Iโve posted my annual Japanese sunscreens ranking on the main site for the past 8 years. For new readers, this was where I picked my top 5 SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreens that were released that year. Writing the post on it each yearย felt more and more a bit of a hot potato if truth be told. Iโve always tried to chooseย a wide variety of formulas to cater for a wide audience, but Iโve come to the conclusion that my picks โ based onย feedbacksย โ were largelyย neither here nor there.ย Itโs also likely that you enjoy reading this annual feature, but what Iโm trying to say is that whatย I think itโs good may be the complete opposite for you.
Best intentions get lost in translationย can have real, potentially dangerous consequences.ย It just makes me shudder when I see comments out thereย with people getting sunburnt at the ballpark using one of my โtop pickโ sunscreen because they didnโt comprehend what โeasy-on, easy-off formulaโ and โeveryday wearโ entailed.
To cut a long story short, Iโve scrapped my annual top 5 sunscreen picks from the main site altogether โ but, it isnโt gone for good. Since Iโve been making it a regular thing to share a list of my top 5 of a subject on my personal blog, I thought Iโd post about sunscreens too. In other words: itโs still here, but without the need forย justification of each product nor the constant disclaimers.
So these are my personal top 5 most-used sunscreens. They arenโt necessarily my favourites, but for one reason or another, Iโve been reaching for them the most.
I quite like the Asia-exclusive La Roche-Posay UVIDEA XL Tone-up Light Creamย (launched last year in March) for everyday wear. Itโs a moisturiser, untintedย complexion enhancer, and sunscreen all in one. It gives a gorgeous, almost ethereal sheen to the skin that brightens and blurs light skin tone beautifully.ย All in a rather elegant lotion-cream thatโs hydrating but not greasy, lightweight but not drying, scent-free, and comes in an easy-to-use pump-action tube.ย La Roche-Posay says this is for normal to dry skin, and Iโd agree with this recommendation.
Iโve been wearing Junpaku Senka White Beauty Serum in CCย a lot on casual days (i.e. when I donโt have anything scheduled but still need to leave home). Itโs a brilliant multi-tasking cream for non-oily skin.ย Junpaku Senka have formulated thisย with hydrators, excellent UVA and UVB protection, andย tranexamic acid. I like that thereโs something properly helping with moisturisation, protection, and correction of discolourations โ as well as complexion enhancer. The lightly pink-tinted creamย lifts the skin tone and enhances the complexion.ย You have something superficial to instantly improve skin tone and then something a little more long-term with the skincare.
Regular readers will be no strangers toย Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk. It was the sunscreen I relied on for sunny days outside when it launched last year. And now that Iโm usingย sun-sensitising products, it has become my โdefaultโ sunscreen. Iโve written a full review of it so I wonโt bore you by repeating all the nitty-gritty details โ do have a read (linked above) if you havenโt already!
(For those who have seen my recent Instagram stories and were wondering: I much prefer this over the newย La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid.)
Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence is lightweight, long-wearing, and with no sticky residue or sunscreen-y odour. Itโs like the ultra-famous Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, but formulated to stay put in high heat and humidity. Iโm not an outdoorsy person at all โ if I were, this wouldnโt be what Iโd use for a day hike โ but it serves me quite well for running around the city in the (early) summerโs heat. Iโve linked my full review on it.
Anessa Perfect BB Base Beauty Booster isย a tinted makeup base fluid with sun protection built in, and itโs the SPF product I reach for the most during summer if Iย wake up late and have less than 10 minutes to get out the door looking pulled-together. Iโd use a hydrating mist followed by a creamy serum and then apply this as sort of an โall-in-oneโ. Itโs weightless, with sheer-ish yet buildable coverage and a beautiful silky feel. If I lay this down generously, skin looks perfected but still looks believable and fresh. And this really is long-wearing (itโs resistant to water, sweat, and sebum!). Iโve worn it out for 12+ hours on a number of occasions and it has stayed put extremely well.
Hi Ratzilla,
Iโve seen blog posts where you mentioned you use Retin-A/Azclear. Did you ever use the Junpaku Senka White Beauty Serum in CC for your AM routine as sunscreen when you were on Retin-A?
Iโm wondering if this sunscreen is sufficient for daily activities when the skin is sun-sensitive. I.e. if it will suffice for incidental sun exposure/sun rays coming from windows when on medication.
Thank you so much for this useful site. Apologies for the selfish question.
Yes, I use it on its own.
โSufficientโ is subjective. It really depends on your skin, lifestyle, location, and personal preference. Iโve never experienced any negative side effects (e.g. dryness, irritation, peeling) or noticed any sun sensitivity using Retin-A regularly. Itโs not something Iโm personally concerned about at all.
Hi, I love your blog and how much work you put into it. Itโs amazing! I will be traveling to Japan very soon, Iโm interested in starting a skin care line made in Japan. I would love to connect with you if youโre interested in this project. Please email me and Iโll share my information with you.
Are any of them fragrance-free?? It looks like they all have fragrance minus the la roche poshay one possibly ( its not on your site so I canโt check)
Have there been any fragrance-free sunscreens youโve been teaching for often??
Yes, the La Roche-Posay one is fragrance-free.
Are any of them fragrance-free?? It looks like they all have fragrance minus the la roche poshay one possibly ( its not on your site so I canโt check)
Have there been any fragrance-free sunscreens youโve been teaching for often??
Yes, the La Roche-Posay one is fragrance-free.
Hey Ratzilla, thank you for this post! I always wait for your top 5 before I buy any newly released sunscreen ๐
Iโm curious: which one would you use for a day hiking? Anessa? Iโm an outdoorsy person and looking for the highest protection available.
Yes, thatโs right!
Hey Ratzilla, thank you for this post! I always wait for your top 5 before I buy any newly released sunscreen ๐
Iโm curious: which one would you use for a day hiking? Anessa? Iโm an outdoorsy person and looking for the highest protection available.
Yes, thatโs right!
Absolutely rate the Anessa milk. Wore it everyday while I was in Singapore and did not have a single shade change in my face. Unfortunately, my body ended up being about 3 shades darker because of it.
Do you still enjoy the Rohto Skin Aqua Tone Up?
Yes, although I was using it more when the weather was cooler.
Absolutely rate the Anessa milk. Wore it everyday while I was in Singapore and did not have a single shade change in my face. Unfortunately, my body ended up being about 3 shades darker because of it.
Do you still enjoy the Rohto Skin Aqua Tone Up?
Yes, although I was using it more when the weather was cooler.
Hi Ratzilla,
Just wanted you to know that Iโve used your Top 5 to pick at least 1-2 new sunscreens every year, so I hope you donโt get the feeling itโs been for naught! That said, this feature is very helpful in its own way. Iโve found 1 here and 1 or 2 from your New 2019 Sunscreens post to order for myself. Thank you as always. I usually donโt order until the Top 5 so I very much appreciate you letting us know youโre moving the feature in a slightly different direction. I still know itโs time to order sunscreen : )
I have a quick comparison question: the new Allie highlight or the traditional Allie gel? Iโm wondering if the highlight is still good for a typical day or if there is too much of a โhighlight.โ I was deciding between the limited edition pink and the regular Allie highlight but this only matters if thereโs a huge difference between those 2. Iโm in my 30s and wear the lighter shade in Korean products. Thanks again if youโre able to provide some insight! Thank you for your work, regardless.
Thank you! Glad you still enjoy reading it!
I assume youโre planning on using it on the face. I personally really donโt like Allie Extra UV Gel for the face, especially in hot, humid weather. I find it to be sticky and make looks terrible over it โ pleasant on the body though. I donโt find the Highlight Gel to be sticky. It has a slight green tinge to it and it gives a lovely brightening sheen to the skin, but the effect dissipates after an hour or 2. I think those with dry skin will wish the brightening glow lasts a lot longer and find it a tad drying over time. On the other hand, those with oiliness probably donโt need more sheen on their skin.
Hi Ratzilla,
Just wanted you to know that Iโve used your Top 5 to pick at least 1-2 new sunscreens every year, so I hope you donโt get the feeling itโs been for naught! That said, this feature is very helpful in its own way. Iโve found 1 here and 1 or 2 from your New 2019 Sunscreens post to order for myself. Thank you as always. I usually donโt order until the Top 5 so I very much appreciate you letting us know youโre moving the feature in a slightly different direction. I still know itโs time to order sunscreen : )
I have a quick comparison question: the new Allie highlight or the traditional Allie gel? Iโm wondering if the highlight is still good for a typical day or if there is too much of a โhighlight.โ I was deciding between the limited edition pink and the regular Allie highlight but this only matters if thereโs a huge difference between those 2. Iโm in my 30s and wear the lighter shade in Korean products. Thanks again if youโre able to provide some insight! Thank you for your work, regardless.
Thank you! Glad you still enjoy reading it!
I assume youโre planning on using it on the face. I personally really donโt like Allie Extra UV Gel for the face, especially in hot, humid weather. I find it to be sticky and make looks terrible over it โ pleasant on the body though. I donโt find the Highlight Gel to be sticky. It has a slight green tinge to it and it gives a lovely brightening sheen to the skin, but the effect dissipates after an hour or 2. I think those with dry skin will wish the brightening glow lasts a lot longer and find it a tad drying over time. On the other hand, those with oiliness probably donโt need more sheen on their skin.
dear Miss Ratzilla, some articles out there say that physical sunscreen is a way better than chemical sunscreen. what do you think? thank you very much ^^
I only see downsides.
White cast, vast differences in protection (especially UVA) between particle and sizes (canโt tell by looking at a product or ingredients), and much lower UVA protection in general. Micronized and nano zinc/titanium particles also degrade and can release free radicals just like some organic (aka chemical) UV filters, so stability isnโtโ their upside either. Itโs especially egregious when a sunscreen claims zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to be natural and therefore safe since neither filter occurs in nature. Theyโre just as artificial as any other UV filter. Mineral-derived is the closest that could be claimed without any untruth. Not that โnaturalโ or โmineralโ are inherently safer or better either, just think of lead and cocaine!
Itโs unlikely that many people are actually sensitive or allergic to all chemical filters. Not impossible, of course, but statistically unlikely. So such claims are best taken with a grain of salt, especially since they tend to sway other unaffected sunscreen users away from more advanced or tolerable filters just by association with the older filters like oxybenzone or PABA (that are indeed highly problematic). An inadequate formula can dry out or irritate skin regardless of the type of filters used.
As for the environment, they arenโt any safer or better either. Thereโre indications that zinc oxide contributes to coral bleaching and titanium dioxide releases hydroxide peroxide into seawater.
dear Miss Ratzilla, some articles out there say that physical sunscreen is a way better than chemical sunscreen. what do you think? thank you very much ^^
I only see downsides.
White cast, vast differences in protection (especially UVA) between particle and sizes (canโt tell by looking at a product or ingredients), and much lower UVA protection in general. Micronized and nano zinc/titanium particles also degrade and can release free radicals just like some organic (aka chemical) UV filters, so stability isnโtโ their upside either. Itโs especially egregious when a sunscreen claims zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to be natural and therefore safe since neither filter occurs in nature. Theyโre just as artificial as any other UV filter. Mineral-derived is the closest that could be claimed without any untruth. Not that โnaturalโ or โmineralโ are inherently safer or better either, just think of lead and cocaine!
Itโs unlikely that many people are actually sensitive or allergic to all chemical filters. Not impossible, of course, but statistically unlikely. So such claims are best taken with a grain of salt, especially since they tend to sway other unaffected sunscreen users away from more advanced or tolerable filters just by association with the older filters like oxybenzone or PABA (that are indeed highly problematic). An inadequate formula can dry out or irritate skin regardless of the type of filters used.
As for the environment, they arenโt any safer or better either. Thereโre indications that zinc oxide contributes to coral bleaching and titanium dioxide releases hydroxide peroxide into seawater.
Hey Ratzilla, why do you prefer the Anessa Milk over the Shaka Fluid? ๐
Itโs noticeably shiny and greasy compared to the majority of the Japanese sunscreens Iโve tested. It claims to be ultra-resistant to water, sweat and sand, but I donโt see how this could be true in real life, especially the latter two. It transfers onto everything that my skin touches (and leaves terrible stains on clothes). And the odour doesnโt dissipate at all. The Shaka Fluid is the most pleasant European sunscreen Iโve tried to date, but it still looks, feels, and smells like Iโm wearing sunscreen so itโs not something Iโd want to use on a regular basis. I personally donโt feel comfortable relying on it for sports or outdoorsy stuff either since it comes off so easily.
For me, Anessa is significantly cheaper and meets my needs and preferences far better.
Ah okay, well thatโs interesting. Thank you! I find the finish of the Shaka Fluid to be absolutely invisible and matte, at least in the first few hours. Mind you, I seriously over-apply.
I do find the Shaka Fluid to be invisible and matte, but only when compared to other European sunscreens (at least the handful that Iโve tried). While there isnโt a white cast, thereโs still a distinguishable sunscreen-y sheen and film to it when applied generously.
What Iโve been wondering is what the PPD of the Anessa Milk is. Although I get the idea that even Shaka Fluidโs incredible PPD 46 would still be classified as PA++++ in Japan, I am sure none of the Japanese sunscreens have a PPD of much higher than 17. After all, why would they compromise the texture and feel on the skin to reach high UVA values? They would still be marketed as PA++++.
Thatโs pure speculation.
Shaka Fluidโs impressive PPD46 value is a blink-and-you-miss-it info. Itโs neither printed on the bottle nor the outer packaging, which I find extremely odd. Why arenโt they include this info (like the SPF value), if itโs tested to be true? It isnโt mentioned anywhere on La Roche-Posayโs French website either.
Regardless, very high PPD isnโt the be-all and end-all of sunscreens โ the overall formula matters just as much, if not more. If a sunscreen doesnโt agree with your skin or you simply canโt stand it, then itโs a moot point whether it has superior UVA protection or not. Also, keep in mind that sunscreen shouldnโt be rubbed in and it needs to stay put on your skin in order to be protective. If itโs sliding around, transferring off, or youโre rubbing it in, youโre not going to get anywhere close to the labelled protection.
I donโt want to be rude or anything, but the PPD of 46 is clearly true. Otherwise, it wouldnโt be featured in a lot of the official La Roche Posayโs advertising videos for the Shaka Fluid. And it has been confirmed by the customer service at least in Germany. AND it is feature on the UK website: https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/anthelios-shaka-ultra-light-spf50
โClearly trueโ? โ La Roche-Posay and LโOreal arenโt above making false claims. Many years ago, they have been sued by Johnson & Johnson over false PPD claims!
I find it quite odd that its PPD value is not printed on the packaging (where it matters most). To me, thatโs the same as advertising to be SPF50+ yet itโs nowhere to be found on the actual label when you purchase the product. If this was an Asian brand, Iโm certain a lot of people will be claiming false advertising (even if itโs true).
PPD46 seems to be UK specific. Itโs not on the official French promo videos for it. Itโs nowhere to be found on its French website https://www.laroche-posay.fr/produits-soins/anthelios/anthelios-shaka-fluide-spf-50-sans-parfum-p25477.aspx nor its international English site https://www.laroche-posay.com/products-treatments/Anthelios/Anthelios-Shaka-fluid-SPF50-p25311.aspx
I get what you mean, and I also think the exact PPD values should be available on every website. In the EU, the PPD values are usually not noted on the packaging. The only exception would be Bioderma. Anyways, have a great Sunday, and I love your website! <3
Hey Ratzilla, why do you prefer the Anessa Milk over the Shaka Fluid? ๐
Itโs noticeably shiny and greasy compared to the majority of the Japanese sunscreens Iโve tested. It claims to be ultra-resistant to water, sweat and sand, but I donโt see how this could be true in real life, especially the latter two. It transfers onto everything that my skin touches (and leaves terrible stains on clothes). And the odour doesnโt dissipate at all. The Shaka Fluid is the most pleasant European sunscreen Iโve tried to date, but it still looks, feels, and smells like Iโm wearing sunscreen so itโs not something Iโd want to use on a regular basis. I personally donโt feel comfortable relying on it for sports or outdoorsy stuff either since it comes off so easily.
For me, Anessa is significantly cheaper and meets my needs and perferences far better.
Ah okay, well thatโs interesting. Thank you! I find the finish of the Shaka Fluid to be absolutely invisible and matte, at least in the first few hours. Mind you, I seriously over-apply.
I do find the Shaka Fluid to be invisible and matte, but only when compared to other European sunscreens (at least the handful that Iโve tried). While there isnโt a white cast, thereโs still a distinguishable sunscreen-y sheen and film to it when applied generously.
What Iโve been wondering is what the PPD of the Anessa Milk is. Although I get the idea that even Shaka Fluidโs incredible PPD 46 would still be classified as PA++++ in Japan, I am sure none of the Japanese sunscreens have a PPD of much higher than 17. After all, why would they compromise the texture and feel on the skin to reach high UVA values? They would still be marketed as PA++++.
Thatโs pure speculation.
Shaka Fluidโs impressive PPD46 value is a blink-and-you-miss-it info. Itโs neither printed on the bottle nor the outer packaging, which I find extremely odd. Why arenโt they include this info (like the SPF value), if itโs tested to be true? It isnโt mentioned anywhere on La Roche-Posayโs French website either.
Regardless, very high PPD isnโt the be-all and end-all of sunscreens โ the overall formula matters just as much, if not more. If a sunscreen doesnโt agree with your skin or you simply canโt stand it, then itโs a moot point whether it has superior UVA protection or not. Also, keep in mind that sunscreen shouldnโt be rubbed in and it needs to stay put on your skin in order to be protective. If itโs sliding around, transferring off, or youโre rubbing it in, youโre not going to get anywhere close to the labelled protection.
I donโt want to be rude or anything, but the PPD of 46 is clearly true. Otherwise, it wouldnโt be featured in a lot of the official La Roche Posayโs advertising videos for the Shaka Fluid. And it has been confirmed by the customer service at least in Germany. AND it is feature on the UK website: https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/anthelios-shaka-ultra-light-spf50
Oh I donโt doubt its PPD value, but that is only because the brand is La Roche-Posay. I find it quite odd that its PPD value is not printed on the packaging (where it matters most). To me, thatโs the same as advertising to be SPF50+ (or PA++++) yet itโs nowhere to be found on the actual label when you purchase the product. If this was an Asian brand, Iโm certain a lot of people will be claiming false advertising (even if itโs true).
PPD46 seems to be UK specific. Itโs not on the official French promo videos for it. Itโs nowhere to be found on its French website https://www.laroche-posay.fr/produits-soins/anthelios/anthelios-shaka-fluide-spf-50-sans-parfum-p25477.aspx nor its international English site https://www.laroche-posay.com/products-treatments/Anthelios/Anthelios-Shaka-fluid-SPF50-p25311.aspx
I get what you mean, and I also think the exact PPD values should be available on every website. In the EU, the PPD values are usually not noted on the packaging. The only exception would be Bioderma. Anyways, have a great Sunday, and I love your website! <3