Beet Shield SPF 50+
K-Beauty Sunscreen Pioneer
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Next-generation UV filters (Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus) offer exceptional photostability
- +Multi-layered antioxidant system with beet extract, EGCG, resveratrol, and vitamin C
- +Lightweight fluid texture with zero white cast on all skin tones
- +Sets quickly to a natural dewy finish that works under makeup
- +Fragrance-free formula suitable for scent-sensitive users
- +Excellent price point for the quality of UV filter technology
- +Brand transparency during the SPF controversy set an industry standard
- −Discontinued in 2021 — no longer available for purchase
- −Independent testing raised concerns about actual SPF protection level
- −Alcohol high in the ingredient list may irritate dry or sensitive skin
- −UV filters are not FDA-approved, limiting its regulatory status in the US
- −Can feel slightly tacky in high humidity environments
The full review.
About KraveBeauty
The Beet Shield was a sunscreen from KraveBeauty.
Myth
The Beet Shield is still available for purchase.
Reality
The Beet Shield was discontinued in 2021.
How to Use
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every two hours.
Who Should Buy
This product is no longer available.
Texture
Lightweight, slightly tinted fluid that sets into a dewy, comfortable film.
Scent
Unspecified.
Packaging
50 mL bottle.
Best Season
All seasons.
Common Praise
- Lightweight texture
- Effective sun protection
- Good value
- Transparent brand practices
Common Complaints
- Discontinued
- Potential for irritation due to alcohol content
Pairs Well With
Other skincare products and makeup.
Conflicts With
Sensitive skin due to alcohol content.
Best for
Normal, oily, or combination skin.
Works for
This product is no longer available.
Not ideal for
Dry or sensitive skin.
AM routine
Apply after moisturizer and before makeup.
PM routine
This product is no longer available.
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Alcohol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Polysilicone-15, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Methylpropanediol, Isohexadecane, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 80, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Resveratrol
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
The Beet Shield's UV filter system uses three next-generation organic filters that advance beyond traditional sunscreen actives. Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S) is a broad-spectrum absorber covering 280-400nm — both UVA and UVB — and has high photostability. BASF's data shows Tinosorb S retains 98.4% of its absorptive capacity after 50 minimal erythemal doses of UV exposure; it also stabilizes other less photostable filters in the same formula. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus) provides UVA protection in the 320-400nm range, complementing the broader coverage of Tinosorb S. The third filter, Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150), is a potent UVB absorber with high photostability.
The antioxidant strategy uses complementary mechanisms. Beetroot extract provides betalains — nitrogen-containing pigments with documented radical-scavenging activity. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary catechin in green tea, has extensive research supporting its photoprotective properties. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2005) shows topical green tea polyphenols reduced UV-induced erythema and DNA damage markers. Resveratrol works via the sirtuin activation pathway, while sodium ascorbyl phosphate adds stable vitamin C activity. This layered approach — different antioxidants targeting different oxidative pathways — shows a formulation philosophy where each component addresses a distinct aspect of UV-induced damage instead of just stacking similar molecules.
References
- Green tea polyphenols and their potential role in health and disease — Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2005)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists advocate for broader access to next-generation UV filters like Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus, which offer superior photostability to traditional FDA-approved options. Board-certified dermatologists note the Beet Shield's filter combination shows what modern sunscreen formulation should look like — broad-spectrum coverage with built-in photostability. However, the 2021 SPF testing controversy highlighted a point dermatologists emphasize: on-skin protection depends on formulation stability, application amount, and manufacturing consistency, not just filter selection. Dermatologists recommend consumers look for sunscreens with validated SPF testing and, regardless of the product chosen, apply the recommended amount (approximately 2mg per square centimeter) and reapply every two hours during active sun exposure.
Where it fits in your routine.
Apply a generous amount to the face and neck after moisturizer as your final morning step. Use about a nickel-sized amount for the face; most people apply 50% or less of the required sunscreen. Wait 15-20 minutes before sun exposure so the chemical filters activate. Reapply every two hours during long sun exposure, or right after swimming or heavy sweating. This formula goes over serums and lightweight moisturizers without pilling.
At $20 for 50 mL, the Beet Shield offers high value for a sunscreen with premium European UV filters and a four-component antioxidant system. European pharmacy brands usually charge $25-40 for similar Tinosorb S-based formulations in comparable sizes. The antioxidant complex — EGCG, resveratrol, vitamin C, and beet extract — costs more in standalone serums than the price of this entire sunscreen. Based on its specifications, the Beet Shield was one of the best value options in the sunscreen category while available.
Skincare enthusiasts interested in modern sunscreen history or those with a bottle in their stash will find this useful. This product is a landmark in K-beauty sunscreen innovation rather than a current purchase recommendation.
This product is discontinued for anyone looking to buy a sunscreen today. People with sensitive or dry skin would have avoided it even when available because of the high alcohol content.
Product details.
This lightweight, fluid lotion has a slight yellowish tint from the beet extract. It spreads easily and absorbs quickly to a semi-dewy finish.
The alcohol base has a mild chemical scent that dissipates within a minute of application. It has no added fragrance.
50 mL squeeze bottle with a flip cap. It is compact and travel-friendly, but dispensing is hard to control.
The alcohol provides a slight cooling sensation and evaporates quickly. The formula spreads thinly and sets into a dewy film in about 30 seconds. Most users feel no stinging or burning, but those with compromised barriers may feel mild tingling from the alcohol content.
2-3 months with daily face application
12 months
All Year
The backstory.
Created by Liah Yoo — a former AmorePacific strategist turned YouTube skincare educator — the Beet Shield was one of KraveBeauty's earliest products. It became a cult favorite for its elegant texture and modern UV filter system, but was voluntarily discontinued in 2021 after third-party testing questioned whether it met its SPF 50+ claim.
About Krave Beauty
Emerging Brand (2–5 years)Liah Yoo, a former AmorePacific strategist and popular skincare YouTuber, founded KraveBeauty in 2017. The brand earned B Corp certification in 2024. KraveBeauty uses a small product lineup and relies on well-studied ingredients instead of proprietary clinical research.
Common myths.
The Beet Shield failed to provide sun protection or proved dangerous.
Independent testing suggests it does not meet its full SPF 50+ rating, but it still provides protection. KraveBeauty chose to discontinue and reformulate instead of contesting the findings, showing a responsible and transparent response.
Beetroot extract in sunscreen provides UV protection on its own.
Beetroot extract is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure, but it does not absorb or block UV rays. Chemical UV filters in the formula provide all the sun protection.
FAQ.
Is the Krave Beauty Beet Shield still available?
The original Beet Shield (also known as Beet The Sun SPF 50+ PA++++) stopped production in 2021 after independent SPF testing raised concerns. KraveBeauty now sells a reformulated Beet The Sun with updated filter systems in both US and international versions.
Why was the Krave Beauty Beet Shield discontinued?
In 2021, independent laboratory testing showed the product fails its SPF 50+ protection claim. KraveBeauty voluntarily pulled the product and reformulated it using updated, more reliable UV filter systems.
Does the Beet Shield have a white cast?
No. The Beet Shield uses only chemical UV filters (Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Ethylhexyl Triazone) to absorb UV light instead of reflecting it. This prevents a white cast on any skin tone. The beetroot extract gives it a slight warm tint.
Is the Krave Beauty Beet Shield good for sensitive skin?
The Beet Shield is fragrance-free. However, denatured alcohol appears high on the ingredient list. This causes drying and irritation for sensitive or compromised skin. Reactive skin types may prefer the reformulated Beet The Sun SPF 40 instead.
What's the difference between Beet Shield and Beet The Sun?
The Beet Shield uses the same Korean formula as Beet The Sun SPF 50+ PA++++, but uses a different name in the US because the UV filters lack FDA approval. The current Beet The Sun SPF 40 is a different formulation that uses FDA-compliant UV filters. ---
What the community says.
"Lightweight, non-greasy texture"
"No white cast on any skin tone"
"Pleasant dewy finish without looking oily"
"Layers well under makeup"
"Alcohol scent on initial application"
"Questioned SPF protection after 2021 independent testing"
"Not available in the US as a regulated sunscreen"
"Can feel slightly tacky in humid weather"
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