During a trip to Japan last fall, I kept an eye out for popular cosmetics, with a particular interest in face masks and sunscreens. I purchased a bottle of Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen at a drugstore and brought it back home. Having heard positive remarks about how "cosmetically elegant" Japanese sunscreens are, I was eager to test this one and see if it lived up to its reputation.
Understanding Japanese Sunscreen Formulations
This formula lists "ethanol" high on the ingredient list, serving as a solvent for sunscreen actives. While this contributes to a more "cosmetically elegant" formula that avoids a white cast, it may cause dryness or irritation for some individuals. The presence of silicones in this formula might also lead to breakouts for certain people, though my skin does not react negatively to them.
Unfortunately, Japanese sunscreens do not display the percentage of active sunscreen ingredients prominently on the label, unlike their American counterparts. Octinoxate is the only FDA-approved active ingredient included in this particular product. Other active ingredients, such as Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus, are widely used and approved in other regions like Europe, Japan, and Australia, offering robust UVA protection.
A tip for testing sunscreen stability involves squeezing a small amount into the palm and observing if any liquid separates from the cream. When I applied this test to the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen, it appeared to be a well-emulsified formula, with no visible separation of water from the cream. This suggests it is likely an effective and stable sunscreen.
Furthermore, this sunscreen is rated at PA++++, which signifies the highest level of UVA protection. This rating effectively corresponds to a PPD factor of at least 16, indicating substantial defense against UVA rays.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence: A Closer Look
The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is described as a great souvenir from Japan. For those not traveling to Japan soon, it is readily available on platforms like Amazon.
The quest for a good sunscreen is year-round, essential for minimizing visible skin aging, fighting hyperpigmentation, and preventing skin cancer. As a beauty writer, I was thrilled to find multiple Japanese sunscreens displayed in person at Image Beauty. In my excitement, I could have easily chosen the wrong product without proper research.
Application and Usage
It is recommended to use this sunscreen as the final step in your morning skincare routine, ensuring that previous layers have fully dried. Apply generously to all exposed skin areas.
It is crucial to apply sunscreen generously to achieve full protection from UV radiation. The standard for UV protection measurement is 2 mg/cm² of product on the skin, which equates to approximately 1/4 teaspoon for the face alone. Using less significantly reduces protection. While terms like "pea-sized amount" are common, they often represent far less than the required amount, leading to a drastic decrease in protection.
For milk-type sunscreens like this one, using even more product is advisable, especially when using a cushion puff for application. This recommendation applies to the face, with additional application for the neck and upper chest.
How to apply sunscreen: Dermatologist tips
User Experience and Performance
The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is celebrated for its light, invisible, hydrating, and enjoyable application. It absorbs instantly without leaving a white cast, pilling, or a strange film, resulting in fresh, hydrated skin ready for makeup. Its texture is so light that one might not believe it contains SPF.
The spray version is convenient for reapplication over makeup, approximately every two hours as recommended. However, overuse can lead to a slightly oily feel, so a "little and often" approach is best. Despite intense sun exposure in Tokyo, no sunburn was experienced while using this product.
This sunscreen is considered a cult favorite and a potential "holy grail" product for those seeking an effective and pleasant SPF. Its formulation includes Hyaluronic Acid, known for boosting skin's natural moisture, and it absorbs instantly with a sheer finish.
Renee Washington, a digital fashion and beauty writer, notes that this sunscreen feels weightless, making it one of the lightest SPFs she has used. It effectively protects while remaining almost undetectable, embodying the essence of J-beauty.
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk: An Alternative
The Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ utilizes a combination of organic ("chemical") and inorganic ("physical" or "mineral") UV filters for UV radiation defense. It also contains silicones for a smooth finish and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Notably, this sunscreen is alcohol-free, which is beneficial for individuals who prefer to avoid Japanese sunscreens containing alcohol. It is a thin, runny milk-type sunscreen that requires shaking before dispensing, aided by a small ball inside the bottle.
Texture and Finish
The Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk has a thin, runny consistency. Upon application, it spreads easily over the skin. After a drying period of about 10 minutes, it leaves a finish with no white cast, making it a current favorite for many.
Moisturizing Properties and Wearability
While named "Super Moisture Milk," this sunscreen is not exceptionally moisturizing. It is not drying, and can sometimes replace moisturizer in morning routines. However, it does not leave the skin feeling moisturized; rather, it creates a light, silicone-like film that helps maintain a normal skin sensation throughout the day without providing substantial moisture.
It layers well over moisturizer, so it's recommended not to skip cream application unless in a rush. The 40ml bottle size is noted as a drawback, lasting only a couple of weeks for some users.
Overall Impression
While not a product of passionate love, the Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk is liked enough to be reordered. It serves well for daily use, can substitute moisturizer in a pinch, and is visually undetectable on the skin. It is a good option for everyday wear and offers a pleasant user experience.
Japanese beauty is characterized by clever innovation, satisfying textures, and long-term results. While K-beauty often receives more online attention, J-beauty holds an iconic status. The approach to skincare in Japan emphasizes these qualities.
The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50, including its spray version, is a standout product. It is confirmed as Japan's number one sunscreen for good reason. Its availability in the UK at Boots eliminates the need for international travel to obtain it.
Compared to other high-end sunscreens like Ultra Violette Fave Fluid Skinscreen, Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid, and Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, the Biore Aqua Rich is a more accessible and equally effective option.