Time for my Asian sunscreen post. I am no expert in this field of sunscreen. I just choose and try several brands, then narrow my choices down.
First of all, sunscreens in Asia are daily skin care items. It is the step before going outside to work or shopping, the casual everyday activities. These aren't meant for heavy exercise like jogging and certainly not for swimming since they aren't waterproof. Don't expect protection from these if you will be doing the heavy activities or spending the day outside. This is the number one point to understand and remember. However, there are Asian waterproof sunscreens used for heavy activity or the extra long outing in the sun.
The ones I am reviewing are the ones I apply beneath my makeup and the quick trip to the corner shop. These sunscreens do not have that extra layer feeling beneath makeup. I have tried many western brands and they just felt awful. I felt like I was wearing a winter coat on my face, just heavy. These three sunscreens I am reviewing are their true Asian versions. They aren't the modified versions made for the US.
For reference, I have normal to dry skin and the only problem that occurs is when I over moisturize, I break out. If I under moisturize, my skin gets dehydrated.
Skin1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
This is a Korean brand (K Beauty). I bought this about a year and a half ago in a dual pack from Olive Young which has banned US shoppers from their global site. If you buy sunscreen from the US site, they will be the US version and not the Korean ones.
I have finished one and this is my second one which will be finished soon. This one is thicker than the other two. I would say I could skip moisturizer and just use this as my sunscreen/moisturizer combo in the summer. It isn't greasy but I don't use it as my moisturizer because after applying my toner, I noticed it has a tendency to pill up. I apply this over my moisturizer and it works out fine.
It isn't greasy as Beauty of Joseon (which I don't have here but have used and finished). I wasn't really happy with that one and ended up using it up as a body sunscreen.
I do have to powder this one with my suppin powder to get rid of some of the greasiness or my makeup won't apply as smoothly. I don't hate it but I can't say I love it.
Biore UV Aqua Rich
This is a Japanese brand (J Beauty) from Kao. This one is a bit light on the moisturizing aspect. Even though it says aqua rich and looks creamy, it is actually more lightweight than Skin 1004. This doesn't pill up when applied on top of a toner and works great alone. I prefer to use a moisturizer before I apply this one since it isn't enough. If you have oily skin, this one will work because it leaves a dry finish.
This one is actually my third tube. I use this more on my arms and legs.
Nivea Super Water Gel
This is also by Kao and is a Japanese brand. It is the Japanese Nivea. So far, I like this one the best. Even though it is one of the runniest ones I have tried. It feels nice because I don't feel it at all. I don't feel it under my makeup or on my arms and legs. It just moisturizes enough. It doesn't interfere with anything I use. I actually love it so much that I bought the 270 gram size. This small one is 140 grams.
I will mention this again and like in every other post, I bought the Biore and Nivea from Yami (referral link) which also sells the Skin1004. Yami sells the true Asian versions. They aren't the modified US broad spectrum versions which usually feel greasier than the Asian ones.
I hope this enlightened some of you into trying Asian sunscreens for the summer. Stay safe and don't get burned!
