Are you still struggling to find a sunscreen that itโs a pleasure to wear? My three current favourite Japanese sunscreens might give you some inspiration. Theyโre all lightweight formulas with SPF50+ PA++++ protection.
My skin is non-sensitive but Iโm very picky when it comes to sunscreen โ I refuse to make do with greasy, sticky formulas. For me, a โgoodโ sunscreen isnโt just about numbers, certain ingredients, or lab performance.ย Itโs vital that it stays put in real-life situations.ย Cosmetic elegance isnโt a trivial element.
It wasnโt difficult to narrow my sunscreen favourites down to these, because I simply grabbed the 3 that Iโve used the most this past several months. Because surely if I reach for them the most then thereโs a reason for that?
There are moreย Japanese sunscreens reviews to come. You can browse all the Japanese sunscreens in the databaseย here.
ALLIE Chrono Beauty Tone Up UV
This is the new and improved formula of the Nuance Change UV Gelย that I featured as a Best Pick last year, and itย has been trending in Japan. For good reason: it gives skin a gorgeous radiant finish thatโs transfer-resistant, and itโs suitable for everyday wear and outdoors settings.
More lightweight than before, but with the same plump, juicy feel and radiant glow.ย Itโs for anyone with non-oily skin who wants a sunscreen that will give excellent UV protection, prep skin for makeup, and add a touch of cosmetic radiance at the same time. Itโs like a final skincare step and the first makeup step in one.
โSheer Ecruโ has ecru (light beige)ย micro-shimmer particlesย and itโs the one Iโve been reaching for the most lately.ย I keep coming back to it again because itโs incredibly quick and pleasing to use.ย If youโre looking for a sunscreen that will not only protect the skin but help to make it look far better, then this should be on your to-try list. Itโs ยฅ1,979 (about US$14.70) for 60g here.
NIVEA UV DEEP PROTECT & Care Gel
This Japanese body sunscreen gel glides on like a dream andย then completely disappears on the skin. Feels satisfyingly fresh and cool on a hot day.
It doesnโt leave a grubby sort of feeling that often comes along with water/sweat-resistant sunscreen. None of that here. The water gel applies beautifully and sinks in quickly โ after about 20 seconds thereโs just nothing left at all to suggest that youโve applied anything to your skin. Apart from a gentle floral scent.ย Itโs perfect for the neck and arms when youโre running errands.
This is a great option for people who want a perfectly undetectable sunscreen that wonโtย stain clothes.ย A 90g bottle will only set you back ยฅ871 (roughly US$6.50) at Amazon Japan.
ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk N
Anessa does sunscreen in Japan like nobody else. Youโre guaranteed to get the most thought-out and up-to-date technologies, and the flagship product is the gold-bottled milk.ย Regular readers will know that Iโm a big fan of it. Itโs my go-to sunscreenย if prolonged direct sun exposure is inevitable.
This new and improved version of its flagship product is excellent. Absolutely light and sheer and without greasiness or chalkiness or any kind of annoying side-effect. Itโs intensely tenacious, sits well directly beneath makeup, and wonโt leave a white cast on the skin. I really canโt think of anything I donโt like about this Japanese sunscreen.
60ml is currently US$21.21 at Dokodemo.
Maybe a dumb question, but if using a semi-nightly retinoid like 0.025% Tretinoin, are Japanese sunscreens still okay to use? Any particular ingredients I should be avoiding in sunscreens when using prescription retinoids?
Theyโre perfectly fine! Some people find powerful retinoids like tretinoin make their skin a lot drier than usual but thereโs no particular ingredient you need to avoid while using them.
I am currently using the most recent version of the Biore Aqua Rich Gel as body sunscreen, but i despise how it transfers white and powdery on my clothes (i tend to wear only dark colours). does this nivea sunscreen have any of that powdery finish that will transfer as white? Hopefully the temperature cools down so i can wear long sleeves again but i would look for something different to wear for next summer.
Itโs the titanium dioxide in the Biore gel that is responsible for the white residue. Nivea doesnโt contain it โ itโs completely invisible and non-staining on clothes.
Is SPF50/PA++++ necessary for normal daily activities? I recall the Japanese guidelines being SPF20-30/PA++(+) for everyday and SPF50/PA++++ only for outdoor activities and sports.
Also, does iron-like Anessa rub off at all when wearing a mask? Is the fragrance noticeable when mask-wearing?
I personally stick to SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreens since they offer a tiny room for user error. (I do use moisturisers with SPF that have less UV protection if Iโm not going anywhere.)
Anessa and Allie are both transfer-resistant. The fragrance dissipates within minutes.
I use Allie and I still notice some transfer on the nose area and edges of my KF94 mask where it touches my face, although not as bad as other sunscreens. Wondering if Anessa is truly mask-proof since it has a reputation for being budge-proof?
I havenโt noticed product transfer with the Allie gel, but I apply powder to my nose and where my mask touches my face. I think its glowy finish makes it inevitably not as budge-proof, especially in oilier areas.
How do you think the Nivea Deep Protect Gel would hold up during very hot, very humid summer marathon training runs lasting from 1-3 hours in early morning or evening sunlight?
During two separate half marathon races and countless long runs of up to 30km, I have tried both the Allie Chrono Tone Up in Sheer Ecru and the Sakura colors and the new 2022 Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Milk and 2022 Anessa Perfect UV Gel. None of these prevented tanning on arms and legs despite using quite a lot before each session. 1 tube of Allie Chrono lasted just 1 week given high volume of training. The 2022 Anessa Milk and Gel sunscreens did a better job but it is getting expensive because the bottles are still small. I am now only using the Anessa Milk and Gel because they have done a better job at preventing tanning but my skin has gotten a shade or two darker despite using copious quantities on arms, legs, neck, back, face (any exposed skin). My face has not darkened as much perhaps because of other skincare actives in combination with the Anessa UV.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Summer weather in New York City is similar to Tokyo or Seoul.
The Nivea is formulated for the incidental sun exposure you get during everyday activities such as walking to and from the corner store. Itโs most certainly not suitable for marathon training runs (or other similar activities).
Sunscreen should be your skinโs last line of defence. The first is sun avoidance followed by covering up. Is there a reason why your arms, legs, and back are exposed? Itโs very common for marathon runners (both genders) in Japan to wear long sleeves, pants, and caps during races even in spring/summer.
Wouldnโt that put them at risk for heat stroke? Running a marathon in summer underneath so much clothing sounds terrible.
No, because these are specialised sportswear.
What do you think of not exposing oneself to such danger in the first placeโฆ. I dont know like maybe not run a marathon during summer, how about thatโฆ.
Thanks! I have tried the Nivea sunscreen & itโs good. I just wish it was fragrance-free, but I know Iโm a minority in this.
Fragrance is added to mask the unpleasant chemical odour that all sunscreens inevitably have. Ones that donโt have fragrance added as an ingredient either use essential oils as an alternative or have odour-neutralising chemicals added so the product will smell like โnothingโ.