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My 2021 sunscreen guide, part 2: I tell you all about my tests of Japanese sunscreen products!
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Here is the second part of my 2021 Face sunscreens guide! This time, I’m focusing on the land of the rising sun, where there is no shortage of nice sunscreen options! So let’s take a closer look at the new Japanese sunscreen products I tried this year.
I already mentioned here some cult Japanese brands I discovered a few years ago (Anessa, Bioré, Skin Aqua) but this year, I wanted to dig a little deeper to reveal some other sunscreen gems!
If I’m a big fan of Japanese sunscreens, it’s first because of their texture, generally lightweight and barely noticeable on the skin. They created them for everyday use and you can tell!
That being said, many of the formulas I’m going to introduce in this guide are not just city sunscreens. Some of them are even very resistant and waterproof. So if you were looking for good all around sunscreens for the city AND outdoor activities, you’ve got a lot of great options here 😉.
As you’ll see, aside from a couple of them, the products I’m showing you in this guide are often combination (mineral and chemical) sunscreens. These are generally very protective, but sometimes, they can also tend to leave a slight white cast. This is not always the case and the formulas are generally very well designed to be invisible once applied on the skin.
Also, Japanese sunscreens often contain a lot of alcohol. The point of alcohol in a sunscreen formula is to help the texture to be more lightweight. I know that alcohol is very criticized and often accused of being a sensitizing and/or dehydrating ingredient, but it’s important to remember that a product is above all a formula. And precisely, in the case of the products in this article, the rest of the formula is very important to compensate this effect.
On me, if my skin is not sensitized (which is 90% of the time), it does not really cause me any problem. But it’s true that I also alternate the sunscreens I use, as I explained in this article about choosing a sunscreen from last year, which allows me to reduce the possibility of irritation.
Like the Koreans, the Japanese love to reformulate products according to the new innovations. Popular formulas are therefore improved almost every year. This is the case for Anessa, & Bioré in particular. Most of the formulas I presented in this guide are the latest formulas on the market. Some are from 2021 but not all 🙂.
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If you want to know more about how I choose my sunscreens, I invite you to read the paragraph titled “How I choose my sunscreens (in 2021)” in my Sunscreen Face Guide 2021 Part 1 😉
As always, you can go directly to the product you are interested in from the “Jump To” menu at the top of the page 😉
So here are the 7 Japanese sunscreens I tried in 2021!
Edit:
If you’re curious, here are the ones I tried in 2022: Face Sunscreen Guide 2022, Part 2: Japanese sunscreens
Skincare
Face Sunscreen Guide 2021, Part 1: European sunscreens
I must warn you. This year, I tried so many new sunscreens that it was impossible to feature them all in one article, it would have been way too long! I decided to write three separate articles, and I’m going to start today with the European sunscreens. So let’s do this!
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100% Chemical Sunscreens:
The textures of chemical sunscreens are generally very pleasant, lightweight, and imperceptible on the skin. Most of them are completely transparent, which is very nice! Some of them have a glowy finish, so be careful if your skin tends to look shiny during the day. If you have a dry skin though, you’ll probably really love them! 🙂
NIVEA UV Deep Protect & Care Gel SPF50+ PA++++:
∎ Price:
Between $12 to $17 for 80ml.
∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++
∎ Made in:
Japan
∎ Texture:
The product is called a “gel” but it’s actually a non-greasy fluid/milk that spreads easily and leaves a rather matte finish upon application. Just remember to shake it well before using it for a better filter distribution 🙂
∎ UV Filters:
– Uvinul A Plus: a chemical filter for UVA.
– Octinoxate: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Uvinul T 150: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Parsol SLX: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Tinosorb S: a chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
∎ Complete ingredients list:
Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polysilicone-15, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Polianthes Tuberosa Polysaccharide, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, C30-45 Olefin, Menthoxypropanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, BHT, Methylparaben, Fragrance
∎ Alcohol?
Yes.
∎ Fragrance?
Yes. A sweet, floral scent that is quite pleasant and fades away fairly quickly.
∎ Anti-oxidants?
Yes, honeysuckle extract.
∎ Other notable skincare ingredients in the formula:
Soothing rose water and honeysuckle extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, pearl protein for brightening.
∎ White cast?
No, it’s transparent.
∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.
∎ Mattifying?
Not especially, I would say, it’s semi-matte. And it doesn’t make me look shinier than usual.
∎ Drying?
No, it’s pretty comfortable.
∎ How does it look with makeup?
It has a slight tendency to pill a bit, but it’s not too bad. Foundation applies pretty well over it and its staying power is not affected.
∎ Would I repurchase?
Why not? I’ve been wanting to try out Nivea Japan’s sunscreen range for years (which is almost a different brand from the Nivea I knew in France; it’s owned there by the Japanese Kao group, who are also behind Bioré Japan). And I must admit that for the price, the formula is really amazing. This sunscreen has a great texture, with a lot of skincare ingredients in it and also innovative technology. Indeed, it includes an innovation called “3 Dimension Film Technology” which allows to form a super resistant film on the skin, which is sweat and water-resistant (up to 80 minutes). So, it’s a sunscreen that works for the city and the beach! It’s an 80g size too, so it’s really interesting because you can totally use it on your body if you want! 🙂
∎ Buy this product:
Combo Sunscreens (with both Mineral & Chemical filters):
The “heavy-duty” formulas. I use them when I want to be sure I’m very well protected, and if I know I’m going to be out in the sun for a bit.
Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++:
∎ Price:
Between $11 to $15 for 50ml.
∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++
∎ Made in:
Japan
∎ Texture:
A fresh gel cream that is very pleasant and moisturizing.
∎ UV Filters:
– Titanium dioxide: a mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Uvinul A Plus: a chemical filter for UVA.
– Octinoxate: a chemical filter for the UVB.
– Uvinul T 150: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Parsol SLX: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Tinosorb S: a chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
∎ Full ingredients list:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diglycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Bis – Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polysilicone – 15, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Polianthes Tuberosa Polysaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, C30-45 Alkyl Methane 030-45 Olefin, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, BHT, Methylparaben, Fragrance
∎ Alcohol?
Yes.
∎ Fragrance?
Yes. A sweet, floral scent that is quite pleasant and fades away fairly quickly.
∎ Anti-oxidants?
Yes, honeysuckle extract.
∎ Other notable skincare ingredients in the formula:
Soothing honeysuckle extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin, repairing tuberose extract, and pearl protein for brightening.
∎ White cast?
Not on me, despite the presence of a mineral filter. I think even on skin darker than mine, the white cast should be really minimal.
∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.
∎ Mattifying?
No, not really. It leaves a slightly glowy finish; however, my skin doesn’t look shiny more than usual with it.
∎ Drying?
No, the opposite, it’s pretty moisturizing.
∎ How does it look with makeup?
It has a little tendency to flake a bit, but it’s not catastrophic. The foundation applies pretty well over it and its staying power is not affected.
∎ Would I repurchase?
Why not? But if I have to choose, I think I prefer the Gel version (seen above), which is lighter! But this one is still a very nice product! If you like the famous Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, you’ll like this one, which is very similar! In short, it’s also a sunscreen with a great texture, with several good skincare ingredients in it and it also includes an innovation called “3 Dimension Film Technology” which allows to form a super resistant film on the skin, which even resists to sweat and water (for 80 minutes). So it’s a sunscreen that works for the city and outdoor, which is great!
∎ Buy this product:
CanMake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++ (01 Clear):
∎ Price:
Between $8 and $13 for 40ml.
∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++
∎ Made in:
Japan
∎ Texture:
A super fresh gel cream that leaves the skin moisturized but not greasy at all.
∎ UV Filters:
– Zinc Oxide: a mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Titanium dioxide: a mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Uvinul A Plus: a chemical filter for UVA.
– Octinoxate: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Tinosorb S: a chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
∎ Complete ingredients list:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Zinc Oxide, Methylheptyl Laurate, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diisostearyl Malate, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Glucan, Phytic Acid, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Glucosyl Ceramide, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Job’S Tears) Seed Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract, Silver Oxide, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
∎ Alcohol?
No.
∎ Fragrance?
No.
∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, phytic acid (this is a nut based derivative).
∎ Other notable skincare ingredients in the formula:
Yes, plenty! Moisturizing hyaluronic acid, soothing cherry leaf extract, brightening white mulberry extract, anti-aging arginine, nourishing jojoba ester…
∎ White cast?
On me and my fair skin, not at all. I can’t guarantee it will be completely transparent on dark skin, but the white cast will probably be super minimal.
∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.
∎ Mattifying?
No, but it doesn’t make me look shiny either.
∎ Drying?
Not at all, my skin stays well moisturized all day.
∎ How does it look with makeup?
It’s awesome! It’s a great makeup base (CanMake is a makeup brand, I guess that’s why). Foundations apply super well on top of it and it doesn’t affect their staying power during the day. Actually, this is the sunscreen I wore under my cushion foundations the day I shot my photos for my dedicated best of cushions article 😉.
∎ Would I repurchase?
I already did, I repurchased 2 tubes just in case. It’s a real favorite! The formula is very pleasant to use; it doesn’t irritate my skin; it doesn’t dry it out, it’s a great makeup base… It’s adapted to sensitive skins (it’s alcohol and fragrance-free). It’s not really a matifying product, but it doesn’t make me look shiny more than usual. I consider it more like a city sunscreen, it’s not supposed to be water-resistant. The tube is small (40ml) but considering its small price, it’s fine… 😉.
Beware, it comes in two versions, White and Clear. It’s the Clear one I’m talking about here 🙂.
∎ Buy this product:
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++:
∎ Price:
From $12 to $17 for 70 ml.
∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++
∎ Made in:
Japan
∎ Texture:
A rather light cream that absorbs quickly.
∎ UV Filters:
– Titanium dioxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Uvinul A Plus: chemical filter for UVA.
– Octinoxate: chemical filter for the UVB.
– Uvinul T 150: chemical filter for UVB.
– Tinosorb S: chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
∎ Full ingredients list:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethanol, BG, Isopropyl Palmitate, Titanium Oxide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dimethicone, (Lauryl Methacrylate / Methacrylic Acid Na) Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Benzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Silica, Hydrated Silica, Mica, Dextrin Palmitate, Tripoli Hydroxystearic Acid Dipentaerythrityl, (Acrylates / Alkyl Acrylate (C10-30)) Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylyl Silane, Cetanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polysorbate 60, Polysilicone-9, Hydroxide Al, Hydroxide K, Royal Jelly Extract, Hyaluronic Acid Na, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, EDTA 2Na, BHT, Perfume
∎ Alcohol?
Yes.
∎ Fragrance?
Yes, a soft and light floral fragrance that doesn’t last.
∎ Antioxidants?
No.
∎ Other notable skincare ingredients in the formula:
Moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and repairing royal jelly.
∎ White cast?
Yes, and it’s quite obvious. It gives an opalescent effect to the complexion, it’s a “tone up” sunscreen (= it’s supposed to give a fair brightening effect to the complexion).
∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.
∎ Matifying?
No, not really, it’s glowy and iridescent.
∎ Drying?
No, it’s moisturizing.
∎ How does it look with makeup?
If you’re looking for a super glowy, iridescent brightening base, you’ll love this! Me, it’s not really my thing, I must admit 😆
∎ Would I repurchase?
Er no, and actually it was a mistake me buying it from the first place, to be honest! I got confused with the name, and since when I ordered it, there were no reviews on it yet, I got fooled like a rookie! I thought the “Light” in the name meant that the texture was lightweight when in fact the important word in the name was “UP”. “Light Up” as in Tone Up, those typically Asian sunscreens that give a light brightening effect to the skin (= they’re whitening, basically).
This one goes even further and gives a fair and opalescent brightening effect with very fine iridescent particles to the skin (it’s not glitter, it’s just glowy). It’s surely very pretty on some, but on me, the whitish disco ball effect is just not great 😂). With makeup on top, it’s better but still, it’s way too glowy for me!
Other than that, it’s a good product but I’ll admit I have a hard time using it 😅
∎ Buy this product:
Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel SPF50+ PA++++:
∎ Price:
Between $20 to $40 for 90ml.
∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++
∎ Made in:
Japan
∎ Texture:
A fresh gel cream that absorbs quickly, leaving the skin matte.
∎ UV Filters:
– Zinc Oxide: a mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Octinoxate: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Uvinul T 150: a chemical filter for the UVB.
– Tinosorb S: a chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
∎ Full ingredients list:
Water, Zinc Oxide 11.53%, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.19%, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 2.0%, Ethylhexyl Triazone 2. 0%, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, PEG-400, Polysorbate 80, Polysilicone-9, Xanthan Gum, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, C30-45 Olefin, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Phenoxyethanol.
∎ Alcohol?
Yes.
∎ Fragrance?
No.
∎ Antioxidants?
No.
∎ Other notable skincare ingredients in the formula:
Moisturizing ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, collagen.
∎ White cast?
Not on me. I can’t guarantee that on skin darker than mine, it’ll be completely transparent, but the white cast will probably be very minimal.
∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.
∎ Mattifying?
Yes! It helps my skin to stay matte during the day, which is great in the summer!
∎ Drying?
No, despite its mattifying effect, I still find that my skin stays hydrated. My skin is not dry, but it’s quite dehydrated, so I can tell if a sunscreen is drying 😉.
∎ How does it look with makeup?
Great! The foundation applies really well over it and it lasts better during the day with its mattifying effect.
∎ Would I repurchase?
Yes, I think so. I’ve been circling around for a while, but the limited edition Moomin packaging from last winter made up my mind (I’m sorry, I don’t think you can find it anymore, though). I love the fresh texture and matte finish, which is perfect for me in the summer. It’s not dehydrating though. It’s very resistant thanks to its “Super-Friction Proof Technology” and it’s also water-resistant. The price is a little high, but the tube is 90ml, so it’s still a good deal IMO! The white cast is super minimal, I think it can suit different skin tones, which is always a plus!
∎ Buy this product:
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Skin Care Milk SPF50+ PA ++++ Pikachu (limited edition):
∎ Price:
Between $39 and $46 for 60ml.
∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++
∎ Made in:
Japan
∎ Texture:
It’s a non-greasy fluid/milk that spreads easily and leaves a rather matte finish upon application. Don’t forget to shake it well before using it for a better filters distribution! 🙂
∎ UV Filters:
– Zinc Oxide: a mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Titanium Dioxide: a mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Uvinul A Plus: a chemical filter for the UVA.
– Octinoxate: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Octisalate: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Parsol SLX: a chemical filter for UVB.
– Octocrylene: a chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
– Tinosorb S: a chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
∎ Full ingredients list:
Water, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Talc, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Alcohol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Isododecane, Octocrylene, PEG / PPG – 9 / 2 Dimethyl Ether, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, PEG – 9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Silica, Polysilicone – 15, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bis – Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sodium Chloride PEG / PPG – 14 / 7 Dimethyl Ether, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, PPG – 17, Dextrin Palmitate, Isostearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, PEG – 6, BHT, Tocopherol, Trisodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Metabisulfite, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
∎ Alcohol?
Yes.
∎ Fragrance?
Yes, a fairly fresh fragrance that does not linger.
∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, green tea and vitamin E.
∎ Other notable skincare ingredients in the formula:
Hydrating ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, collagen. But also soothing licorice that helps to brighten the complexion.
∎ White cast?
A light one, but on my fair skin, it’s fine.
∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.
∎ Mattifying?
Yes, pretty much. It’s not the most matte I’ve tried, but it definitely helps to regulate my sebum during the day.
∎ Drying?
Not on me.
∎ How does it look with makeup?
It looks great with makeup. It’s a pretty silicones-heavy formula, so it almost does a beautifying primer effect and makeup sits perfectly on top.
∎ Would I repurchase?
Why not? I clearly fell for it because of the limited edition Pikachu packaging, so cute! This is my first time testing this version (it’s the 2020 version formula if you’re wondering). I usually stick to the Mild Milk version in this brand. I must say that I like the matte effect of this one which will be perfect for this summer.
When it comes to innovation, Anessa is not kidding! This formula uses two super innovative technologies! The first one is Shiseido’s “Thermo Booster” which is triggered as soon as the temperature reaches 37°C. This means that the thermal energy sensor allows the formula to spread evenly when it detects heat to maintain an even layer of UV protection. In short, it means that the thermal energy sensor allows the formula to spread evenly when it detects heat to maintain an even layer of UV protection. The second is Anessa’s “Aqua Booster EX” technology, which reacts with minerals in sweat and water to create a more protective, even UV shield on the skin that is more resistant to rubbing. So it’s a great sunscreen if you want to be active outdoors and it’s hot!
But on me, it also works very well as a city sunscreen; it looks great under makeup and I find it very comfortable. Anyway, it’s pricey, but considering the high-tech formula, it’s quite understandable 😉.
∎ Buy this product:
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Skin SPF 50+ PA++++ (2021 version):
∎ Price:
Between $35 and $48 for 60ml.
∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++
∎ Made in:
Japan
∎ Texture:
A fluid/milk that feels a bit greasy upon application (but this effect fades quickly). It spreads easily and leaves a semi-matte finish upon application. Don’t forget to shake it well before using it for a better filter distribution 🙂
∎ UV Filters:
– Zinc Oxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Titanium Dioxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB.
– Uvinul A Plus: chemical filter for the UVA.
– Uvinul T 150: chemical filter for UVB.
– Tinosorb S: chemical filter for UVA and UVB.
∎ Full ingredients list:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Water, Caprylyl Methicone, Zinc Oxide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Triethylhexanoin, Butylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycerin, Silica, Bis – Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl – 3, PEG – 9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bis – Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, PEG / PPG – 14 / 7 Dimethyl Ether, Sodium Chloride, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, PEG – 10 Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Dextrin Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Talc, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tocopherol, Benzoic Acid
∎ Alcohol?
No
∎ Fragrance?
No.
∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, vitamin E.
∎ Other notable skincare ingredients in the formula:
Moisturizing ingredients: glycerin and hyaluronic acid. But also soothing licorice, which helps to brighten the skin.
∎ White cast?
A bit but on my fair skin, it looks OK.
∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
No, not on me.
∎ Mattifying?
Not really, but it doesn’t make me look shinier than usual during the day.
∎ Drying?
No, it’s actually moisturizing.
∎ How does it look with makeup?
It’s a silicone-heavy formula, so it has a beautifying priming effect and the foundation glides on top, which is great!
∎ Would I repurchase?
Yes, this is one of my favorite sunscreens! It’s suitable for sensitive skin (no fragrance, no alcohol); the brand even recommends it for kids. It’s super protective thanks to two exclusive technologies of this new 2021 formula:
– the new “Smooth Protect” technology optimizes the dispersion efficiency of mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) for a more even film on the skin and a reduced white effect.
– the “Aqua Booster EX” technology, which reacts with the minerals in sweat and water to create a more protective and uniform UV shield on the skin and is more resistant to rubbing. This makes it a great sunscreen if you’re being active outdoors!
On me, it also works great as a city sunscreen; it looks beautiful under makeup and I find it super comfortable. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s a sunscreen that is super protective, very innovative and even suitable for sensitive skin! It’s my go-to sunscreen if I’m going to go swimming for example 😉.
∎ Buy this product:
In conclusion:
Out of these 7 Japanese sunscreens, here are my top 3 (no particular order, I love them all for different reasons):
– : very nice and comfortable to use every day and great with makeup! A gem 🥰
– : great for days when I want my makeup to last, and when it’s super hot. Very protective and love the matte finish 👍.
– : has been one of my staples for years! Very protective and resistant, it’s also suitable for sensitive skin. I repurchase it regularly, and the 2021 version is great 🙂.
That’s it for this second part of my Face Sunscreens Guide 2021 dedicated to Japanese sunscreens!
For the third and last part, which will focus on Korean sunscreens, I’m going to ask you to be a little patient. It won’t be easy to write for several reasons. First of all because it will contain more products (Korean sunscreens are my favorites, I always try more of them!) and also because I’ll have to talk a little about the Purito-gate (even though I really don’t feel like it at all 😆).
Anyway, don’t expect it for next week. I’m going to need more time, I think! Thanks for your patience 🙂.
Edit: it’s live!
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