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Illustration of the pack shape, not the real packaging.
Green Mild Up Sun+
A fragrance-free mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide as its only UV filter, in a water-in-silicone base with centella, heartleaf and ectoine for sensitive skin.
Buyer verdictOne of the better mineral sunscreens for sensitive or reactive skin, and lighter than most zinc formulas. Expect a slight white cast on deeper skin tones. Seoul is moderately cheaper than Amazon, and the Olive Young set adds a 20ml tube.
- Key ingredient
- Zinc oxide, Butyloctyl salicylate
- Texture
- Light, slightly thick fluid that dries to a soft, natural finish
- Routine step
- sunscreen · AM
- Korean pack
- 50ml (+20ml)
Overview
Key ingredients
- Zinc oxide The only UV filter; broad-spectrum mineral protection
- Butyloctyl salicylate An emollient that helps zinc spread evenly (not a UV filter here)
- Cyclohexasiloxane, isododecane and other silicones Light, quick-drying base
- Centella, heartleaf and ectoine Small amounts of calming ingredients
From the US, it's 19% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 29% cheaper in Seoul.
Seoul packs often add a bonus (+20ml); we don't count it in the saving.
What it is
Dr.G is the skincare brand of Gowoonsesang, a Korean dermatology clinic group, and its sunscreens are among the most popular at Olive Young. Green Mild Up Sun Plus is its mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin. It comes in a 50ml tube, and Olive Young usually sells it with a 20ml tube added. Korea registers it as a functional cosmetic for UV protection.
The Korean ingredient list is short at the top: water, zinc oxide, propanediol and butyloctyl salicylate, followed by light esters and silicones. That’s a water-in-silicone base, which is why it feels lighter and dries faster than many zinc creams.
Further down are small amounts of centella, heartleaf, tara fruit and pine bark extracts, ectoine, rutin and hyaluronate. There’s no fragrance and no essential oil.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- Chemical sunscreens sting your eyes or make your skin red
- You want a fragrance-free, mineral-only formula
- You have light to medium skin and don’t mind a soft, natural finish
Skip it if
- You have a deep skin tone and want zero white cast
- You want a dewy, glowy sunscreen finish
- You need a water-resistant sunscreen for swimming or sport
What the ingredients do
Zinc oxide is a mineral filter that covers both UVB and UVA, including the long UVA rays. It’s one of the gentlest UV filters, which is why dermatologists often suggest it for sensitive, rosacea-prone or post-procedure skin. The trade-off is the faint white tint that comes with it.
Butyloctyl salicylate may sound like an acid, but here it’s an emollient that helps the zinc spread smoothly. The silicones (cyclohexasiloxane, caprylyl methicone) and isododecane evaporate or set quickly, leaving a light, non-greasy finish.
The centella, heartleaf and ectoine are calming ingredients, but they’re present in small amounts. Their job is to make the formula feel kind to skin, not to treat redness.
How to use it
Dr.G says to apply it as the last skincare step, evenly over areas exposed to the sun. Shake the tube if the formula has settled, then use about two finger-lengths for the face and neck. Spread it in sections, pressing rather than rubbing, to keep the coverage even and reduce white cast.
Reapply every two hours outdoors and after sweating. Mineral sunscreens rub off on towels and masks, so reapply after those too.
How it compares
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is the most famous Korean sunscreen. It uses chemical filters, so it has no white cast and a dewier finish. Espoir Water Splash Sun Cream is lighter and better under makeup, but it has fragrance. Dr.G is the pick when gentleness matters most.
For a broader comparison, see our Korean sunscreen guide.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes, moderately. Olive Young’s 50ml tube is cheaper than the 50ml tube on Amazon US and UK, and the promotional set adds a 20ml tube that the price box doesn’t count. The saving per ml is better than it first looks.
On sale, one set clears the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum. Both tubes are under 100ml, so they can travel in a carry-on liquids bag.
FAQ
Is it a 100% mineral sunscreen?
Yes. Zinc oxide is the only UV filter on the Korean ingredient list. Butyloctyl salicylate is there as an emollient, not as a filter.
Does it leave a white cast?
A little, as most zinc sunscreens do. It blends in well on light and medium skin. On deeper skin tones it can look slightly ashy, so try a sample first if you can.
Does it contain fragrance?
No. There's no fragrance or essential oil on the Korean ingredient list.
Can I use it on children?
Many parents choose mineral sunscreens for children because zinc oxide is gentle. Dr.G doesn't market this one specifically for children, so check with your doctor for babies under six months.
