2017 Sunscreen Top Pick ย RatzillaCosme Approved
- Release Date
- 2017.2.13 Repackaged in 2018, 2019 & 2020.
- Size
- 40ml
- Brand
- SKIN AQUA
- Producer
- ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co.
- Product Type
- Sunscreen
- Price
- ยฅ900
- SPFใปPA
- SPF50+ยทPA++++
- UV Filter(s)
- Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate & Uvinul A Plus.
The product has been replaced as of February 2023.
SKIN AQUA UV Super Moisture Milk is a Japanese moisturising sunscreen milk for sports. It replacesย SKIN AQUA UV Moisture Milk launched in 2008.
The milky sunscreen fluid featuresย the highest UV protection in the Skin Aqua lineup, and itย turns into aย transparent, water-like texture when applied to the skin. A blend ofย 2 types of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and amino acid keeps the skin hydrated.
The moisturising yet water-lightย milk gives durable sun protection that is ideally suited for beach and water sports as well as everyday wear. Skin feels moisturised, smooth, and comfortable with no sticky or white residue.
- For face and body.
- Resistant to water and sweat.
- Can be used as a makeup base.
- Removable with face wash or soap.
The packaging is renewed in 2020 to partially use mechanically recycled PET.
Ingredient(s): Alcohol-Free ย ย Amino Acids ย ย Collagen ย ย Fragrance-Free ย ย Hyaluronic Acid ย ย Uvinul A Plus
Skin Type(s): Combination Skin ย ย Dry Skin ย ย Sensitive Skin
UV Protection: Everyday Wear ย ย Outdoor Activities & Sports ย ย PA++++
Water,, cyclopentasiloxane,,ย zinc oxide,,ย ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate,, butylene glycol,, diethylhexyl succinate,, polymethylsilsesquioxane,, hydrated silica,, glycerin,, lauroyl lysine,, lauryl PEG-9ย polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone,, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate,, sodium hyaluronate,, acrylates copolymer,, ratzillacosme.com do.not.copy,, hydrogen dimethicone,, phenoxyethanol,, triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone,, methylparaben,, disodium EDTA,, sodium acetylated hyaluronate,, hydrolyzed collagen,, arginine,, bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate.
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Do you know the percentage is the zinc oxide? since it listed in upper area i could be high
This information isnโt disclosed by the company.
How do you tell if a milk sunscreen has gone off? I know about the 1-year if opened, 3-years if un-opened rule, but Iโm talking about a product that may have been improperly stored.
Change in odour/scent, colour, and/or texture are some indicators. When in doubt, throw it out.
Is this product tested on animals?
No, but keep in mind that the manufacturer is a pharmaceutical company. They donโt test cosmetic products on animals but medicines must, by law, be safety-tested on animals.
Help! Iโm not sure if Iโm currently using the 2020 version or 2019 version. I usually buy from amazon UK but did buy 2 from yesstyle last year. I was stocked up so now canโt remember which one Iโm using from which seller. My concern is that even though Iโm applying every 2 hours and proper amount Iโve noticed its not as good as it usually is and Iโm burning slightly which never happened in the 3 years Iโve used skin aqua super moisture milk. I have an unopened 2019 version should I try and see if that works better or will it be out of date? The one Iโm using now looks identical but it could be a fake? I need a trust worthy seller that ships to UK.
Itโs impossible to say since thereโre so many factors involved. Fake is highly unlikely since this is the cheapest of the cheapโฆ you can find it in Japan for no more than 600JPY. Itโs also not a sought-after product.
โReapply every 2 hoursโ is just a general guideline and itโs the maximum of amount time (you may need to reapply a lot sooner)! Itโs also not applicable worldwide โ there is no such standard guideline in Japan. Keep in mind that sunscreen needs to stay put on your skin in order to be protective. Personally, I find this absolutely terrible when itโs warm so itโs not something Iโd ever use if Iโm going to be outside in the sun.
Thanks for the reply, one more question should the 2020 version still have the โNEWโ written on the front? Or have they now removed that? Itโs funny you should sayvits terrible in summer because for the pastv3 years its been great for me. Iโve noticed the one Iโm using is very drying when usually it leaves me hydrated.
No, the โnewโ label is gone a couple of months after its launch (when itโs no longer a new release). I think it really depends on the climate. This sunscreen is highly unpopular and terribly rated in Japan where itโs extremely humid in the summer โ it gets very greasy quick. For me, this is no more than a moisturiser with SPF on steroids.
You say this one is terrible when itโs warm out and youโd never use it outside, but in the description it says itโs main use is for outdoor activities or sports?
If itโs not good for the heat, how would you compare it to Isehan perfect strong Z, which also says itโs for outdoors?
Yes, thatโs what the product claims. Personally, Iโd never use it on warm days and certainly not for extended periods in the sun. Itโs pleasantly moisturising in colder weather but it doesnโt cut the mustard for me when itโs warm out. It gets greasy quick and itโs not tenacious enough.
Do you find most milk/runny sunscreens get greasy then? Cause I feel like when I tried the isehan perfect strong Z it was sort of similar. And that one is also recommended for outdoor activities.
Whatโs one of your favorite for heat/humidity/sweat?
No, but I personally donโt care for ultra-cheap sunscreens, especially milk formulas.
I use Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk
Price wasnโt one of my main factors, since Iโve bought some expensive sunscreens now lol!
I think the reason I didnโt go with anessa is cause the alcohol and fragrance (Altho if itโs not a strong scent then I might be okay with it, because alcohol is hit or miss with me. Like the kose strong z Iโm fine with the fragrance and alcohol)
I really like this sunscreen as well. How can I tell if I order from Dokodemo whether Iโm getting the 2019 or 2020 version since the 2021 doesnโt appear to be available.
There is no new formula or packaging this year. Product production is continuous. Iโd be quite alarmed if a store still stocks a discontinued version of a sunscreen produced 2 years ago.
Does yesstyle provide the Japanese version or the subsidiary version of this??
YesStyle sells everything so you need to pay very close attention to the packaging. It should be 100% identical, especially the texts. Subsidiary versions arenโt made by Rohto Pharmaceutical, arenโt produced in Japan, and have different ingredients. They have similar but not identical packaging. Language is also different.
Really enjoyed the 2019 version. Do you know if the 2020 version is a new formulation?
Itโs the same. Ingredient list/formula has never been changed since its launch back in 2017.
Thank you!
Hello, wondering how to know the exp date of this sunscreen? I have the 2019 version, and Iโm wondering how long is it good to use? Will it exp this yr? Once opened, is the product only good for one year before it expires?
Rule of thumb for sunscreens is 3 years for unopened product. Once itโs opened, itโs good for a year max.
Hello, Ratzilla! First of all, thank you for providing info about this sunscreen. I have bought it several years ago when I was in Japan because I had forgotten my sunscreen at the hostel and I was hooked. I didnโt know where to look for it and then I found your page, so thanks for that! <3 My question would be about the level of UVA protection. Does Rohto disclose a more precise level of UVA protection in European PPD measuring system? I would love to know of this is PPD16 or 20, or 30 or higher. Thanks.
No, PPD is never disclosed by Japanese companies. By the way, the PPD method isnโt European. it was developed in Japan by the JCIA.
Do you feel like its really removable without an oil cleansing? Or do you prefer to remove every sunscreen with an oil even if you were not using any make up?
If Iโm not wearing any makeup, Iโm not likely to use cleansing oil. This comes off very easily with just a foaming wash.
Thatโs weird, I have found it very difficult to remove it with my conventional facial wash. It just doesnโt foamโฆ Like tinted mineral sunscreens does with my face wash.
It sounds to me youโre using your facial wash wrong. What you have on your face doesnโt affect how well a foaming cleanser lather up. You first work the cleanser into a foamy lather on your hands, then use the foam to cleanse your skin. You shouldnโt be lathering up cleansing foams directly on your face. Not only does that make it a lot harsher on the skin, but itโs also less effective at doing its job.
Hi, thank you so much for this site ๐
Just a quick question-has this sunscreen always had the same ingredients list, just different packaging?
Thanks very much!
Yes, thatโs right.
Thank you!
Hi! Is the blue version of this sunscreen (2019 version) alcohol-free?
This has always been alcohol-free. Please see the ingredients list above.
The ingredients list on Yesstyle for this products lists Ethanol near the end of the ingredients list. On here it does not list Ethanol on the ingredients list. Why are they different if the ingredients list has always been the same?
YesStyleโs product info is often wrong. In this case, theyโre selling 2 different products (with completely different formulas/ingredients) in the same listing. This has never contained alcohol. Feel free to check Rohtoโs Japanese product page (linked) for reference. The Pink version, however, does and alcohol is positioned near the top. YesStyleโs single ingredients list is wrong for both products.
Can you use this while pregnant safely?
Yes, I see no reason why this wouldnโt be safe.
This is water proof? For how long?
* water resistant
Hi Ratzilla, can you recommend the adequate amount of this sunscreen to use on the face? It is quite liquidy. I usually follow the โ2-finger ruleโ for my face but this sunscreen is so liquidy for that.
Iโm unfamiliar with the 2-finger rule but the general guideline in Japan for milk type sunscreen is smooth a 1 yen coin-sized amount over entire face then repeat once more.
Hi Ratzilla, should I wait 20 mn after I apply this sunscreen if I want to apply a tinted moisturizer over it? Also, you mentioned that you like to use a tinted sunscreen when you fly. Any recommandation? Thanks in advance for your answer!
Waiting 20-30 minutes after sunscreen application is an outdated myth not supported by modern science (the time frame is arbitrary). You need to wait until the sunscreen is fully absorbed (without any rubbing) so it could be anywhere from just a few minutes to seemingly forever.
Ahhh this makes so much sense thanks for de-bunking this!
Hi,I have oily acne skin but at the same time is sensitive,thin,photosensitive and allergies to fragrance, silicone,โฆ
1.can this sunscreen cause allergies on my skin? Or sunburn?
2.is water resistant?
3. What difference between this and pink?
Thanks
Please do read the info above because youโll find the answers to your questions there!
Hi! I was wondering if you have ever go on a flight with a sunscreen like this (which has the metal ball inside and you have to shake) on your carry on? Or what sunscreen would you wear for a flight? Thanks, Iโm very interested in knowing your opinion ๐
Iโve travelled with sunscreen milks in my carry-on bag โ never had any issues with security. Personally, I like tinted moisturising SPF for long haul flights.
Great! It sounds more convenient to have a tinted sunscreen. Thank you very much!
Not necessarily a standalone sunscreen, but some sort of moisturising product that has a sheer tint and SPF50+ PA++++ protection.
Hi, ratzilla! I love your website! Thank you for sharing all this information in English!
So, Iโve been using this on my face for almost a year now and I love it! I live in Brazil, so I face a very hot and humid climate. This has been really good, but itโs super hard to find here. The salesman I used to buy it from doesnโt have it in stock anymore. So I looked it up on other online stores and Iโve seen a product with the same name, but slightly different packaging. The main difference is the font in which โSkinAquaโ is written. I was wondering if this is a Chinese version or something. Do you happen to know?
Also, would you consider Niveaโs Sun Strong Fit Care UV Milky Gel a good substitute for it (this one is easier to find here)?
Otherwise, do you happen to know some trustable store that exports this to Brazil?
Thank you, in advance!!
Most, if not all, Rohto products sold outside of Japan are developed and made by subsidiary companies in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. They have similar (but not identical) packagings, names, and concepts because theyโre licensed by Rohto โ but, they are neither developed nor made by Rohto (unlike products in Japan). They also have different ingredients. My site only provides info on products that are sold in Japan. If you want Japanโs version, packaging needs to look exactly to whatโs shown in my site.
Hi! Has this version (without alcohol) been discontinued? What are the reliable sources to buy it internationally? Itโs not available on yesstyle anymore ๐
No, itโs readily available in Japan. YesStyle is based in Hong Kong โ its stock frequently fluctuates.
Hello! Does this new Rhoto pink versino have alcohol?
Yes. Its own post contains all the info on it https://www.ratzillacosme.com/sun/skin-aqua-uv-super-moisture-milk-pink/
Hi ratzilla, what are your thoughts on this post that really gained traction?
https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/bklsbn/sun_care_right_so_heres_what_i_promised_spf_stick/?utm_source=reddit-android
Why is the skin aqua milk so streaky? Though I saw one or two users iirc saying that they used it under harsh sun/sports and didnโt tan, so anecdotally it worked for them?
Thanks
I didnโt read the discussion, but itโs hard to comment without knowing a lot more info.
Did she shake the bottle well before use? Youโd be surprised how many people donโt realise milk formulas need to be shaken before use (and some may simply forget). How did she did apply it? Rubbing sunscreen on is a big no-no since the action also removes the product from the skin. Did she apply anything under or over? If so, did she use the same product(s) for all the sunscreens she tested? How long did she wait before taking the photo? How fresh was the sunscreen? Since the sunscreen milk was the only one that wasnโt readily available to her (and it was most likely shipped to her from Asia), it very well could be old. Sunscreen does lose its effectiveness over time โ once opened, itโs good for a year max.!
She said she applied 1/3 tsp to her face and neck, so she clearly underapplied if you were to go by the popular (but inaccurate) teaspoon method โ itโs 1/4 tsp for the face and other 1/4 tsp for the neck. She also applied the same amount of sunscreen for both the cream and the milk. The correct amount is 2.0 mg/cm2. She wrongly assumed both sunscreens have the same density of 1 g/ml. Also, how accurate is that UV camera and is it properly calibrated? Some are merely toys for fun. The test is cool, but it isnโt scientific. Thereโre a lot of unaccounted-for variables that jeopardise the reliability and validity of the experimentโs outcome.
Thereโs a lot more to sunscreen than just its SPF/PA/PPD rating or how it looks under a UV camera. Itโs a moot point whether it has superior UV protection or how even the coverage is if the formula is heavy, greasy, sticky, and unpleasant. Even if someone does manage to achieve a perfect sunscreen application (i.e. like a sunscreen testing lab) and skin looks evenly pitch-black under a UV camera, it still needs to stay put in order to be fully protective. There is a huge gap between test-lab and real-world. Many variables affecting real-life results simply cannot be taken into consideration in this kind of testings.
Thanks a lot for the insight. Iโll be honest I went a bit cuckool even though it was only person doing one testโฆ Haha. I saw a lot of users wanting to jump ships from milk sunscreens and opting for European and cream/lotion sunscreensโฆ
Also, thereโs users saying that zinc oxide is more grayish because its a non chemical sunscreenโฆ And chemical sunscreens show up as black on uv cameras?
How much milk sunscreen should the average uses depends on their facial width, and Iโve read that 1/4tsp is often too much.
I didnโt know about rubbing vs tapping sunscreenโฆ I thought however you applied it is fine as long as you apply enoughโฆ Oof.
Thanks a lot!
A European sunscreen cream/lotion with PPD46 isnโt necessarily going to give your skin better protection than a sunscreen rated just PPD16 in real life. Even if you manage to apply the full amount of sunscreen on your skin correctly (again, without any rubbing!), it also needs to stay put in order to be fully protective. If itโs slipping and sliding around on your face, youโre not going to get anywhere close to the labelled protection.
The best sunscreen is the one that you would be willing to apply very generously (and correctly) every single day.
This is VERY correct! This is why the very popular Shiseido Anessa doesnโt work for me at all, because it wonโt stay put on my skin no matter what, both the alcohol and non-alcohol types. My skin prefer the Kanebo Allie, Nivea, Kose Sekkisei, and Skin Aqua.
Hi ratzilla. Donโt know if youโll see this but Iโve seen you mentioned โrubbingโ sunscreen is a big no a couple times now. Can you elaborate on that please? Is the correct method to โpatโ on sunscreen? I always spread it on my face, never use the pat gesture.
Sunscreens should never be rubbed on your skin, no matter the formula or UV filters used. The action also removes the product from the skin โ a difference of 25% in UV protection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1822686?dopt=Abstract You also shouldnโt be buffing in makeup afterwards for the same reason. Whatever method you choose, it shouldnโt involve rubbing, buffing, or any similar action.
Hi Ratzilla! Iโm the girl who posted the above Reddit test. Your questions here are all great and Iโll remember them in my future tests. Some of them I can answer: I did remember shaking the bottle before use โ I always do as I realise it needs to be properly mixed first. I applied the product by rubbing it on. I wasnโt aware at the time of testing that this one was supposed to be tapped in, however I since tried this with the Skin Aqua as part of another test (https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/bnqtf4/sun_care_another_sunscreen_test_see_info_in/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share) and I found there was no way that if I applied the recommended amount of sunscreen all that was going to settle down and dry without rubbing. I really felt this would only work if much less than recommended was applied, or if you broke it up into several layers etc.. I donโt believe I applied anything underneath but Iโm not 100%. But if I did, then I did the same for the other sunscreen products. I certainly didnโt apply anything over it. I donโt remember waiting before taking the photo (but I donโt think that would have made a difference for these photos? I know youโre supposed to wait in order to allow your sunscreen time to dry down into a film, but I didnโt think this would affect a UV image?). Shipping โ I ordered this product from the seller sugoi-desho (6,237 sales and 100% positive feedback) on EBay on the 2nd Feb 2019. On their website they say
โJapanese cosmetics do not usually have expiry dates but we regularly get new stock to ensure you get the latest itemsโ which I realise isnโt concrete evidence of a fresh product, but just sharing the info! I applied 1/3 of s teaspoon to face and neck and realise now that this wasnโt correct. I didnโt know though that the rule is 2mg/cm2, thatโs cool. So how many mg/ml of the Skin Aqua? If this isnโt already advertised (and I just havenโt spotted it), then it absolutely should be as I donโt think people realise they have different mg/ml. Makes sense though. About the UV camera โ I donโt have an answer about how accurate it is, however if you have any specific questions then maybe I can pass them on to the man who designed the camera as I have been in contact with him. Just a question about sunscreen application โ youโve mentioned that no sunscreen should be rubbed/spread on. I struggle to see any other way of applying the thicker products like lotions? How should they be applied? Amy
Hello, has this been reformulated at all or just repackaged?
Itโs not reformulated.
Hi, do you know the percentage of zinc oxide in this sunscreen? ๐ I love this sunscreen itโs one of my favourite daily elegant options!
This information isnโt disclosed to consumers.
Are there any changes being made to this sunscreen in 2018?
Where can i find the expiration date on it?
No dates printed โ theyโre completely unnecessary as products get revamped on a daily annual basis. Rule of thumb for sunscreens is 3 years from the manufactured date for unopened products. Once itโs opened, itโs good for a year.
Will this protect me from burning during outdoor activities and a day at the beach?
I meant to say uva and uvb rays *
I can wear this for outdoor activities or a day at the beach without getting burn right? It will protect me from uva2 and uvb rays?
This is spectacular. It has an invisible finish that doesnโt feel matte or oily, but as if you didnโt use anything. Slightly moisturizing, perfect for normal to dry skin. No white cast on my skin, while the Biore Perfect Face Milk leaves a slight white cast for me. Itโs not sticky and sinks in in about 15 minutes.
Given that this does not contain alcohol, itโs outstanding.
Personally Iโm too oily and use Biore Perfect Face Milk for its oil control, but if I wasnโt, Iโd use this.
2 minor gripes.
It doesnโt contain as many filters as Biore Perfect Face Milk, the UVA protection might be slightly lower (no Tinosorb S for instance).
It does contain Diethylhexyl Succinate (= Di (2-Ethylhexyl) Succinate; = Dioctyl Succinate) as an emollient, which has a comedogenicity rating of 2-3. If they made a version with C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate as an emollient instead, this would be perfect for very oily/acne prone skin as well.
Thank you ๐
Does this sunscreen have strong UVA protection?
Yes, Itโs rated PA++++ (highest level) and itโs formulated for sports.
Does this leave a white cast?
Is this lighter or heavier than Biore UV Nobi Nobi Kids Milk? I have oily skin and I thought the Biore one isnโt so bad. Wouldnโt the zinc oxide in this Skin Aqua one be able to absorb some oiliness?
No, at least not on my naturally light skin. Itโs lighter, although keep in mind that neither is formulated for oily skin.
I finally bought one from Amazon but unfortunately, it clogs my pores and is difficult to wash off. Apart from these 2 flaws, itโs perfect.
Would this be a good sunscreen to wear in Arizona, where its extremely hot and sunny? Or will it melt right off?
If your skin is on the drier side and you apply enough (and reapply when necessary), Iโd say so. This offers no oil-control so if youโve oiliness, it isnโt ideal.
Hi Ratzilla, how does this compare to the old Skin Aqua Moisture Milk? That was my favorite sunscreen and Iโm worried this one will be more greasy. Also, is Rohto still making the whitening version of this sunscreen? I havenโt been able to find it recentlyโฆ
It has been years since I last tried the Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk so I canโt really compare. I do remember that I didnโt care for it though.
Yes, the Whitening version was discontinued last year.
Thanks for the quick reply! If you liked this one better, then I hope I will too. I am excited that the PA rating is higher. Hopefully it will still work with my stupidly sensitive skin.
Too bad about the whitening version. It did amazing things for my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
I found this sunblock extremely greasy. I have normal skin and it is not even summer yet.
This is formulated for dry skin so itโs most likely too moisturising for your skin. Have you tried skipping moisturiser? I donโt use one at all when I use this.
I donโt use one either. Do you think Skin Aqua gel will be a better option for me?
The gel feels more lightweight, but it isnโt comparable as itโs suitable for everyday wear only.
Helo there ratzilla;
So I understand that evetyone produces sebum no matter their skin type, right? The difference is how much or how little I live in a stifling humid climate so my otherwise normal t zone would get sweaty and sebum will be produced too, naturally, no?
How is it that this sunscreen is formulated for sports when itโs not even resistant to sebum?
My skin type is normal in the t zone area, dry cheeks, very hot and humid, muggy climate. Thank you for your site. I really really appreciate it!
Skin naturally sebum, the difference is the amount โ oily skin has too much whereas dry skin isnโt producing enough. Whether a sunscreen is sebum-resistant is a non-issue for skin that isnโt producing enough. This is a sunscreen formulated to moisturise drier skin (hence the โSuper Moistureโ in the name) โ it offers no oil control.
Hi Razilla, how do you request SAL from the store you listed for this sunscreen? When I went to the checkout page, there was no โNotesโ option to type in the request like other sellers who offer SAL.
You can always contact them with your request.
Ratzilla, can you please eventually let us know what this sunscreen is like in a review?