Jul 23, 2025

Heliocare Sunscreen Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Heliocare Sunscreen Review

So I finally caved and bought the Heliocare sunscreen. I’d been seeing it everywhere—beauty blogs, TikTok, even some derms swearing by it—and I just had to know if it was actually worth the hype. You know how tricky it is to find the best sunscreen for daily use, especially if you’ve got oily skin like me.

Some feel too greasy, others leave a weird white cast, and a lot just don’t sit well under makeup. So I decided to try it out for myself and see how it really performs.

I’ll tell you exactly what happened—what I loved, what I didn’t—and I’ll even compare it to the Beauty of Renforcer Relief Sun, which has been my go-to lately. If you're hunting for a good broad spectrum sunscreen that doesn’t mess with your skin, this review’s for you.

A Bit About Heliocare Sunscreen

Let’s break it down. Heliocare is a Spanish skincare brand that’s gotten pretty popular over the years. What makes them stand out is something called Fernblock®, a plant-based antioxidant they use in their sunscreens. It’s science-backed, but still gentle enough for everyday use.

The one I tried (and the one you’ll probably see recommended the most) is the Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50. This one’s made for oily or acne-prone skin, and honestly, it makes a big difference when your face already feels greasy halfway through the day.

They’ve also got a tinted version of this same formula, which is great if you want some light coverage without putting on foundation.

And if you have sensitive skin or just prefer mineral formulas, they have other options too—like Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid, which is super gentle and doesn’t sting around the eyes.

My Experience Using Heliocare Sunscreen

The first thing I noticed? It’s super lightweight. I was kind of surprised, honestly. I expected it to feel heavier since it’s packed with high SPF and all that “360” protection, but no—it goes on like a smooth gel and sinks in almost right away.

And the best part? It’s totally a non-greasy sunscreen. My skin leans oily (especially around the T-zone), and this didn’t make me feel shinier or clogged up at all. If anything, it gave me a soft matte finish that stayed that way for 6 hours—no blotting sheets needed.

Another thing I loved was how fast-absorbing it is. I could apply it and do my makeup within a couple of minutes. No pilling, no weird texture, no patchiness. In fact, it works great as a primer. 

But… it’s not perfect.

The smell was the first thing that threw me off. It’s not terrible, but it’s definitely there. A bit of that typical sunscreen scent with something else I couldn’t quite place—maybe a chemical-y edge? I honestly expected a more subtle or fresh scent, so that was disappointing. Every time I put it on, I hoped it would fade quickly (and it did, eventually), but I still didn’t love starting my morning with it.

Then there’s the price. Not gonna lie—I winced a little. For the size of the tube, it feels pricey, especially if you’re using it every single day.

Here are all the important details:

  • Texture: Light gel, sinks in quickly, soft matte or gentle glow

  • Scent: Strong floral/peachy fragrance—not so pleasant

  • Finish: Matte to satin, no greasy film

  • Makeup Compatibility: Works well if applied gently; can pill if layered thick

  • Breakouts?: Rare for oily skin, mostly non-comedogenic

  • Duration: Lasts hours; may rub off after 6 hrs

  • Price Quality: Mid‑range; some discounts make it a solid deal

  • User Rating: 4.6★ on Amazon; ~4.1★ on review sites

Heliocare Sunscreen Ingredients & Benefits

The key standout is Fernblock®—it sounds fancy, but it's just a plant extract from a tropical fern that helps guard your skin from sun damage. This ingredient is what makes Heliocare different from a lot of basic sunscreens. According to Cantabria Labs, it’s clinically proven to support skin health on a deeper level—not just the surface.

It’s filled with oil-absorbing ingredients like silica and dry-touch silicones, which help keep shine under control without feeling heavy.

There are also antioxidants like vitamin C and E tucked in there for extra protection and skin benefits. Some versions even include niacinamide, which is amazing if you deal with redness or uneven texture.

But I do have to mention—there is a little fragrance and some alcohol in the formula. And that might be annoying if you’re sensitive to smells.

Here’s a table to help you explain what these ingredients do:

Ingredients

What They Do

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl Triazone, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S, Ensulizole, Nano TiO₂

Excellent broad-spectrum protection

Antioxidants: Green Tea Extract, Fernblock®, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Caffeic Acid

Repair, brighten, calm, and protect

Hydrators: Glycerin, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Myristyl Alcohol

Hydration + barrier support

Mattifying agents: Nylon‑12, silica-like absorbents

Dry-touch finish and oil control

That said, it’s not perfect for everyone, and the formula won’t be a match for super dry or reactive skin. But if you’ve got oily or combination skin and want something that works hard without feeling gross? This could be it.

What Others Are Saying About Heliocare Sunscreen (The Real Tea)

Before I bought Heliocare, I did what most of us do—I stalked Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube reviews like my skin depended on it. And wow, people have opinions. Some swear by it, others aren’t so sure. So here’s a mix of what I found, the good and the not-so-great.

The Good Reviews

Many users, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin, rave about how lightweight it feels. On Reddit, users said:

  • It feels the most like nothing … definitely dry touch.”

  • “This feels like you have a film on your face, but once my face produced oil it turned into a comfortable second skin.

Over on TikTok, a few skincare creators pointed out how fast-absorbing it is—no sticky residue, no pilling under makeup. And honestly, that’s a big win for everyday use.

Some also love the extra antioxidant protection in the Heliocare 360 line—which makes it feel more like skincare than just sun protection.

Not So Good Reviews

Of course, not every review was glowing. A common complaint?

The smell.

Several users on YouTube and beauty forums described it as “medicinal” or “weirdly earthy,” and I have to agree—it’s not exactly fresh or clean-smelling. 

Pilling and longevity

Some users report pilling, especially if they try to touch-up or apply over dry patches:

“It started to pill” when applying over dry spots or rubbing during makeup.

It’s also not water or sweat resistant, which means it can fade or rub off on the nose or chin during sweaty days.

How Does Heliocare Compare to Other Sunscreens?

Okay, so after using Heliocare for a couple of weeks, I had to bring out my old Korean skincare favorite — Beauty of Renforcer Glow Suncreen — just to see how they truly stack up. And let me tell you, it was interesting.

Heliocare definitely wins when it comes to sun protection science. It’s packed with Fernblock® technology (you can read more about it here) and offers strong broad-spectrum coverage. But at $28–30 for a 50 mL tube, it’s not cheap. Meanwhile, Beauty of Renforcer delivers a gentle, soft sunscreen experience at an excellent price—about $18 for 50 mL—so it’s a solid option if you don’t want to spend a fortune.

Here’s a sharp comparison to help you decide:

Heliocare Sunscreen

BOR Glow Sun

It’s pretty expensive for daily use (around $28–$35)

It’s very affordable (around $15–$18) for the same SPF

Has a noticeable sunscreen smell that sticks for a while

Fragrance-free, so no strong scent to deal with

Has a matte finish, can feel too drying on combo or dry skin

Feels hydrating and soothing, even on sensitive skin

May cling to dry patches or texture

Blends in smoothly with no white cast

Formula includes alcohol and fragrance (can irritate some)

Made with gentle, calming ingredients like rice + probiotics

Why Beauty of Renforcer Might Be a Better Option?

Guys, let’s be real—Koreans are skincare pros for a reason. They focus on gentle, effective formulas that actually feel good on your skin. That’s exactly what you get with Beauty of Renforcer Glow Sunscreen. It’s light, fast-absorbing, and doesn’t leave your face greasy or weird under makeup. 

What makes it really stand out is how skin-friendly it is. It’s packed with ingredients like rice extract, probiotics, niacinamide, and green tea—so while it protects you from the sun, it also hydrates and calms your skin. There’s no scent, no alcohol, and it doesn’t burn your eyes.

And let’s be real—it’s affordable too. You get high-level SPF 50+ PA++++ protection using modern Korean filters, but without the high-end price tag.

Most people can grab it for around $15.99. That’s a pretty great deal for something you’re supposed to use every single day.

Where to Buy

You can grab Heliocare sunscreen from most big retailers or online stores like Amazon.

But if you want to try Beauty of Renforcer Glow Sunscreen, you can get it directly from us at Cheon Beauty. It’s just $15.99, and we’re giving you free U.S. shipping too!

Final Thoughts

Heliocare does have its strong points. It’s lightweight, absorbs fast, and sits nicely under makeup—great if you don’t want that greasy feeling. But the scent? Not my favorite. And the price? Definitely on the higher side for daily sunscreen.

If you have oily or combination skin and don’t mind spending a bit more, Heliocare 360 might be a good pick. It’s made for skin that needs strong sun protection without clogging pores.

But if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, with clean ingredients, a soft finish, and no weird scent—Beauty of Renforcer Relief Sun is such a solid choice. It’s gentle, easy to wear every day, and won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or sticky.

  • Item Title

    Describe the item, make announcements or welcome customers to your store.

  • Item Title

    Describe the item, make announcements or welcome customers to your store.

  • Item Title

    Describe the item, make announcements or welcome customers to your store.