Product Overview
The Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sunscreen was once a cult-favorite in the K-beauty community, praised for its lightweight, moisturizing texture and skin-friendly ingredients. Long before the SPF controversy that led to its discontinuation, this fragrance-free sunscreen promised broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ protection with a gentle formula centered around Centella Asiatica extract. Despite its fall from grace, understanding this product’s formulation and user experience offers valuable insights for anyone seeking comfortable daily sun protection. In this in-depth review, we dissect its components, discuss its performance, and help you decide if you should still consider it—or what to buy instead.
Ingredients Breakdown
At the heart of the formula is a high concentration (49% according to the brand) of Centella Asiatica extract, which is celebrated for its soothing and repairing properties. This makes the sunscreen particularly appealing to those with sensitive, redness-prone, or compromised skin. The base is water and butylene glycol, providing a lightweight, serum-like consistency. The UV filters used were two relatively new chemical filters: Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate) for UVA protection and Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone) for UVB. Notably, the formula is free from fragrance, essential oils, alcohol, and parabens, aligning with clean beauty standards. Additional beneficial ingredients include niacinamide (a brightening and barrier-strengthening ingredient), adenosine (anti-wrinkle), and tocopherol (vitamin E as an antioxidant). The unscented version ensures that even those sensitive to fragrance can use it comfortably.
Usage Experience
Texture and Application: The sunscreen has a lightweight cream-gel texture that spreads effortlessly across the skin, absorbing quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It feels more like a hydrating serum than a traditional sunscreen. There is absolutely no white cast, making it universally flattering for all skin tones. It dries down to a natural, slightly dewy finish that looks healthy rather than shiny. Under makeup, it acts as an excellent, smoothing primer, and it layers nicely over other skincare products without pilling. Comfort and Suitability: Thanks to its fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula, it caused zero stinging or irritation, even around the eyes for most users. The high concentration of Centella provided noticeable calming effects, reducing redness throughout the day. It felt moisturizing enough to skip a separate emulsion in the morning, making it a time-saver for those with normal to dry skin. However, the elephant in the room remains: despite how lovely it felt, independent lab tests conducted in 2020 revealed that the actual SPF was only around 19, a far cry from the claimed SPF 50+. This shocking discrepancy means that relying on this product for serious sun protection could lead to skin damage.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight, non-greasy texture that feels like a moisturizer
- Zero white cast, even on deeper skin tones
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and essential oil-free, ideal for sensitive skin
- Contains 49% Centella Asiatica extract for soothing and repairing benefits
- Works beautifully as a makeup primer
- Included additional skin-benefiting ingredients like niacinamide and adenosine
Cons
- SPF values were grossly overstated; independent testing showed only SPF 19
- Discontinued by the brand in 2021 following the scandal; no longer officially available
- Potential for counterfeit or expired stock if purchased from third-party sellers
- Not water-resistant, limiting its use during summer or swimming
- Original retail price was around $19 for 60ml, but leftover stock now sells at inflated prices
Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Buy It
If you happen to have an unopened, authentic bottle with a recent manufacturing date and you plan to use it as an indoor moisturizer or for minimal sun exposure (e.g., winter days inside an office), the Purito sunscreen could still serve as a pleasant skincare product. However, it is not recommended for anyone seeking reliable sun protection, especially during outdoor activities, high UV index days, or for those with sun-sensitive conditions like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Given the discontinuation, it is wiser to invest in a sunscreen that delivers both an elegant texture and verified SPF performance.
Top Alternatives
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics – SPF50+ PA++++, 50ml. Price: ~$18. This has become the spiritual successor to the Purito, offering a similar lightweight cream texture with no white cast, plus rice extract and probiotics for extra glow. Independent testing confirmed its high protection. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel – SPF50+ PA++++, 50ml. Price: ~$22. A water-based formula with eight types of hyaluronic acid that provides intense hydration without stickiness. Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin, and it leaves zero white cast. Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk – SPF50+ PA++++, 40ml. Price: ~$14. A Japanese cult favorite combining chemical and physical filters for strong, water-resistant protection. The milky texture is ultra-light and works well under makeup. Note: contains alcohol, but is well-tolerated by most.
Where to Buy and Final Verdict
Given that the Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sunscreen is no longer in production, we strongly advise against purchasing it from unofficial marketplaces. Instead, we recommend exploring the alternatives listed above, which offer similar elegance with verified SPF performance. For the best deals, check current prices on Beauty of Joseon or buy now from Isntree. Your skin deserves both comfort and true protection.
