Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence

Review: Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ face sunscreen

A+
5 '
Intro

At a glance

My test and review of the face sunscreen Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ from the Korean skincare brand Keep Cool.

I regret so much that I couldn’t include the Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ from Korean skincare brand Keep Cool in my sunscreen article last month! I don’t often use this term, but a sunscreen that has the potential to suit everyone, all skin types and tone… In my book, it’s called a gem, guys!

Edit 1/22/2021:
Please be aware that this sunscreen has been discontinued due to concerns about its actual SPF value.

Keep Cool wasn’t completely unfamiliar to me. I saw their sheet masks everywhere when I went to Seoul, South Korea last year, and I also spotted their bamboo Soothe Toner on Instagram but I had never tried anything from the brand until now.

Keep Cool is a fairly new brand, they started in 2015, in South Korea, their home country, with only sheet-masks at the beginning.

Soon enough, the brand focused on the international market, targeting different markets in Asia and also the United States. They’ve continued to develop and they now have three ranges: Soothe, their soothing range, Shine, which focuses on radiance and Ocean, whose is all about hydration.

The name Keep Cool is inspired by the main action of the products: they help to lower skin temperature.

According to them, an increase in skin temperature can cause several undesirable phenomena on the skin such as overproduction of sebum, pore enlargement and also an increase in skin sensitivity, as well as breakouts. Keep Cool combines in its formulas natural ingredients from traditional Korean medicine (Scutellaria Baicalensis, honeysuckle/ Lonicera Japonica, and Forsythia fruit), which help to cool and soothe the skin. These ingredients can be found in all product formulas.

I think you can see why I couldn’t resist it when they finally decided to launch a face sunscreen? The promise of a refreshing sunscreen, of course, when you live in a furnace, it’s something to be excited about (as I write this, it’s 10am and it’s already 41 degrees… 🔥🔥🔥).

And in reality, as we’ll see, this Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen is much more than that! I’ll explain why it’s on its way to becoming my favourite sunscreen for this summer 2020!

Face Sunscreen Guide 2020 Skincare Face Sunscreen Guide 2020 I know that some of you are just as obsessed with sunscreens as I am, and that you’ve been waiting impatiently for this article! So without further ado, here’s an overview of my sunscreen face trials for this year 2020! Read more

The Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++, my thoughts:

Yes, I’m aware that I’ve already featured 16 sunscreen products in my 2020 Guide post, which is only a few weeks old! But really, this one deserves its own review, I must insist!

I’m well aware that my 2020 sunscreen article may have frustrated some of you, I felt it in some comments, and in the exchanges I had with some of you on social media after publishing it. I’m not talking about the fact that many of the products are Korean and therefore not always easy to find, I’ve already mentioned it in this article. And well, that’s not going to change with the product I’m introducing today, I apologize in advance! Koreans are one step ahead of the rest of the world regarding sunscreens, I can’t do anything about it! 😅

No, I’m talking about the fact that I’m well aware that my selection in the 2020 sunscreen article is more suitable for fair skin than dark skin. I made my product selection based on my preferences and my skin colour, which is a fair skin tone. But I must admit that I would be happy to talk about more products that are suitable for everyone!

And we know that sunscreens are not inclusive products. They often leave a white cast, especially if you prefer mineral sunscreen formulas. In general, for darker skin, I always recommend chemical sunscreen formulas that are more transparent.

Problem: Chemical formulas are not necessarily suitable for everyone. Depending on the filters used in the formula, they can be a little irritating, especially if you use them every day as I recommend. Fortunately, these days, at least in Europe and Asia, there are new chemical UV filters available that are much less irritating and super effective, allowing the formulas to be more transparent and more pleasant to use!

There are formulas such as the Purito’s Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF 50+ PA++++, or Dr Ceuracle’s Cica Regen Anti Dust Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++, or Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++, for example. All three are super pleasant to use, completely transparent and not at all irritating!

I like them a lot, you know that, but for summer and my combination skin, they’re a bit too rich. I like to use them when the temperatures go down because right now they make me look too shiny for my taste during the day.

Until now, in the summer, I always preferred mineral sunscreen formulas, which are ideal for my fair skin and are more matifying.

I dreamed of being able to recommend a chemical sunscreen option with a formula suitable for sensitive, combination and also dark skin tones. In other words, one that would contain new-generation UV filters that are effective and non-irritating, but without necessarily being super emollient like the existing formulas on the market.

Well, my friends with combo and sensitive skins who want a completely transparent formula, that day has finally arrived 🙌

I present to you a true hidden gem, the Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen!

It’s a sunscreen for everyday use, its formula is not waterproof though so I wouldn’t use it at the beach, personally.

I started using it 15 days ago, as soon as I received it and I’ve been only using the Keep Cool Sunscreen since then!

Here are the details of this Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++ sunscreen:

∎ Protection:
SPF 50+, PA++++

∎ Made in:
South Korea

∎ Texture:
A fluid and light cream, very refreshing. It absorbs quickly, without leaving any white cast and the finish is semi-matte.

∎ Sunscreen filters:
– Uvinul A Plus: filters UVA rays.
– Tinosorb S: filters UVA and UVB.

∎ Presence of alcohol?
No.

∎ Presence of fragrance? Essential oils?
No.

∎ Presence of silicones?
No.

∎ Presence of antioxidant ingredients?
Yes, Niacinamide (a great multi-tasking skincare ingredient), Centella Asiatica, Scutellaria Baicalensis root, Forsythia Suspensa fruit extract, and Pinus Densiflora pine extract.

∎ Other notable care ingredients in the formula:
Plenty! This is a great skincare product (with UV filters):
Bamboo water, which constitutes 40% of the product. It helps to refresh and soothe overheated skin,
anti-aging ingredients: adenosine, hyaluronic acid,
moisturizing ingredients: bamboo extract, glycerin, hyaluronic acid (3 different molecular weights), Chamaecyparis Obtusa leaf extract, Lespedeza Capitata leaf stem cell extract,
soothing ingredients: Centella Asiatica, honeysuckle flower extract, white cedar extract (Thuja Orientalis).

∎ White cast?
No, it’s completely transparent.

∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
No, it’s actually perfect when my skin needs to be soothed.

∎ Mattifying?
It’s a semi-matte finish, and the product doesn’t make me look shiny any more than usual.

∎ Drying?
No, on the contrary, I find it hydrating, but not greasy.

∎ How does it look with makeup?
It’s an excellent makeup priming base, my foundation applies well over it and I feel that it helps to make it last longer.

∎ Would I repurchase?
Yes, and I’m definitely going to stock up!

∎ Prices:
Between $23 and $25 for 50ml.

I have added other details such as how to use this product in the section “Product review in detail” further down in the page, after the conclusion 😉

In conclusion:

In short, it’s my summer sunscreen crush! I find it super pleasant to use, it’s soothing, and for my skin sensitized by the use of tretinoin at the moment, it’s just perfect!

I also like the fact that it’s completely transparent, and I love the semi-matte finish. I wouldn’t say it’s mattifying, but my skin doesn’t look shinier than usual, and it doesn’t feel drier as well with this product. It’s even hydrating and and refreshing to use. And if I want to reapply it during the day, I can do so without any trouble!

Finally, it’s a good value for money, even if I must admit that I would have preferred a 100ml format because with this type of product, it’s always better be generous with your application 🙂

The Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ face sunscreen retails between $23 and $25 for 50ml.

Edit 1/22/2021:
Please be aware that this sunscreen has been discontinued due to concerns about its actual SPF value.

Product Review in detail

Summary

Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

"A sunscreen product formulated for sensitive skin with SPF50 PA++++, that offers UV blocking, brightening benefits and anti-wrinkle effects in a single package. Packed with 40% bamboo water and three natural soothing herbs to calm inflammation as well as to hydrate and cool down heated, irritated skin. This sun essence leaves a subtle glow and a healthy-looking finish."

product image

Recommendation

A+

I love this sunscreen!

Price

$23 - $25

Details

Packaging
Texture
Scent
Feeling on the skin
Formula/ Ingredients
Efficiency/ Result
Value For Money
Availability

+ Pros

- the SPF 50+ PA+++, which provides broad protection against UVA and UVB rays,
- the use of two new generation chemical filters (Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S) which are very effective and suitable for sensitive skin,
- it also contains antioxidant ingredients, making it an excellent anti-ageing protection product,
- its formula, it's a true skincare cream with all the beneficial ingredients for the skin it contains: moisturizing, soothing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant ingredients...
- the texture is super fresh and saturated with water, it's extremely pleasant and refreshing for the season,
- it's completely transparent, so it's suitable for all skin colours,
- it contains no fragrance, alcohol or silicones, for those who are sensitive to these ingredients,
- it leaves a natural semi-matte finish, I don't look more shiny during the day with it and my skin doesn't feel dry either: it's the perfect finish!

- Cons

- the dispenser tip isn't very practical to dispense the product; it tends to "spit out" a bit, not the most convenient to use...
- you have to order it online (but you can find it in many online stores that deliver everywhere).

product name

Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

brand name

Keep Cool

size

50ml

made in

Corée Du Sud

packaging

A white plastic tube with a transparent cap, and a thin and precise tip dispenser.

fragrance

Fragrance-free (and it doesn't smell like anything).

texture

A fluid and light cream, very refreshing. It absorbs quickly without leaving any traces and the finish is semi-matte.

For Who

For all those who want to protect themselves against UV rays.

Concerns

– sun exposure,
– presence of UV rays,
– anti-aging prevention,
– hyperpigmentation.

Method

I apply the Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ after I have finished my morning skincare routine (after my moisturizer). Usually, I wait for a few minutes after applying my moisturizer (roughly the time to get dressed) before using my sunscreen.
Regarding the amount, I use about 1/2 teaspoon for my face, neck, neckline, and ears to be properly protected. I apply them in successive layers to make it easier and massage them a lot so that the cream blends, as much as possible, into my skin.
The product tends to stick a bit to the eyebrows and my hairline.
I usually wait for about ten minutes (at least) before applying my makeup. This gives the product time to set properly to form a good protective layer, undiluted by the application of other products on top.

Key Ingredients

The formula of this sunscreen product is truly worthy of a skincare moisturizer! Its key ingredients:
bamboo water, which here composes 40% of the product. It helps to refresh and soothe overheated skin.
– antioxidant ingredients: Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, Scutellaria Baicalensis root, Forsythia Suspensa fruit extract, Pinus Densiflora pine extract,
– anti-ageing ingredients: adenosine, hyaluronic acid,
– moisturizing ingredients: bamboo extract, glycerin, hyaluronic acid (3 different molecular weights), Chamaecyparis Obtusa leaf extract, Lespedeza Capitata leaf stem cell extract,
– soothing ingredients: Centella Asiatica, honeysuckle flower extract, white cedar extract (Thuja Orientalis)

And of course the UV filters: Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S, which are chemical (or organic) filters.

Ingredients

Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Water, Diglycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate,Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Behenyl Alcohol, Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/​Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Thuja Orientalis Extract, Pinus Densiflora Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Acrylate/​Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyisobutene, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​VP Copolymer, Silica, Butylene Glycol,Caprylyl/​Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate.

Ingredients not included

– alcohol,
– mineral oil,
– silicones,
– fragrance,
– essential oils,
– dye.

Shop for this product

Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ $23 - $25

Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

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