The Sun[screen]Day Post - Affordable Asian Sunscreens by Skin Type & Concern

Sunday, October 18, 2015


Want skin that gets you carded? Keep on your sunscreen game, even in Fall and Winter.

Affordable Asian Korean Japanese sunscreen review by skin type and concern dry skin oily skin normal skin acne Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++ Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++ Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130 Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++ Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++ Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++ reviews


When Asian skincare-curious people ask me which products are must-tries, I always reply sunscreens. Asian sunscreens offer more protection due to advanced technology in UV filters, while remaining pleasant to wear.

That's not even touching upon the fact that the UVA protection rating system used in Asia (called the PA system) offers the aging-averse (ME!!!) peace of mind by spelling out the level of protection you're getting. Important, as the sun seems to be responsible for 80% of visible facial aging signs.

Sunscreens are still important to wear for Fall and Winter, and I know that some of you guys visit me from the Southern Hemisphere where summer is fast approaching, so today is a roundup of 7 sunscreens I've tried in 2015. They are all very affordable, and offer high levels of protection. They are the...


  • Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++
  • Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++
  • Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130
  • Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++
  • Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++
  • Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
  • Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++





HOW I BUY & RATE SUNSCREENS

These are the factors that I weigh when buying and rating sunscreens.
  • Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? 
The sunscreen must contain UV filters that fend off UVA1, UVA2 (the aging rays) and UVB (the cancer-causing) rays. More often than not, this means that any sunscreen I purchase contains either Zinc Oxide or Avobenzone. 

See below for a breakdown of UV filters and their offered protection against each type of ray. Filters in blue are "physical" or "inorganic"; these filters are generally seen as the most stable and least likely to cause any free radical damage. 

UVA1 PROTECTIONUVA2UVB
Zinc OxideZinc OxideZinc Oxide
Titanium DioxideTitanium Dioxide
DioxybenzoneDioxybenzone
Oxybenzone*Oxybenzone*
SulisobenzoneSulisobenzone
AvobenzoneEcamsule (Mexoryl SX)Octocrylene
*approved in Asia/Europe* Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (Uvinul A)Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate)Trolamine Salicylate
Aminobenzoic Acid
Cinoxate
Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid)
Homosalate
Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethyl Hexyl Methoxycinnamate)*
Octisalate (Octyl Salicylate)
Padimate O
*approved in Asia/Europe* Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150, Octyl Triazone, EHT)
4-Methylbenzylidine Camphor*
source: Skincancer.org
*Potentially harmful to coral reefs

  • How high is the protection factor?
The UVB protection rating scale is the same SPF rating scale as in the U.S. I generally purchase SPF50+ sunscreens. 

In Asia, UVA protection is rated on a scale of PA+ (least protection) to PA++++ (most protection). I prioritize UVA protection factor over UVB protection factor as the drop in protection per + sign is more substantial than the decline in protection using the SPF scale. I will use sunscreens that are rated PA+++ or PA++++.

  • Are the UV filters used in the formula stable?
Certain UV filters are unstable, like the very prominent Avobenzone. While Avobenzone offers that coveted UVA1 protection, it has been shown to degrade when in formula with physical filters like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide and when in formula with Octinoxate. When purchasing a sunscreen with Avobenzone, I like to make sure it contains the stabilizing Octocrylene.

  • Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment?
Asian sunscreens offer so many different types of finishes that there is one to suit every skin type and environment. 


Affordable Asian Korean Japanese sunscreen review by skin type and concern dry skin oily skin normal skin acne Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++ Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++ Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130 Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++ Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++ Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++ reviews

Sun creams like the Atopita, Scinic, and Innisfree will suit those with dry skin, or living in temperate to cold climates. 

Watery essences and watery gels like the Nivea will appeal to those with oily skin, or living in the tropics. 

Best suited for normal skin or those living in warm to temperate climates are the milks and milky gels, like the Biore, the Missha, and potentially the Mentholatum.

  • Will it break people out?
My skin is like a noble gas, it doesn't break out from, or react with anything (lately, but in my teens and twenties oooooho... that's a throwback thursday I don't want to remember) so I'm not too picky about the acne triggers for my own purposes...

But for those who do break out often, choosing a sunscreen that works for you is like entering a gauntlet. It can feel like there are a million ways to ruin all of the hard work you've done to clear up your skin...

Affordable Asian Korean Japanese sunscreen review by skin type and concern dry skin oily skin normal skin acne Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++ Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++ Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130 Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++ Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++ Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++ reviews


Of all of the sunscreens presented today, the Atopita Moisture UV Cream SPF 50 PA++++ and the Scinic Enjoy Perfect Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ are the least likely to cause any new spots.

  • Is there a white cast?
Many Asian sunscreens are able to give a great undetectable finish. With most of the western sunscreens I've tried, I've never been able to shake the feeling of knowing I'm wearing sunscreen. With many of the Asian sunscreens I've tried, I immediately forget I'm wearing anything at all. But, this is impossible to tell until you purchase the sunscreen yourself or read a review online.

  • Can I stand the smell?
I prefer my sunscreens to not smell strongly of alcohol, chemicals, or anything really. Again this is impossible to tell until you purchase the sunscreen yourself or read a review online.

  • How much is it?
Since sunscreen is something I wear daily, and a lot of it (a quarter teaspoon is required to reach the stated level of protection on the bottle...) 

Affordable Asian Korean Japanese sunscreen review by skin type and concern dry skin oily skin normal skin acne Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++ Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++ Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130 Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++ Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++ Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++ reviews

I prefer sunscreens that offer a lot of value. Not only does that mean having a decent price, it also means I prefer the ones that come in larger size bottles.

Affordable Asian Korean Japanese sunscreen review by skin type and concern dry skin oily skin normal skin acne Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++ Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++ Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130 Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++ Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++ Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++ reviews

The Atopita, Mentholatum, and Biore are sunscreens that are very small. In general, Japanese sunscreens tend to be on the smaller side. I like to think they make them that size so we can keep them on our person to reapply on the go. But if you're truly looking for value, Korean sunscreens seem to be more affordable on the whole.

Now that we've gotten the rubric out of the way, let's move on to the reviews!






REVIEWS AND SWATCHES


Affordable Asian Korean Japanese sunscreen review by skin type and concern dry skin oily skin normal skin acne Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++ Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++ Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130 Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++ Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++ Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++ reviews


Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++
Ingredients per COSDNA
Type Chemical sunscreen
Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? No. UVB - Octinoxate, Ethylhexyl Triazone. UVA1 - Uvinul A. UVA2 - NONE.
How high is the protection factor? For UVB rays - highest, SPF 50. For UVA rays - high, PA+++ which is equivalent to a European PPD 8 - 16 range.
Are the UV filters used in the formula stable? Yes.
Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment? Best suited for normal, and oily skin types. This sunscreen dries my dry skin out as it contains alcohol. As someone with dry skin, I prefer to use this as a body sunscreen.
Will it break people out? Some people break out from alcohol and dimethicone, but these are relatively "low" acne triggers.
Is there a white cast? No, this formula is an eggshell/beige watery gel that feels like a very thin lotion going on. There is no white cast or tint to the skin, and once it dries, leaves a matte finish. Due to the alcohol in the formula, this sunscreen dries down within 10 seconds. 
Can I stand the smell? It smells strongly of alcohol until it dries down, after which you smell nothing.
How much is it? This is the MOST affordable sunscreen at $12.92 per 140 ml



Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 PA++++
Ingredients per COSDNA
Type Mixed, Physical and Chemical sunscreen
Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? Yes. UVB - Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide. UVA1 - Zinc Oxide. UVA2 - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.
How high is the protection factor? For UVB rays - highest, SPF 50. For UVA rays - highest, PA++++ which is equivalent to a European PPD 16+ range.
Are the UV filters used in the formula stable? Yes.
Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment? Best suited for normal skin. This sunscreen can leave behind some shine which is not preferable to some people with oily skin. Also, this product can dry my dry skin out as it contains alcohol. I still use this on my face however.
Will it break people out? Some people break out from alcohol, dimethicone, and tocopherol, but these are relatively "low" acne triggers.
Is there a white cast? Very low white cast. This formula is a white, runny fluid that feels a bit oily going on. It takes about 15 seconds to dry down. There is a very low white cast on the skin and once dry it leaves a semi-matte to semi-glossy finish on the skin. Those with drier skin will experience the semi-matte finish, while those with oilier skin will experience the semi-glossy effect on the skin. The sunscreen leaves behind a very silky, smooth silicone feeling on the skin as it contains dimethicone.
Can I stand the smell? It does not smell too strongly, but there is a faint chemical smell when it is freshly applied. After dry-down, you smell nothing. 
How much is it? This is a very affordable sunscreen at $7.84 per 40 ml
Where to buy? Amazon (40g $7.84)




Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50 PA+++
Ingredients per COSDNA
Type Mixed, Physical and Chemical sunscreen
Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? Yes. UVB - Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide. UVA1 - Zinc Oxide. UVA2 - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.
How high is the protection factor? For UVB rays - highest, SPF 50. For UVA rays - high, PA+++ which is equivalent to a European PPD 8 to 16 range.
Are the UV filters used in the formula stable? Yes.
Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment? Best suited for normal skin. This sunscreen can leave behind some shine which is not preferable to some people with oily skin. Also, this product can dry my dry skin out as it contains alcohol. I still use this on my face however.
Will it break people out? Some people break out from alcohol and dimethicone which are "low" acne triggers. It also contains stearic acid which is an acne trigger that is very common and a bit riskier for many people.
Is there a white cast? Very low white cast. This formula is a white, runny fluid that feels a bit like a lotion going on. It takes about 20 seconds to dry down. There is a very low white cast on the skin and once dry it leaves a semi-matte to semi-glossy finish on the skin. Those with drier skin will experience the semi-matte finish, while those with oilier skin will experience the semi-glossy effect on the skin. The sunscreen leaves behind a very silky, smooth silicone feeling on the skin as it contains dimethicone.
Can I stand the smell? This one smells strongly like chemicals. As though you've entered a chem lab. After dry-down, you smell nothing. 
How much is it? This is less affordable at around $18 per 40ml, or $22 per 70ml. There are however, many retailers that offer this sunscreen.
Where to buy? 
Both sizes are also carried at Jolse, which seems to be down for me right now.



Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block PA++++ SPF 130
Ingredients per COSDNA
Type Mixed, Physical and Chemical sunscreen
Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? Yes. UVB - Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide. UVA1 - Zinc Oxide. UVA2 - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.
How high is the protection factor? For UVB rays - highest, SPF 130. For UVA rays - highest, PA++++ which is equivalent to a European PPD 16+ range.
Are the UV filters used in the formula stable? Yes.
Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment? Best suited for normal to dry skin. This sunscreen can leave behind some shine which is not preferable to some people with oily skin. This product does not dry out my dry skin, primarily because it is alcohol-free.
Will it break people out? Some people break out from butylene glycol and dimethicone which are "low" acne triggers. It also contains stearic acid which is an acne trigger that is very common and a bit riskier for many people.
Is there a white cast? Medium white cast. This formula is a white, runny fluid. It feels a bit like an oily milk going on and takes a little bit longer to dry down - around 30-40 seconds as there is no alcohol in the formula. On pale skin, there is no noticeable white cast, but those with darker complexions have stated the white cast is a bit stronger on their skin tone. Once this product dries down, it leaves a semi-matte to semi-glossy finish on the skin. Those with drier skin will experience the semi-matte finish, while those with oilier skin will experience the semi-glossy effect on the skin. This one also leaves behind a silky, smooth silicone feeling on the skin as it contains dimethicone.
Can I stand the smell? This one smells like a very typical western sunscreen, and the scent is not too strong. After dry-down, you smell nothing. 
How much is it? Pretty affordable despite its tiny size.
Where to buy? 



Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++
Ingredients per COSDNA
Type Mixed, Physical and Chemical sunscreen
Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? Yes. UVB - Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide. UVA1 - Zinc Oxide. UVA2 - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.
How high is the protection factor? For UVB rays - highest, SPF 50. For UVA rays - high, PA+++ which is equivalent to a European PPD 8 to 16 range.
Are the UV filters used in the formula stable? Yes.
Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment? Best suited for dry or winter skin. 
Will it break people out? Some people break out from dimethicone which is a "low" acne trigger. It also contains stearic acid which is an acne trigger that is very common and a bit riskier for many people.
Is there a white cast? Medium white cast. This formula is thick, beige colored cream. It feels very moisturizing going on and does not leave any tint. It does however, have a bit of a white cast which is negligible on pale skin. The formula dries down pretty quickly, taking around 20-30 seconds to settle on the skin. Those with dry skin will experience a semi-matte finish, while those with oily skin may experience a semi-glossy finish. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite formulas to wear.
Can I stand the smell? It smells very natural, you can smell the sunflower oil in it. After dry-down, you smell nothing. 
How much is it? Pretty affordable at around $15 mark for 50 ml
Where to buy? 




Scinic Enjoy Perfect Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
Ingredients per COSDNA
Type Mixed, Physical and Chemical sunscreen
Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? Yes. UVB - Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide. UVA1 - Zinc Oxide. UVA2 - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.
How high is the protection factor? For UVB rays - highest, SPF 50. For UVA rays - high, PA+++ which is equivalent to a European PPD 8 to 16 range.
Are the UV filters used in the formula stable? Yes.
Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment? Best suited for dry or winter skin. 
Will it break people out? The only potential acne trigger in the Scinic is the dimethicone, which is a "low" acne trigger. There are also some light, thinner oils in the formula which are thought to be non-acne-causing or "non-comedogenic". 
Is there a white cast? Low to medium white cast. This formula is thick, white cream. It feels very moisturizing going on. It does however, have a bit of a white cast which is negligible on pale skin. The formula dries down pretty quickly, taking around 20-30 seconds to settle on the skin. Those with dry skin will experience a semi-matte finish, while those with oily skin may experience a semi-glossy finish. One of the more popular Korean sunscreens, this is also one of my favorite formulas to wear. The only drawback? I dislike its smell.
Can I stand the smell? This one smells strongly botanical. It's a pretty pleasant scent, but I didn't appreciate how it kind of just lingered.
How much is it? Pretty affordable at around $15 per 50 ml
Where to buy? 



Atopita Moisture UV Cream 50 PA++++ diff*
Ingredients per COSDNA
Type Physical sunscreen
Does it offer full spectrum protection from UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays? Yes. UVB - Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. UVA1 - Zinc Oxide. UVA2 - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.
How high is the protection factor? For UVB rays - highest, SPF 50. For UVA rays - highest, PA++++ which is equivalent to a European PPD 16+ range.
Are the UV filters used in the formula stable? Yes.
Is it suitable for my current skin type, season, or climate/environment? Best suited for dry or winter skin. 
Will it break people out? The dimethicone and butylene glycol are "low" acne triggers. 
Is there a white cast? Low to medium white cast. This formula is thick white cream. It's a bit less emollient (harder to spread out) than the Scinic and Innisfree. It's very moisturizing and dries down quickly. There's no white cast on pale skin and a light white cast on darker skin. This one leaves behind a semi-matte finish. This is actually my favorite formula, however, it comes in such tiny containers and is not widely available, which leads me to veer from it often.
Can I stand the smell? The scent is very faint and it smells like a typical western sunscreen. After dry-down, you smell nothing. 
How much is it? Pretty affordable despite its tiny size.
Where to buy? 







What season are you in? And which sunscreen are you using lately? Do you recommend it?



Disclosure: Bought it. Some affiliate links. If you're curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.



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