Finding the perfect sunscreen when you have dry skin, especially in a climate that's dry and windy, can feel like searching for a unicorn. I wanted something that would hydrate and protect without leaving me looking like a glazed donut (and not in the trendy, Hailey Bieber way). After a lot of trial and error, I picked up the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, and it’s been a surprisingly good fit for my needs with a few caveats.

First Impressions : A Featherlight Feel

Right out of the bottle, the texture was promising. It has a soft, lightweight lotion consistency that spreads easily and sinks into the skin without much effort. Compared to thicker, more traditional sunscreens, or even cult favorites like the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, I immediately noticed that the Water-Fit Sun Serum felt less greasy and more refreshing. It layered beautifully over my toner and serum without pilling something I’m incredibly picky about.

Because of the dry, windy weather where I live, anything too rich ends up collecting dust (literally I live in a dusty, windy area) and causing breakouts or that uncomfortable sticky feeling. Thankfully, this sunscreen dodged that issue entirely. No stickiness, no heavy film, just a soft, satin finish that feels like your natural skin.

Ingredient Highlights : Gentle and Functional

SKIN1004 formulated this sunscreen with sensitive skin in mind, and the ingredients list is full of comforting, skin-loving favorites :

* Niacinamide : A multitasker that helps brighten skin tone and strengthen the moisture barrier.

* Centella Asiatica Extract : Known for its calming, soothing properties, a big win for stressed or sensitized skin.

* Hyaluronic Acid : Provides lightweight hydration, helping to keep skin plump without feeling heavy or oily.

There’s zero fragrance and I mean none. One of my biggest sunscreen pet peeves is that sharp, synthetic smell you often get with chemical filters. Even when wearing a mask, I noticed absolutely no scent lingering, which made it so much easier to reapply throughout the day without feeling overwhelmed.

Performance : Dry-Skin Friendly, But with Some Limits

While my dry skin thrived with this serum during cooler, windier days, it didn’t perform quite as well once the weather started heating up. I noticed that during more active or sweat-prone days, the sunscreen didn’t hold up as strongly as I would like. After sweating, I could feel it wearing off faster than heavier-duty sunscreens, so I wouldn’t recommend it for hot, humid, or beach days.

However, for day-to-day wear, especially in mild or dry climates, it’s incredibly comfortable. It adds enough hydration that I've been able to skip my usual daytime moisturizer altogether on warmer days. After toner and serum, I just apply this sunscreen and I’m good to go. My skin stays soft, comfortable, and protected without feeling bogged down by too many layers.

For my slightly oilier T-zone (thanks to the warming weather), this sunscreen didn’t contribute to any extra shine, which is a huge plus. It strikes a rare balance: hydrating enough for dry cheeks, but light enough not to turn the forehead into an oil slick.

A Few Considerations

* Not Sweatproof : Needs careful reapplication if you’re sweating a lot.

* Better for Dry to Combination Skin : Might not be hydrating enough alone if your skin is extremely dry or flaky.

* Lightweight Lovers Only : If you love that "moisture surge" or rich, creamy sunscreen feel, this might be too subtle for you.

Final Thoughts : Worth It?

If you're someone with dry to combo skin living in a dry, windy, or mild climate, the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum could be a great match for you. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and hydrating enough to stand alone with minimal layering, perfect for those lazy (or busy) mornings.

Would I repurchase it? Maybe for spring and fall, definitely. For summer, I’ll be switching to something more sweat-resistant like Anessa’s Sun Milk, which offers stronger durability in high heat.

Overall, SKIN1004’s Water-Fit Sun Serum feels like a thoughtfully made sunscreen for everyday, non-extreme conditions, perfect if you want hydration, zero stickiness, and an invisible, easy-going finish.

Rating : 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆