Review: Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milk

The prolonged spate of hot sunny weather has given me a good chance to do some proper sunscreen testing. Biore UV’s newly launched Athlizm Skin Protect Milk claims to keep the skin protected under extreme heat and humidity, even when exposed to perspiration and normal friction.

I’ll cut straight to the chase: this does a fine job, but it best suits lighter skin that is neither particularly dry, oily, nor sensitive. This oil-based fluid has a lightweight, dry-oil-like feel as you smooth it on. Its quick-to-dry formula sets to a wonderful ‘satin touch’ finish in less than a minute. It is non-greasy, but those with oily skin will prefer something more matte or crave for (better) oil-absorbing power. If you have skin on the dry side, however, you will most definitely find this far too drying. No white cast — though there’s sort of a caveat, because of the white residue it left behind on my black tee. My guess is that this wouldn’t be ideal for darker skin tones.

I did a split test wearing this on one side and my “default” sunscreen, Anessa Perfect UV Skincare Sunscreen Milk, on the other for an entire sunny afternoon. While they both seemed to protect my normal skin equally well, the Biore side was noticeably dried out yet looked shinier towards the evening.

I do all my sunscreen-testing mostly just out and about in the city. I know some people find a day in the sunshine or the great outdoors restorative, but I hate it. The sun on my skin and outdoorsy stuff are two of my least favourite things ever. Add to this the fact that I live in the heart of the city and urban test is a practical choice. Sunscreen for me needs to be able to withstand the summer’s heat and humidity (the city is so much hotter than the countryside!) yet still sits smoothly and invisibly beneath makeup. I like my natural complexion the way it is. So above all, a sunscreen that is formulated for outdoorsy activities should completely prevent my skin from tanning when I’m traipsing around town.

Long disclaimer aside, Biore UV’s Athlizm Skin Protect Milk is a decent sunscreen formula that does the job well, albeit crudely. Still, it could do a lot worse. Cinch to apply, a silky smooth finish, and no gunky residue on clothes! RRP is ¥1,500 for 65ml (some chains in Japan are even charging over ¥1,900 for it) which is absurdly expensive considering Biore’s regular sunscreen line costs around ¥600! I find it hard to justify paying that much when for a few hundred yen more, I can buy the 60ml size of Anessa on sale, which I think it’s superior sunscreen milk overall.

You can find Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milk at drugstores across Japan. Outside of Japan, you can find it online at YesStyle or eBay for around $20.