Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream [New Formulation]

I couldn’t call myself a beauty editor if I didn’t write much about sunscreens, right? Cliché, but whatever. I was excited to try the Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream! My obsession with sunscreens is no secret. I collect them like women collect lipstick, or how I used to collect beanie babies… I’m pretty sure I lost money on that middle school investment. Let me clarify: if you care about your skin, you should care about sunscreens as much as I do!

Where can you buy the Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream?

There are various places to purchase the Pyunkang Yul sunscreen. My favorite place to find this beauty in the US is Amazon’s Pyunkang Yul Official Store*.

As I write this review, it is available on Asian websites such as YesStyle*, StyleKorean*, and StyleVana*, with prices ranging from $11-$13. They are all trustworthy Asian websites that ship internationally.

It’s a sweet deal because it comes in a 2.53 fl oz / 75 ml compared to the 1.69 fl. oz / 50 ml typical to most Asian sunscreens. It matters, especially when you need sunscreen every day.

The Pyunkang Yul Brand

The brand Pyunkang Yul was developed by the renowned Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic in South Korea and uses Hanbang – traditional Korean herbal medicine. Each product contains a high amount of traditional herb extracts and little fillers and fragrances to minimize irritation to the skin and help promote a healthy oil and moisture balance in the skin.

I am also currently enjoying Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream Blue Label. I am eager to try new products from this brand because I have read my fellow muse, Adela’s, review of the Pyunkang Yul Low PH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam and Seo Yeon’s review of the Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser.

Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream Claims

A mild, light weighted mineral sunscreen formulated with reef safe, EWG-verified ingredients to protect your delicate skin.
Features a powerful broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ to shield against free radical rays.
Hydrating semi-matte lotion type formula that doesn’t leave white cast.

pyunkangyul.us

Who is this hybrid sunscreen for?

For all skin types, especially for sensitive, easily irritated skin. It is tested and is okay to use even for babies.

Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream Ingredients

Sunscreen Filters

Zinc Oxide, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide.

The Pyunkang Yul sunscreen* was previously formulated with only one UV filter: Titanium Dioxide.

Titanium Dioxide is an inorganic photostable sunscreen filter that reflects and blocks UVA and UVB rays. However, it has been said that it does not protect against the whole range of UVA rays but depends on the formulation.

Inorganic filters are supposedly a safer choice for those with sensitive and/or acne-prone skin types as they do not penetrate much into the skin and instead form a protective film over the skin. However, some may still find their skin irritated or allergic to this filter, so do note.

It also may cause a “white cast” effect on deeper skin tones.

Based on the ingredients, it can be observed that this new formulation of the Pyunkang Yul sunscreen has added Zinc Oxide, Homosalate, and Ethylhexyl Salicylate to the UV filters.

Key Ingredients

Ceramides

Ceramides are a family of lipids that account for 50% of the skin barrier (by weight), so they’re essential, right? Ceramides are crucial to

• maintain the skin’s moisture levels; 
• protect skin from external irritants making skin more resilient;
• help make skin more plump, juicy, radiant, and smooth; 
• makes skin tolerate chemical exfoliation much better;
• skin is less likely to become irritated;
• because they prevent dehydration, ceramides are a great anti-aging ingredient;
• regulate the cell cycle and apoptosis (regulated cell death);
• beneficial for all skin types.

Heralded as skincare heroes, ceramides can now be found in cleansers, toners, serums, masks, moisturizers, and even hand creams.

They are generally well tolerated and can be combined with other ingredients, especially plant oils rich in linoleic acid.

Artemisia Capillaris Extract

Also known as Mugwort, it has been a beneficial ingredient in medicine, food, and cosmetics for centuries. It is a fool-proof, flexible product for sensitive, acne-prone, dry, and dull skin.

• antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties;
• calms irritated and sensitive skin;
• helps treat redness and atopic diseases;
• prevent breakouts;
• is full of antioxidants and Vitamin E;
• helps to protect and nourish the skin barrier;
• hydrates and brightens the skin tone, making it look more radiant and healthy.

Mugwort Benefits for the Skin Are Legendary

Licorice

Licorice is a potent antioxidant that evens skin tone and soothes sensitive skin. Studies also have shown it acts as an anticarcinogenic.

Ingredients not Included in the Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream:

Alcohol, fragrance, and essential oils.

Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream* is vegan and, therefore, cruelty-free.

Packaging

The Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream, or as I like to call it, the Pyunkang Yul sunscreen (I’m just lazy, haha), comes in an outer blue and white transparent carton box that’s pretty minimalistic. The actual product is housed in an opaque, matte slim white squeeze tube with a screw cap that twists off to reveal a fine nozzle dispenser.

Scent

Scent-wise, this sunscreen has a light sunscreen smell. I have no issue with it, as it’s not strong.

Interestingly, though, when I asked my mum what this sunscreen smells like, she said it reminds her of those old medicinal zinc ointments, which are surprisingly quite apt as Zinc Oxide is listed as the second ingredient.

Texture

I’m pleased to say that the application is smooth sailing. It has a lightweight consistency, but it is not oily.

I also like how travel-friendly the packaging design is, as the firm screw cap eases any worry of product leakage.

My Personal Experience with Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream

I’ve been using this Pyunkang Yul sun cream as my everyday sunscreen for about three weeks, and I see some pros and cons. I have to mention, though, that when I first started using this product, my skin was particularly sensitive due to starting tretinoin. The results may vary depending on the individual, particularly if you have less reactive skin than I do.

Let’s start with how nice the texture is. The sunscreen is a white cream with a soft, lightweight consistency that spreads onto the skin quickly and feels comfortable on the skin upon application. The finish is also an excellent natural semi-matte finish and does seem to aid in oil control during the day.

However, as expected from a hybrid sunscreen, it leaves a slight white cast that will probably show up or darker skin tones (I’m around a MAC NC20), primarily if you use the two-finger application rule with minimal rubbing. It’s less noticeable on this swatch on my hand, but trust me when I say it’s more apparent on the face.

This white cast does go away eventually, but not until a few hours later, and even then, I wonder if it’s because it’s a sign I need to reapply. So yes, I usually wear base makeup if I use this sunscreen. I use foundations or BB creams that might be a tad too dark to balance out the paleness of my skin post-sunscreen application.

During this trial, the most important thing for me is how it reacts when my skin is sensitized. Is it genuinely suitable for sensitive skin, as advertised? Short answer: yes, for me at least (YMMV!).

How to Use Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream?

1. In the AM, at the end of your skincare routine, apply and spread evenly on areas easily exposed to UV rays.
2. Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially during prolonged sun exposure.

Is Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream Discontinued?

Yes, the 2020 formula is discontinued. That sunscreen was a physical sunscreen containing only titanium dioxide as a UV filter. The sunscreen was SPF45 PA+++.

The new version, the one I’m reviewing now, is the 2022 formula. It contains physical and chemical filters; therefore, it’s a hybrid sunscreen. The new sunscreen is SPF50 PA++++.

Pros

• moisturizing
• good price/quantity
• does not sting my eyes
• hypoallergenic

Cons

• There is nothing sexy about it

Final Thoughts

The Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream is beautiful for those who love KBeauty or want a great, cost-effective sunscreen. It’s a great choice if you’re on the fairer end of the skin spectrum and generally have sensitive skin.

Overall, it’s an excellent sunscreen to wear all year round since it’s light-feeling.

Will I Repurchase Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream?

I enjoyed this product but won’t repurchase it, not because I didn’t like it, but because I want to try new things.

Rating: 4/5

Shop for Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream

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.

Pay special attention to ingredients that you might react to. Doing a patch test is always a good idea. Unsure? Best to consult your dermatologist.

Happy skin experimenting, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

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