I have learned throughout my skincare journey that applying sunscreen is a must and will make a difference over the long run. My latest sunscreen obsession is Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream. It is a moisturizing, antioxidant, and calming sunscreen from the K-Beauty skincare brand Goodal.
Goodal Heartleaf Sun Cream, at a Glance:
Buy Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream
Because it contains new-generation chemical sunscreen agents that the FDA does not yet approve, the Goodal Calming sunscreen is unavailable in official US stores. Amazon* holds all the Goodal products except for this sunscreen. The same goes for the Goodal official US store.
When on sale, I found it for $12, and it comes in a 1.69 fl. oz./ 50 ml bottle.
You can shop for Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream on StyleKorean*, YesStyle*, and StyleVana*.
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream Renewal
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream has been renewed recently, but only the package and the name have changed. The formulation is the same. When ordering, I found people online saying they had received either one of the packages (light green or olive green).
The new packaging is made from biodegradable and recyclable EPF paper, which was recycled and is more sustainable.
They simplified the name on the box from Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream to Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream for obvious reasons.
The Goodal Brand
Goodal comes from “good + all.” The Goodal brand believes in making good skincare products for all that shouldn’t be complicated or overwhelming.
It is committed to researching and redefining skincare for all skin types. Goodal, the sister brand of Clio*, states that a simple act of self-care, such as one’s skincare routine, can transform one’s overall well-being.
Goodal is a clean brand. Its products are inspired by nature but driven by innovative technology. All Goodal products are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other toxic ingredients.
Goodal Sunscreen Claims
The Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream is a chemical sunscreen offering broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ sun protection infused with the Houttuynia Cordata extract from Jeju Island.
It not only provides powerful blocking of UV rays, but it also contains hoottuynia cordata extract, with excellent soothing effects, to calm down sensitive skin.
GOODAL
Awards: It is ranked the No.1 sunscreen in the sun cream category in 2022 in Powder Room.
*Affiliate links below.
Who is this sunscreen for?
It is suitable for every skin type but ideal for sensitive and irritated skin since it lacks artificial fragrances and essential oils.
Not sure what your skin type is? Please read our guide on Skin types & skin conditions.
Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream Ingredients
Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream Ingredients List (last checked 2024)
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (Iscotrizinol), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol.
Ingredients referred from Club Clio Website.
UV filters Herbs Active Ferments Humectant/Moisturizer
UV filters breakdown
Uvinul A Plus
Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenxoyl Hexyl Benzoate) is a new-generation chemical sunscreen. It is designed for high UVA protection (whole range) and photostability1. Uvinul A Plus is not FDA-approved.
Uvinul T 150
Uvinul T 150 is also a new-generation sunscreen. It has the highest photo-stable absorption of all available UVB filters.
Tinosorb M
Tinosorb M is a new-generation UV filter. It’s a hybrid filter, meaning it’s halfway between physical and chemical.
It gives broad-spectrum coverage (UVA & UVB) and is highly photostable. It helps stabilize other less stable sunscreens and works well with other UV filters.
Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, and Tinosorb M are sunscreen filters not approved by the FDA. Therefore, this sunscreen is not readily available in the US.
Iscotrizinol
Iscotrizinol is a chemical sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA II (but not UVA I). It is photostable.
The Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences has verified the SPF and PA ratings. This sunscreen has also passed third-party testing in Europe.
Highlighted Ingredients
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
This sunscreen is also enriched with Houttuynia Cordata Extract, an antioxidant and calming ingredient. Read our spotlight guide on this new Korean ingredient.
Alcohol
Alcohol can potentially assist product absorption, but this is the one irritant in this product. It can cause skin dryness and damage the skin barrier in high enough doses2.
The formula includes Vitamin E, additional antioxidant protection to fend off free radicals, and glycerin, an excellent humectant.
Ingredients not included in Goodal Heartleaf Sun Cream:
Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, essential oils, fragrance, allergens, Oxybenzone, and octinoxate.
This Goodal Heartleaf sunscreen is cruelty-free, vegan-certified, and reef-safe.
Packaging
The packaging is simple but practical. It’s slim, easy to use, and easy to carry around. No complaints from me!
Scent
The sunscreen has a delicate herby smell. No fragrance or essential oils are added.
Texture
This sunscreen has a highly lightweight formula. Its texture is watery, and it absorbs quickly!
This product is milky white and applies clearly. No stickiness and no greasiness.
It is soothing to apply. It’s a pleasure.
My Personal Experience with the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream
Goodal sunscreen has “moisture” in its name, and it is moisturizing but not too heavy.. I’ve been using it for nearly one month, every morning. I live in a tropical, humid climate. There’s no winter, so I don’t know how this sunscreen would perform during cold weather.
The Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream is perfect for my normal – combo skin type, but I feel it may not be enough for dry skin. Very dry skin should layer moisturizers during winter.
How do you apply the Goodal Heartleaf Sun Cream?
- In the AM, after everything else in my skincare routine, I apply and spread evenly on areas exposed to UV rays.
- Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially during prolonged sun exposure.
It works very well with other skincare products. It doesn’t dry fast and applies like a dream without dragging the skin.
This Goodal sunscreen serves as a makeup booster by creating a soft, breathable layer on my skin, giving me a smoother skin texture that is perfect under makeup. When reapplied, it doesn’t rub off or pill.
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream doesn’t sting my eyes. Another good news is that I’ve developed no new acne irritation or texture after three weeks of consistent use. On the other hand, I don’t know how much the Houttuynia Cordata extract is helping. If your skin is irritated, layer other calming products under this one.
Finish
It has no white cast for my light white skin, but it could leave a light cast on deeper tones because of the hybrid filter Tinosorb M.
As you can see from the before & after pictures above, the Goodal sunscreen leaves a glowy semi-matte finish. It is not too shiny but not too matte, either.
Kolmar sunscreens
Like many new Korean sunscreens, Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream is manufactured by Kolmar. Its formulation is very similar to some other sunscreens on the market, with the main difference being the addition of plant extracts. This is a common practice in cosmetics, especially for small companies with no in-house R&D to develop new formulations. A lot of time and money is saved when a brand can ask a contract manufacturer to pull a base formula off the shelf, add a small sprinkle of extracts – in this case, Houttuynia Cordata – and launch with different packaging/labeling.
I have tried two other popular Korean sunscreens, the Beauty Of Joseon Relief sunscreen and Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream. The Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture sun cream is by far my favorite one out of them all. My skin doesn’t like niacinamide, so the lack of niacinamide in its formulation is a massive plus for me.
Be Plain Clean Ocean Moisture Sunscreen was the next sunscreen I was planning on trying from this manufacturer, but I enjoy Goodal Heartleaf Calming sunscreen so much that I won’t be shopping around any time soon.
Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream vs. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics
I was surprised my skin greatly enjoyed the Goodal Heartleaf sunscreen more than the hyped Beauty Of Joseon Relief sunscreen.
BOJ sunscreen stung my sensitized eyes badly, but the Goodal sunscreen did not. BOJ sunscreen is heavier and has a shinier finish than Goodal Heartleaf sunscreen.
Also, the Goodal sunscreen has a less noticeable cast than the BOJ one.
As I’ve said, the formulations are very similar, so if you’ve enjoyed one, you could also try the other. Incidecoder has a nice feature that compares products.
Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream vs. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream also stung my eyes. It was unpleasant. It is a heavier sunscreen, probably more suitable for dry skin types. It is heavier than the BOJ sunscreen, which is heavier than the Goodal sunscreen. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream leaves a shiny finish, shinier than the Beauty Of Joseon Relief sunscreen and shinier than the Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream.
Pros
- satin finish
- lightweight
- non-sticky
- non-greasy
- no eye sting
- no white cast
Cons
- not waterproof
- not readily available
Verdict: Holy Grail!
After spending hundreds of dollars trying to find the perfect sunscreen, I can finally say this is my holy grail. The hunt is over. I definitely will be forever repurchasing and stocking up!
I highly recommend it to acne-prone people who can’t tolerate physical sunscreen and anyone who wants a lightweight, broad-spectrum, and clinically tested chemical sunscreen.
Rating 5/5!
Have you tried Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream, and did it work for you? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below!
Shop for Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream
You can get Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream on StyleKorean*, YesStyle*, and StyleVana*.
Lastly, I was not paid for this review or received it as a gift.
As always, you do you; be kind to your skin and yourself! Remember that every person’s skin and skin type is different, so what might work for me might not work for you, and vice versa. So, before adding a new product to your skincare routine, it pays to do a little research first.
Before adding the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream to your skincare regimen, ensure you are not allergic to it or its ingredients. You should also consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions or medications that may interact with the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream. Always do a patch test before applying the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream on your skin to avoid adverse reactions.
I am not a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician, but I have sufficient experience and knowledge I gained by testing multiple products and self-exploration. Unsure? Best to consult your dermatologist.
Happy shopping, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Here’s to great skin in 2024!
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