Beauty of Joseon

Matte Sun Stick : Mugwort+Camelia SPF 50+

Advanced photostable chemical UV filters

ChemicalStick
76
StrongOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

40%

Comedogenic · Matte · Occlusive

Pros
  • No drying alcohol
  • Fragrance free
  • Strong UV protection
Cons
  • Highly comedogenic esters
  • High botanical load
  • Heavy occlusive base
View other sunscreens for Textured Sensitive Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

Label claims SPF 50+, which is strongly supported by the prominent inclusion of high-absorptivity filters like Ethylhexyl Triazone and Polysilicone-15.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate provides strong UVA I coverage (peak 354 nm), while Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine provides broad UVA and UVB coverage (peak 345 nm).

Sweat Resistance

Poor

The prominent inclusion of Synthetic Wax and Microcrystalline Wax near the top of the inactive ingredient list creates an occlusive, film-forming base.

Photo Stability

Excellent

Photobiology research confirms that DHHB, BEMT, Ethylhexyl Triazone, and Polysilicone-15 are all inherently photostable and do not require additional chemical stabilization.

Visible Light

Poor

No iron oxide color indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) or pigmentary-grade non-nano minerals are present in the ingredient list.

Irritation Risk

Low Risk

Clinical evaluations of active filters like Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S) show exceptional skin tolerance and negligible penetration compared to older chemical filters.

Pore Clogging

High Risk

Dermatological research and clinical comedogenicity scales consistently rate both Isopropyl Palmitate and Ethylhexyl Palmitate as 4 out of 5 for pore-clogging potential.

White Cast

Low Risk

Modern, large-molecule chemical filters like BEMT and DHHB are entirely transparent on the skin across all Fitzpatrick phototypes (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed).


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate ChemicalUVA II / UVA I
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine ChemicalBroad Spectrum UV

Although widely tolerated and nonirritating for most users recent dermatological reports identify it as an emerging allergen capable of causing rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis [2.1]

Ethylhexyl Triazone ChemicalUVB

Currently not approved by the United States FDA for use in sunscreens though it is widely approved in the EU and other global markets.

Polysilicone-15 ChemicalUVB

Approved for use in the EU and Australia up to ten percent concentration but not yet approved by the US FDA as an active sunscreen ingredient.

Key Inactive Ingredients

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer Texture EnhancerSensory Modifier

Functions as a synthetic polymer microbead that is often classified as a microplastic, raising concerns about environmental persistence and marine pollution.

Synthetic Wax WaxThickener
Dibutyl Adipate Oil BasedSolvent
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Isopropyl Palmitate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient

Widely recognized as highly comedogenic (typically rated 4 out of 5), posing a significant risk of clogging pores and exacerbating acne breakouts, especially at higher concentrations.

Caprylyl Methicone SiliconeEmollient
Caprylyl Trimethicone SiliconeEmollient

May contain trace levels of unreacted cyclic siloxanes like D4 and D5 which are closely monitored and restricted globally due to environmental bioaccumulation and weak endocrine disrupting potential.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient

Consistently rated as highly comedogenic, meaning it can significantly increase the risk of clogged pores and breakouts in acne prone individuals.

Silica Mattifying AgentSensory Modifier
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer Silicone ElastomerSensory Modifier
Boron Nitride PowderSensory Modifier
Butyloctyl Salicylate Oil BasedSolvent

Structurally similar to octisalate, it has been flagged in predictive modeling studies for potential weak estrogen receptor binding activity.

Microcrystalline Wax WaxThickener
Vinyl Dimethicone SiliconeEmollient
Camellia Seed Oil Natural OilEmollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate NonionicEmulsifier
Turmeric Root Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Neem Flower Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Neem Leaf Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Corallina Officinalis Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Neem Bark Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Holy Basil Leaf Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Moringa Seed Oil Natural OilEmollient
Ivy Gourd Fruit Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Eggplant Fruit Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Amber Powder PowderSensory Modifier
Water WaterSolvent
Aloe Vera Flower Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Jojoba Seed Oil Natural OilEmollient
1,2-Hexanediol GlycolSolvent
Mugwort Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Green Tea Seed Oil Natural OilEmollient
Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Panthenol OtherHumectant
Butylene Glycol GlycolSolvent
Propanediol PolyolHumectant
Bamboo Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Green Tea Leaf Extract PolyphenolAntioxidant
Glycerin GlycerinHumectant
Methylpropanediol GlycolSolvent
Centella Asiatica Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Noni Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning

Although mostly linked to oral consumption a recent medical case report suggests that prolonged topical use of noni extract can lead to systemic absorption of anthraquinones potentially causing idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity.

Mung Bean Extract Botanical ExtractSkin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin MultifunctionalPreservative

Recognized as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in leave-on cosmetic products.