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Coast

Source Essence/Serum SPF in 2025

Prioritize featherweight gel/serum SPF 50+ with PA++++, zero white cast, and fast absorption that layers under makeup. Source Korean/Japanese filters where possible, highlight “no sting around eyes,” and offer both fragrance-free and lightly scented options.

Trend At A Glance

Analyzed Videos

200+

# of videos analyzed

Analyzed Websites

200+

# of websites analyzed

Engagement

200K-250K

Median video views

Investment Score

9/10

Overall rating

Potential Sales Market

Updated Weekly | Oct 2-19, 2025

  • Daily wearability is sky-high because these feel like skincare, not sunscreen.

  • Zero-cast textures covers all skin tones, boosting creator adoption and expanding word of mouth.

  • Shade-agnostic formulas widen the addressable market and lower return risk.

Why It Took Off

K-beauty expansion

K-beauty popularized elegant UV filters and watery textures that solved the “greasy, chalky” pain point.

Makeup-friendly

Creators proved you can reapply over makeup without pilling and seamless blend, making all-day SPF realistic.

Dermatologist approved

Derm-first routines made “SPF every morning” a default, not a summer exception.

Global coverage

Uplifting the beauty community with zero white-cast sunscreen as it covers all skin tones.

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Top Water-Light SPFs

Essence sunscreens that define the invisible-protection look from top brands.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun:

Built as a skin-comfort first sunscreen using rice extract and fermented ingredients to feel like a hydrating essence while delivering high UVA/UVB protection.

Where It's Famous

Seoul, Los Angeles, Singapore — beloved for invisible wear in humid climates and GRWM routines that layer multiple serums without pilling.

Did You Know?

  • The rice/ferment complex helps the finish read “skincare-dewy” rather than sunscreen-shiny on camera.

  • Creators praise the no-sting application around eyes, making it a go-to for sensitive routines.

  • Frequently used as the final serum step before makeup, replacing separate moisturizers in summer.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream

Formulated around birch sap and humectants to mimic a cushiony moisturizer with built-in high protection and no white cast.

Where It's Famous

Seoul, New York, Manila — a commuter favorite for fast, glossy hydration that looks fresh under office lighting and studio lights.

Did You Know?

  • Birch sap stories well in product reels, giving a natural-origin narrative that converts.

  • The bouncy texture is often called out for zero pilling under silicones or primers.

  • Frequently compared in “BOJ vs Round Lab” head-to-heads, which compound discovery.

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Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

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Designed as a hyaluronic-rich gel that disappears on contact, targeting users who want a weightless finish with reliable broad-spectrum coverage.

Where It's Famous

Seoul, London, Sydney — a gym-bag and travel staple thanks to fast set time and comfortable wear in heat.

Did You Know?

  • “Watery” is a search keyword fans use to find this exact finish on TikTok and storefronts.

  • Often layered over vitamin C or niacinamide without balling, easing morning routine friction.

  • Consistently appears in “top 5 invisible SPFs,” sustaining evergreen traffic.

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The Verdict

9/10

Essence SPFs dominate creator routines because they solve feel, finish, and cast in one step, keeping repurchase rates high. Ubiquitous GRWMs and side-by-side texture demos sustain momentum across seasons.

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