I Tried the Viral Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen—Now I Understand Why Korean SPF Is Elite

Visiting Korea is at the top of my bucket list. As a beauty editor, it’s essentially a rite of passage to get to experience all of the viral K-beauty skincare innovations where they’re created, but I specifically want to go to stock up on Korean sunscreens.I basically bathe in sunscreen—what? I am a redhead—and throughout years of testing nearly every SPF under the sun, I’ve found that K-beauty formulas are the most enjoyable to wear. Korean SPFs feel more silky and luxe than many options found in the U.S., and they often double as moisturizers to simplify my skincare routine.One formula, in particular, has been all over my FYP recently: The Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen. This creamy SPF is formulated with beans (yes, really), and has built up a reputation as one of the most comfortable and lightweight options currently available. But does it live up to the hype? I had to decide for myself. Keep reading for my full review.About the Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen:The Mixsoon Bean Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen is a popular Korean sunscreen known for its creamy, lightweight feel, high SPF protection, and zero white cast application. Like the name suggests, it’s formulated with soybean extract, which contains a slew of antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stressors and boost radiance.This formula utilizes chemical filters that absorb the sun’s rays, yet it’s formulated to be safe enough for sensitive skin. Additionally, it also contains a variety of different botanical extracts—including barley, pomegranate, and pear—to nourish the skin barrier, boost hydration and radiance, and even gently exfoliate for a smoother complexion that’ll get you one step closer to that signature K-beauty glass skin.What are the benefits of Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen?Beyond shielding your skin from the sun’s rays, this sunscreen functions similar to a nutrient-packed moisturizer. It’s loaded with hydrators that flood the skin with moisture to keep your barrier healthy and complexion plump. Sunscreen often gets a bad rap for leaving behind a white cast, but this one instantly sinks into skin and feels comfortable rather than gloopy or sticky. Plus, it boosts luminosity for a natural lit-from-within glow.My review of the Mixsoon Bean SunscreenMary HonkusMy skin: Normal, but leans dryI’m a harsh sunscreen critic. I tend to reach for formulas that have a minimum SPF 50 (I burn ~very~ easily), melt into my skin with a serum-like consistency, impart a dewy glow, and leave absolutely no white cast. Based on what I’ve seen on TikTok, the Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen seemed to check all my boxes.Needless to say, my expectations were high, and I was pleasantly surprised from the first use. This feels more like a cream than a serum, but it still absorbs into my skin pretty easily. The glow is so real, too! My complexion feels so hydrated when I smooth this on, and it remains that way for the entire day. However, I can’t feel this on my skin because it’s totally weightless. Some days I couldn’t even remember if I applied sunscreen—that’s how featherlight this is.I’ve been on a journey to simplify my skincare routine (I used to have 12 steps, no joke), and this helps. I find this to be moisturizing enough that I can skip moisturizer altogether. That might not be the case once winter settles in, but for the warmer months, this is enough to keep my skin comfortable.The only thing that threw me off about the sunscreen is the fact that it’s made with beans—specifically soybeans. Keep in mind that if you have a soybean allergy, you shouldn’t use this.Final thoughtsThe Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen reminded me why Korean sunscreens reign supreme. The texture, benefits, and protection is simply unmatched. Ever since I started testing this, I haven’t used another formula. And I’m so glad I can get it on Amazon or at Ulta rather than flying all the way to Asia to get my hands on more when I inevitably run out.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories. She’s an authority in all beauty categories but an expert when it comes to SPF. (She is a redhead, after all!) For this story, she tested the Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen to bring you her honest thoughts on the viral Korean formula.Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.