum feels like a light, moisturising lotion that can be applied and worked in at lightning speed. It hits that sweet spot of creating velvety skin that’s neither shiny nor dull or sallow. The sun protection doesn’t impact your make-up at all – it stays on just the way it normally would.
You barely notice the product’s smell and, as far as my research goes, it isn’t perfumed. It scores a few extra points for its slim bottle and curved pump head. The formula’s enriched with niacinamide, which soothes the skin and helps combat redness. In addition, it contains cantella and green tea extract, which have an antioxidant effect. On the whole, I reckon this product will go down well with a lot of people.
According to Skin1004, this product is suitable for all skin types.
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Sunscreen
CHF24.70 CHF494.–/1l
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
SPF 50+, 50 ml, 50 g
A little reminder: We all have different skin types, with different needs. A product that’s too greasy for me could well be a blessing for someone with dry skin. So take all of my sun ratings with a pinch of salt.
You’ll get to read four more mini-reviews when I publish the second instalment of this article.
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
13 comments
later