Back in 2020, after I started doing research for my Beauty Explorer company. I just kept hearing about Korean and Japanese sunscreens non-stop. I ended up buying a few products and I really loved them. It caught my interest and I ended up moving to South Korea to learn more about skincare and the beauty industry there.
After living in Busan, South Korea for 2.5 years, I finally made my way to Japan. I went shopping at Don Quijote and was able to explore the amazing skincare section, more like floor. What I loved most was all the sunscreen formulas. Japanese sunscreens should be the hype and I’ll tell you why.
During my visit, I got to feel the texture of various sunscreens, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.First off, the formulas are simply enchanting. They go on like a dream, lightweight and not a hint of that greasy feeling you might associate with traditional sunscreens.
What sets Japanese sunscreens apart is their commitment to high UV protection. These aren't just your average sunscreens; they're armed with advanced UV filters that shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It's like having a guardian angel for your skin.
But it's not just about protection. Japanese sunscreens are crafted with an artful blend of innovative ingredients. Think antioxidants, hydrating wonders, and more – all working together for the love of your skin. (Some of these innovate UV filters haven’t even been approved by the FDA in the United States yet because to this day they haven’t updated any of these ingredients since 1996.)
And let's not forget the cultural vibe. In Japan, skincare is a way of life. There's a genuine emphasis on keeping your skin healthy, and that reflects in their sunscreen game. It's not just about shielding from the sun; it's about embracing a skincare ritual.
After that Don Quijote experience, I'm a believer. Trust me, you want to be part of this hype! These are the viral sunscreens!
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
Which is one of the most viral ones right now. It includes **Auto Booster Technology which is activated automatically when it contacts sweat,water, heat or moisture in the air. It increases the uniformity of the UV ray-blocking film and increases its strength without directly contacting water (liquid). The non-sticky formula spreads easily, leaving the skin incredibly smooth. Despite it having a strong UV ray-blocking effect, it is easily removable with soap, making it ideal for daily use. It contains 50% skincare ingredients. Formulated with plant-derived moisturizing ingredients and beauty ingredients, it protects skin from dryness and damage from UV rays, keeping skin moisturized.
Some of the ingredients include
Soluble Collagen: Derived from collagen dissolvable in water, soluble collagen is vital for skin structure and elasticity. It offers hydration, promoting a plump and youthful appearance.
Glycerin: A clear, odorless liquid derived from plant oils, glycerin is a well-known humectant. It draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate: A modified form of hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate provides powerful hydration. Its enhanced stability allows for significant water retention, contributing to plumper, smoother skin.
Potentilla Erecta Root Extract: This is derived from the roots of the potentilla erecta plant. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in skincare for soothing irritated or sensitive skin.
Green Tea Extract: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins. These antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging. Green tea extract is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Isomerized Sugar: Isomerized sugar is a sugar derivative. In skincare, it is sometimes used for its humectant properties, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This can contribute to skin hydration.
NIVEA UV DEEP PROTECT & CARE ESSENCE
Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence is specially formulated to protect your skin from blemishes, freckles and other signs of photo-aging caused by UV rays.
This Japanese sunscreen uses an innovative 3D UV film technology that protects from UV rays and is resistant to sweat and water.
The gel texture of this Japanese sunscreen leaves the skin comfortable without residues and any sticking feeling.
Blended with honeysuckle flower extract, pearl extract and rose water to hydrate and reduce fine lines caused by dryness.
Features
Suitable for face and body.
Super waterproof.
Clear floral scent.
It can also be used as a makeup base.
Strong UV protection SPF50 + / PA ++++
Biore Rich UV Watery Essence
BIORÉ AQUA RICH UV is developed from Bioré Japan’s water-based sunscreens, iconic for their fresh textures and invisible clean protection. With SPF 50 UVA & UVB, this feather-light watery essence with sunscreen spreads easily and absorbs instantly to hydrate and helps protect from UV rays.
6 Key Benefits:
1) Water capsule formulation to prevent drying.
2) Contains hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract, and BG (moisturizing ingredient).
3) Even though it's a super waterproof type (confirmed in an 80-minute water resistance test), it comes off easily with regular soap.
4) Colorant free.
5) Anti-acne formulation (non-comedogenic tested).
6) Allergy tested.
Impressively light even after reapplying or double-layering.
A watery UV product.
Prevents uneven application on a microscopic level.
Can also be used for layering under makeup.
Provides a smooth finish for foundation as well.
Prevents dark spots and freckles caused by sunburn.
Ultra-waterproof (water resistance tested in water for 80 minutes).
Can be washed off with soap.
For face and body.
Doesn’t leave white residue and won’t feel sticky.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract and BG (moisturizing ingredients).
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, a watery essence with a transparent feel that blends effortlessly with the skin.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, a watery gel that spreads smoothly over the whole body.
Both items are formulated for the face and body, delivering maximum UV protection of SPF 50+ and PA++++.
The Isehan Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence
Isehan Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence is a Japanese gel-type sunscreen formulated with 86% hydrating components and offers the highest rated UV protection available: SPF50+ and PA++++
The sunscreen contains three kinds of hyaluronic acid and three kinds of natural moisturizing components including royal jelly, aloe vera, and saxifrage extract to keep your skin hydrated outside in the sun.
This product has a lightweight texture that feels like water when applied and does not contain any unpleasant smells found on other sunscreens. Suitable for the face and body, it can also be used as a makeup base and is free of parabens, artificial coloring and alcohol.
Our customers love the light feeling of this product on the skin, the ease of application, non-greasy texture, and light citrus fragrance. This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and does not leave any white cast after application.
Skin Aqua Super Moisturizing Aqua Gel
Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel is a watery moisturising gel containing 4 moisturising ingredients including super hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid Na, amino acid, and collagen. The gel delivers extremely concentrated moisture to prevent dryness and skin dehydration.
The aqua gel protects the skin with the best UV-cut effect. Unique ingredients that prevent the UV-cut function from being ineffective by light. It is waterproof, sweat-resistant, and lightweight, perfect for the summer season!
Gel texture
Contains 4 moisturising ingredients
UV-cut effect
Waterproof, sweat-resistant and lightweight
Water-like gel sunscreen that prevents tanning and burning!
Watery texture that feels comfortable on your skin
Formulated with special light durability technology for strong UV protection
Considers gentleness for any type of skin
All of these sunscreens are worth the hype and I promise you, once you try these sunscreen formulas you’ll never go back to the other sunscreens you used in the past. Before you leave I wanted to leave you with a little bit of knowledge about sunscreen terms.
Skin Dictionary:
UVA (Ultraviolet A): UVA rays are a type of ultraviolet radiation that penetrates deep into the skin. These rays are primarily responsible for premature aging and can contribute to the development of wrinkles and fine lines. UVA rays are present throughout the day and can penetrate clouds and glass, making protection against them crucial.
UVB (Ultraviolet B): UVB rays are another type of ultraviolet radiation, but they are shorter in wavelength compared to UVA rays. UVB rays primarily affect the outer layer of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. Prolonged exposure to UVB rays can also contribute to the development of skin cancers.
PA++++: The PA system is a Japanese rating system that measures the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVA rays. The more plus signs (e.g., PA++++), the higher the level of UVA protection. In this case, PA++++ indicates the highest level of UVA protection. This rating system is commonly used in Asian countries, and a higher number of plus signs indicates increased UVA protection.
“Did you know that wearing sunscreen is important even on cloudy days? Clouds might give the illusion of protection from the sun, but harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds and still impact your skin. ”
