Prequel Solar Shade Sunscreen Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 6 Reddit threads · Updated October 8, 2026
Lightweight SPF 50 with avobenzone and water resistance; rubs in cleanly. The catch: can feel too heavy for some faces. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeMoisturizer-like hydration · $19.60 · 50 ml
Best for Sun ProtectionMoisturizer-like texture, not sunscreeny · $14.40 · 50 ml
Best for DehydrationWatery serum texture, not sunscreen goop · $4.15 · 15 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 50 ml
The why
One minus
Gets shiny fast on oily skin
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Sun Protection.
“their og sunscreen”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Avobenzone-based SPF 50 with water resistance
#2
Best for Sun Protection
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Beauty of Joseon·Sunscreen
See alternativesMoisturizer-like texture, not sunscreeny
- Size: 50 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.
“Finally if im going to be under the sun I use the beauty of jouson probiotic sunscreen- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++).”
— Reddit, r/eczema
#3
Best for Dehydration
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Skin1004·Sunscreen
See alternativesWatery serum texture, not sunscreen goop
- Size: 15 ml
The why
A watery chemical SPF 50+ with centella, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It suits people chasing a light, makeup-friendly daily sunscreen, especially with redness or dehydration. The dewy dry-down can turn shiny, and some acne-prone or niacinamide-sensitive skins break out or sting.
One minus
Dewy finish can cross into shiny fast
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Sun Protection.
“The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu Cica Water Fit ... are other popular Asian sunscreens”
— Reddit, r/tretinoin
Other alternatives worth a look
Gel-lotion texture, not greasy · 30 mentions
Sensitive Skin
Watery gel that vanishes fast · 514 mentions
Cream TextureJ-Beauty
Lighter, more matte than the original · 503 mentions
Sensitive SkinCream Texture
Matte-to-velvet finish under makeup · 345 mentions
Alcohol-FreeEye-Friendly
Liquifies on contact and dries fast · 197 mentions
J-BeautyAcne
Thin, serum-like SPF with no white cast · 138 mentions
Sensitive SkinK-Beauty
Browse more
Reddit's best sunscreens by concern or skin type
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