My 30-Day Experience with Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Bio Super Defense Glow Sunscreen

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I’ve tried plenty of Korean sunscreens that promise effortless glow, hydration, and invisible protection, but numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Bio Super Defense Glow Sunscreen immediately caught my attention because it takes the idea a step further. Instead of positioning itself as just another SPF, it combines daily sun protection with NAD+, peptides, antioxidants, and multiple hydrating ingredients aimed at keeping skin looking smoother and more youthful.

I’ll be honest—I was skeptical at first. The ingredient list sounded almost like a full anti-aging serum had been packed into a sunscreen tube, and I wondered whether all of those claims would actually translate into something I would enjoy wearing every morning.

For context, my skin is combination and slightly dehydrated. My T-zone tends to become shiny during the day, while my cheeks can feel noticeably drier, especially when I spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms. I also have some uneven tone and post-acne marks, so I’m particularly careful about daily UV protection.

I used the No.9 sunscreen consistently for 30 days, paying attention not only to how well it protected my skin but also to how it felt underneath makeup, whether it caused pilling, how my skin looked by the end of the day, and—perhaps most importantly—whether I actually looked forward to putting it on.

After a month, I can say this is one of those sunscreens where the finish is almost as memorable as the formula.

Packaging & Design

The sunscreen comes in a 50 mL (1.69 fl. oz.) squeeze tube with the muted plum-purple aesthetic associated with numbuzin’s No.9 line. The overall design has a polished, slightly clinical look, which gives it the feel of a treatment-focused K-beauty product rather than a playful beach sunscreen.

I like the tube format for a daily sunscreen. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around in my handbag or travel pouch, making it particularly convenient for everyday use and travel.

The opening is quite narrow, so I can squeeze out a controlled amount rather than accidentally getting a huge blob of sunscreen on my hand. That sounds like a tiny detail, but I appreciate it because sunscreen is one product where I want to be able to measure my application rather than waste product.

The tube is also opaque, which helps protect the formula from light exposure. The downside is that I can’t see exactly how much product is left, so toward the end I have to rely on how light the tube feels.

There is a protective seal over the nozzle when the product is new, which I appreciate from both a hygiene and freshness perspective. Overall, the packaging is simple, practical, and treatment-oriented, fitting nicely with the anti-aging focus of the No.9 range.

Sun Protection & Formula

Of course, everything else about a sunscreen is secondary if it doesn’t give me reliable UV protection.

The numbuzin No.9 uses a chemical sunscreen filter system and is rated SPF 50 with broad-spectrum protection. It also carries a PA++++ rating, which is particularly reassuring to me because UVA exposure is one of the things I worry about most when it comes to premature skin aging and pigmentation.

The active filters include Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. Avobenzone is especially important here because it provides UVA protection, while the other filters contribute primarily to UVB protection and help support the overall filter system.

One thing I particularly liked is that there are no mineral sunscreen filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. That is a big reason why the formula applies completely clear on my skin.

And then we get to the part that makes this sunscreen different from a basic SPF: the skincare ingredients.

Key Ingredients

• NAD+ – The star ingredient in the No.9 formula, associated with cellular energy and repair processes.
• Niacinamide – Helps support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
• Panthenol – A soothing, moisturizing ingredient that helps support the skin barrier.
• Peptides – The formula contains multiple peptides intended to support the appearance of firmness, elasticity, and wrinkles.
• Hyaluronic Acid – A combination of different forms helps attract and retain moisture in the skin.
• Polyglutamic Acid – Helps create a moisture-retaining layer over the skin.
• Hydrolyzed Collagen – Helps condition the skin and support surface hydration.
• Centella Asiatica – Known for its soothing and skin-calming properties.
• Heartleaf Extract – Another botanical ingredient included for its soothing and antioxidant benefits.
• Licorice Root Extract – Helps support a more even-looking complexion.
• Vitamin E – Provides antioxidant support and helps condition the skin.
• Allantoin – A soothing ingredient that can help make the formula more comfortable on the skin.

I was initially most curious about NAD+ because it sounds much more like something I would expect to find in an anti-aging serum than a sunscreen. I wouldn’t personally expect a sunscreen to erase wrinkles or dramatically transform my skin simply because it contains NAD+. However, I do like the overall philosophy of combining UV protection with ingredients that support hydration, barrier health, and the appearance of aging.

There is also a meaningful antioxidant component, including resveratrol, Centella Asiatica, heartleaf, and vitamin E. To me, that makes sense in a sunscreen because UV exposure generates oxidative stress, so having antioxidant support alongside UV filters is an appealing combination.

The formula is also designed to provide up to 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance. That makes it more versatile than a sunscreen intended purely for quiet indoor days, although I would still reapply after swimming, sweating heavily, towel drying, or prolonged outdoor exposure.

Texture & Finish

This is where the No.9 sunscreen really won me over.

The texture is a lightweight gel-cream that spreads easily across my face. It doesn’t have the thick, dense feeling that I associate with some high-SPF sunscreens, and I can spread a generous layer without feeling like I’m dragging the product across my skin.

It also absorbs relatively quickly. I found that giving it around a minute to settle was enough for the initial wetness to disappear and for the sunscreen to form a comfortable layer over my skin.

And then there is the glow.

This is not a matte sunscreen. If you’re looking for something that completely removes every hint of shine, this probably isn’t the one I’d recommend. The No.9 leaves my skin looking hydrated, luminous, and slightly dewy—very much in the direction of the Korean “glass skin” aesthetic.

On my cheeks, I loved it. My skin looked fresher and more moisturized without looking as though I had deliberately applied a highlighter.

My T-zone was a little more complicated. On days when I layered a rich moisturizer underneath, the finish could become shinier than I wanted. Once I started keeping the rest of my morning routine lighter, though, the sunscreen looked much more balanced.

Another big advantage for me was the lack of white cast. Because the formula uses chemical filters rather than mineral pigments, it disappears into my skin without leaving that pale film I sometimes have to spend several minutes blending.

I also found the formula comfortable under makeup. It creates a smooth, hydrated base rather than immediately fighting with my foundation.

Scent

The scent is fairly subtle, but you can notice it when you first apply the sunscreen.

The formula doesn’t use an added artificial perfume fragrance. Instead, the scent comes primarily from Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, which gives it a light, fresh, herbal character.

I’m usually happier when a sunscreen doesn’t smell heavily perfumed, and this one fits that preference. The eucalyptus note is noticeable at first, but it doesn’t linger throughout the day.

After roughly 10 to 15 minutes, I found that the scent had largely faded, leaving little more than the skincare scent of the formula itself.

If you absolutely dislike botanical or eucalyptus-like scents, you may notice it during application. For me, it wasn’t strong enough to become a problem.

Skin Type & Compatibility

After 30 days, I think the No.9 sunscreen is particularly appealing to people who want hydration and glow alongside their daily SPF.

My combination skin generally handled it very well. The moisturizing ingredients kept my cheeks from feeling tight, while the lightweight texture prevented the sunscreen from feeling like a heavy cream across my entire face.

I can also see why it would appeal to normal, dry, combination, and dehydrated skin. The combination of hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, and other conditioning ingredients gives it much more of a skincare feel than many conventional sunscreens.

The formula is also described as non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested, with suitability noted for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Still, I wouldn’t assume that every sensitive complexion will automatically love it. If your skin reacts easily to new products, a patch test is always a sensible idea.

For pigmentation concerns, I particularly appreciate the combination of high UVA protection, niacinamide, and licorice root extract. I wouldn’t call this a dedicated pigmentation treatment, but preventing additional UV-induced darkening while supporting a more even-looking complexion makes it a logical choice for someone dealing with post-acne marks or uneven tone.

Most importantly, I think this sunscreen works best when I treat its glow as part of the product’s personality. If you love dewy, hydrated, glass-skin finishes, you’ll probably understand the appeal immediately. If your ideal sunscreen leaves your skin completely matte and powdery, this may feel too luminous.

Wearability & Daily Life

After the initial application, this sunscreen became surprisingly easy to fit into my morning routine. I usually applied it as the final step of skincare, after my toner, serum, and moisturizer, and I didn’t experience the annoying rolling or pilling that can make layering sunscreen frustrating.

In fact, on mornings when my skin felt reasonably hydrated, I could skip a separate moisturizer. The sunscreen itself provided enough moisture for my cheeks and left my skin looking fresh rather than dry.

I also tested it underneath makeup, and this is where the luminous finish became a real advantage. My foundation seemed to glide over the sunscreen rather than catching on dry patches. It also gave my complexion a slightly more polished appearance before I had applied any makeup at all.

I wouldn’t call it a traditional makeup primer, but it certainly behaves like a hydrating primer for me. My foundation didn’t immediately separate or become patchy, and the glow underneath made my skin look less flat.

Another thing I appreciated was how well the sunscreen worked around facial hair. Since there are no mineral pigments, I didn’t have to worry about white residue collecting around tiny hairs or along my hairline.

For outdoor days, the formula’s 80-minute water and sweat resistance is useful. However, I don’t think that should be interpreted as “apply once and forget about it.” I still followed the usual sunscreen rule of reapplying about every two hours during prolonged outdoor exposure and after swimming or heavy sweating.

One minor practical point surprised me: I found it best to let the sunscreen dry before getting dressed. The formula can potentially contribute to yellowish staining on white fabrics under certain conditions, so giving it a little time to settle is a simple precaution.

Size, Lifespan, & Practicality

The tube contains 50 mL (1.69 fl. oz.), which is a fairly standard size for a facial sunscreen.

The important thing to remember is that a sunscreen’s lifespan depends heavily on how generously you apply it. The recommended amount for full face-and-neck coverage is approximately 1.25 mL.

At that amount, a 50 mL tube works out to roughly 40 full applications. For someone applying it once every morning, that’s approximately 35–40 days of use.

That actually lines up nicely with my 30-day test. After a month of consistent use, I was well into the tube but wasn’t expecting it to be completely finished yet.

If you’re reapplying frequently during outdoor activities, however, you’ll go through it considerably faster—potentially within around 14–20 days.

I consider that perfectly reasonable for a facial sunscreen. I also wouldn’t recommend using this as your primary body sunscreen. At 50 mL, you’d go through the tube incredibly quickly if you started covering your arms, legs, and torso with it.

The narrow nozzle continued to be useful throughout my testing. It helped me avoid squeezing out far more product than I actually needed, and the cap stayed relatively clean.

Brand Reputation & Ethics

numbuzin is a Korean skincare brand that organizes its products around numbers, with each numbered range focusing on particular skin concerns. The No.9 line is centered around concerns associated with skin aging, elasticity, firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles, so the anti-aging focus of this sunscreen makes sense within the wider range.

The No.9 sunscreen is manufactured in South Korea, with Benow Co., Ltd. associated with the brand and manufacturing information.

I also appreciate that the formula avoids oxybenzone and octinoxate, two UV filters that have attracted environmental concerns and are restricted in certain reef-protection regulations.

The product is also described as cruelty-free, which is an important consideration for me when choosing skincare.

There is one nuance worth mentioning, though. The formula uses synthetic polymers to help create its flexible, water-resistant film. Ingredients such as VP/Eicosene Copolymer and Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate contribute to the sunscreen’s texture, film formation, and resistance to pilling.

I don’t consider that automatically a negative. In fact, these ingredients are part of the reason the sunscreen spreads so nicely and stays put. But if you’re specifically looking for a formula built around entirely natural or biodegradable ingredients, this probably isn’t the sunscreen for you.

Overall, I like the balance here: the brand combines modern cosmetic technology with a fairly thoughtful collection of skincare ingredients rather than trying to sell the product purely on a “natural” angle.

Price, Value, & Availability

The No.9 sunscreen sits in a price range that I find quite reasonable for what it offers.

The standard price is around $18 for 50 mL, although promotional pricing can bring it down to roughly $12.75–$17.60, depending on the retailer and offer.

I’ve seen it positioned through retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Olive Young Global, iHerb, and numbuzin’s official US channel, as well as other K-beauty retailers.

At around $18, I think the value is particularly good if you’re someone who would otherwise buy a separate hydrating serum or primer to get the same sort of cosmetic effect. You’re getting SPF 50, UVA protection, hydration, antioxidants, peptides, and a very attractive finish in one product.

Of course, I wouldn’t buy a sunscreen simply because it has a long ingredient list. The real value comes down to whether you’ll actually apply enough of it every day.

For me, the answer was yes.

The sunscreen felt pleasant enough that I didn’t have to convince myself to use it. And that matters because the “perfect” sunscreen sitting unopened in a drawer isn’t doing anything for your skin.

Overall Rating

After 30 days with the numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Bio Super Defense Glow Sunscreen, I’d give it 8.1 out of 10. It manages to combine something I consider non-negotiable—reliable daily sun protection—with the hydration and glow I normally look for in my skincare.

What impressed me most wasn’t actually the NAD+ or the long list of peptides. It was how easy the sunscreen made daily SPF feel. The texture was comfortable, there was no white cast, it worked beautifully with makeup, and my skin consistently looked hydrated rather than dull.

Tips & Recommendations

My biggest recommendation is to use enough. The beautiful texture makes it tempting to apply a thin layer because it spreads so easily, but a sunscreen can only provide the labeled protection when it’s applied at the appropriate amount.

For my face and neck, I find it easiest to divide the application into two portions rather than trying to spread the entire amount at once. This gives me more even coverage and makes the generous amount feel much easier to work with.

I also recommend giving the sunscreen about a minute to settle before applying makeup. It doesn’t take long, but that short wait allows the initial dewy layer to become more comfortable and gives foundation a better surface to sit on.

If you’re very oily, I’d keep the rest of your morning routine lightweight. I found that using a rich moisturizer underneath the sunscreen could push the glow from “healthy and luminous” into “a little too shiny” around my T-zone.

For outdoor activities, remember that water resistance doesn’t mean waterproof. Reapply after swimming, heavy sweating, towel drying, or extended sun exposure, and generally reapply every two hours when you’re spending significant time outdoors.

Finally, don’t let the impressive skincare ingredient list distract from the product’s main job. This is still sunscreen first. The NAD+, peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients are lovely extras, but consistent and generous application is what matters most for protecting my skin from UV exposure.