Kiehl's Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 24 Reddit threads · Updated September 28, 2026
Avobenzone SPF 50+ serum that disappears under makeup; can run dewy. The catch: can read dewy or oily on skin. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeMoisturizer-like hydration · $19.60 · 50 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeLighter, more matte than the original · $2.47 · 10 ml vs $45.00 for the original
Best for Sun ProtectionMoisturizer-like texture, not sunscreeny · $14.40 · 50 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 50 ml
- Price per ml: $0.39/ml (original $0.90/ml)
The why
One minus
Gets shiny fast on oily skin
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Sun Protection.
“Also look into Korean hybrid sunscreens beyond BoJ.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Sits beautifully under makeup
- Price
- $45.00 · 50.3 ml · $0.90/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++
Beauty of Joseon·Sunscreen
See alternativesLighter, more matte than the original
- Size: 10 ml
- Price per ml: $0.25/ml (original $0.90/ml)
The why
A chemical SPF 50+ with rice water, panthenol, ceramide NP, and silica, built for people who want light hydration and a more satin finish. Oily, combo, and rosacea-prone folks like it most. Dry or makeup-heavy routines hit pilling and occasional sting.
One minus
Pills hard on plenty of faces
Good forOily Skin, Combination Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
“The only ones I've liked are Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh and Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
#3
Best for Sun Protection
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Beauty of Joseon·Sunscreen
See alternativesMoisturizer-like texture, not sunscreeny
- Size: 50 ml
- Price per ml: $0.29/ml (original $0.90/ml)
The why
This is the Korean formula people keep repurchasing for everyday face SPF and makeup days. It suits dry, sensitive, and retinoid-worn skin that wants a cushy finish, but oily or acne-prone folks keep reporting shine, pilling, and breakouts.
One minus
Can turn greasy and shiny by midday
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Sun Protection; discussed alongside Kiehl's Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ in 6 threads.
“My favourite I have tried so far is from Beauty of Joseon.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#4
Best for Acne
The why
A watery gel sunscreen that dries down fast and layers cleanly under makeup. Best for oily or combo skin that wants no white cast and hates heavy formulas. Dry, reactive, or eye-sensitive skin often hates the alcohol and fragrance.
One minus
Alcohol sting is a real thing
Good forOily Skin, Combination Skin
Both recommended for Sun Protection; discussed alongside Kiehl's Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ in 5 threads.
“Literally the only fave sunscreen that doesn’t break me out”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
Other alternatives worth a look
Watery serum texture, not sunscreen goop · 731 mentions
Eye-FriendlyGentle
Matte-to-velvet finish under makeup · 345 mentions
Heavy/RichAlcohol-Free
Liquifies on contact and dries fast · 197 mentions
Gel TextureNo White Cast
Sunscreen-primer hybrid that sits beautifully under makeup · 176 mentions
GentleCream Texture
Thin, serum-like SPF with no white cast · 138 mentions
No White Cast
Ceramides plus centella for barrier support · 98 mentions
Alcohol-FreeCream Texture
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Reddit's best sunscreens by concern or skin type
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