These reviews were originally posted on Reddit (now deleted) on June 11, 2019. I’ve replaced links with archive links if necessary (and available) and made minor formatting changes and corrections, but otherwise haven’t done any editing or updating. Some links are broken, and a lot of the information has to be outdated by now. Most, if not all, of the products have been reformulated or discontinued since.

Disclaimers (2026)

• This is all specific to the products as sold in Japan as of 2019 or earlier. What seem like the same products may have different formulations etc. in other countries (example) and in the present day, so make sure to double check specifically for what you would be buying. (And also, double check in case I got anything wrong or got different products mixed up or something.)
• I’ve added my usual disclaimer under all the ingredient lists, but take it all with an extra large grain of salt because this post was from before I learned more about ingredient names.

[Review] Japanese sunscreens: Allie Extra UV Gel & Highlight Gel, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence & Athlizm Skin Protect Essence, Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV, Etvos Mineral UV Powder, Mieufa Fragrance UV Spray, Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence, Sports Beauty Sun Protect Gel and more

I have a fairly large collection of Japanese sunscreens, and recently finally sat down and made a huge spreadsheet to gain a better understanding of them and to make notes about my own personal thoughts. I am now sharing some of them in case anyone out there has a similar skin type and/or similar criteria for their sunscreen. Apologies in advance for the long-windedness!

Made some edits, each indicated by the text EDIT at the beginning, EDIT 2 and EDIT 3 for the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV, EDIT 4 for my skin type, EDIT 5s before I crosspost, EDIT 6 about SkinCarisma, EDIT 7 to correct “isopropyl myristate” to “isopropyl palmitate” for both of the Bioré sunscreens (sorry!), EDIT 8 to add a few notes as of June 2021, and EDIT 9 in August 2022, when I added information about which formulation I was referring to if the information was missing.

THE PREMISE

• Skin type: Most relevantly here, photosensitive, as in allergic to UV rays (and, mildly, to blue light). Dehydrated, mostly dry, sometimes combination/oily, selectively sensitive. I used to have moderate/severe acne a long time ago, and still get a few pimples every now and then.
  • EDIT 4: Struck out “sometimes combination/oily” above as it’s strictly comparative and might be misleading. To give you an idea of how dry my skin usually is, I use Weleda Skin Food (non-AB) as a night cream with Sun White P-1 (highly refined petroleum jelly) on top, and everything eventually sinks right in. Adding this because u/stafina_sat’s comment made me think my experiences might be more dry-skin specific than I thought.
• Usage environment: I live in western Japan, so it gets really hot and humid during the summer and I sweat a lot. I’m rarely outdoors all day, but it can happen on occasion. I can’t swim, so my sunscreen would only need to be water-resistant enough for my sweat, and whether the UV filters are reef safe or not is not a big concern.
• EDIT (in 2021) - Additional precautions: I realized that I didn’t write about what else I use in addition to sunscreen. If I’m outside for a significant amount of time during the day, I also use a parasol, a cap (because I’m not fully diligent with my parasol use), sunglasses, and UPF clothing if possible (but realistically, usually not, though I would definitely make sure of this if I’m going hiking or something).
• Specific criteria: SPF 50+ PA++++, even if I’m indoors. I tend to avoid sunscreens advertised as being for sensitive skin (even though I do have relatively sensitive skin), for fear that they might not provide enough protection. Milks would probably be better suited for my skin type, but I’ve tried a few and decided I hate them, so I always buy gels and essences. I also go through my sunscreen pretty quickly, so I only buy what I can get from the drugstores in my neighborhood, for both availability and cost.
• Other things to note: I put on a lot of sunscreen. Definitely at least the recommended 1/4-teaspoon amount. So when I say something leaves a white cast or is greasy, it might not be the case in “normal” use. On the other hand, I’m on the pale side, so white casts are less detectable on me than those with darker skin. Also, I’m not a chemist or otherwise qualified beyond being bilingual, so I apologize for any mistranslations in the lists of ingredients. And please keep in mind that the “advertised as” part isn’t very thorough.
• EDIT – Makeup notes: I forgot to mention that I don’t wear foundation, so I don’t know how any of these wear under full makeup. Sunscreen is a much bigger priority for me than foundation, so if you wear makeup, my reviews might not necessarily be useful for you. I do wear BB cream when I go out (La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL Protection BB in 01: Light; link in Japanese), but I often don’t bother reapplying that along with my sunscreen. If I want to bring down the shininess, I use the skincare powder from Ettusais (link in Japanese); I definitely use the powder if I want to use powder blush with any of these sunscreens, but not if I’m using cream blush.
• TL;DR ratings: HG = holy grail, WRP = will repurchase, WNRP = will not repurchase.

THE SUNSCREENS

1. Allie Extra UV Gel (2018 formula): Long-reigning HG but still looking
2. Allie Extra UV Highlight Gel (2018 formula): WNRP, but not because of the product itself
3. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (2019 formula): WNRP
4. Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence (2019 formula): WRP
5. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV: 01 Clear (2015 formula): WRP, maybe even HG for indoor use
6. Etvos Mineral UV Powder (2019 formula): WRP for now, but only because I don’t know of anything better Did not repurchase
7. Mieufa Fragrance UV Spray: Magnolia (2015 formula I think?): WRP
8. Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Extra Cool (2016 formula): WNRP
9. Saborino Ohayo Sun Cut UV Spray Cool (2019 formula): WNRP
10. Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence (2018 formula): WNRP
11. Skin Aqua Water Magic UV Oil Spray (2017 formula): WNRP, but not because of the product itself
12. Sports Beauty Sun Protect Gel (2019 formula): Probably WNRP

THE REVIEWS

1. Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel 2018 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: Long-reigning HG but still looking
• Product name in Japanese: アリィー エクストラUV ジェル
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese), RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S
• Advertised as: Friction-proof, water resistant, ADVAN UV barrier technology, moisturizing, easy to wash off, fragrance-free, paraben-free, can wear under makeup, for use on face and body

Allie Extra UV Gel and its predecessors have been a long-time favorite. I’ve been using it for years, so I know it will protect me (with reapplication as necessary of course), and I know it won’t specifically be the cause for any breakouts. In Japan, the general consensus seems to be that you use either Allie or Anessa if you really don’t want to burn/tan, and I didn’t like the Anessa sunscreens I tried in the past (then again, they were all milks). It does contain alcohol and smells like it too, but I like that it doesn‘t have any fragrances to cover it, like almost all of the sunscreens listed here. I also don’t think it’s drying in spite of the alcohol, especially if you’ve moisturized before using it. If I need to be sure I’m protected, if I’m having skin problems, or if I’m feeling wary of whatever new sunscreen I’m trying out for any reason, I always go back to this one.

The only reason why I’m still trying other sunscreens is because it does leave a white cast upon application—if you put on as much as I do, at least (I’ve seen reviews that say it doesn’t have a white cast). It does go away after a bit, so it’s not a problem when I’m getting ready in the morning or when I’m reapplying in a restroom, but it does bother me a little when I’m reapplying anywhere else.

Also, this used to get white stuff all over my belongings, but the new formula should be an improvement on this front. I say “should be” because this can‘t be fully tested until it‘s full-blown summer and my arms and legs are constantly exposed and sweaty.

It was recommended by Dr. Dray in a recent Instagram post (and a slightly less favorable but more in-depth review from 2018 that I just found), and performed very well in what can be described as the Japanese version of that one experiment in China that everyone was talking about recently (link in Japanese; January 2019). In fact, a different version of it (Allie Extra UV Facial Gel) also performed very well in the experiment in China too (I found the predecessor of the Extra UV Facial Gel to be more drying than the predecessor of the Extra UV Gel; haven’t tried the current version). [EDIT 9: These experiments should of course be taken with a grain of salt.] I remember these things because it’s the sunscreen I always go back to, and feel strangely vindicated every time someone else likes it too.

I see that it’s often considered expensive, but it actually costs about the same or even less than Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence, which people seem less averse to buying (if we take Amazon Japan as an example, ¥2061 JPY for 90 g of Allie Extra UV Gel = ¥22.9 JPY per gram, and ¥1618 JPY for 70 g of the Athlizm essence = ¥23.114285714 JPY per gram).

• EDIT 6: To quote from my original post:

EDIT 8: This product was reformulated in 2020 (reviewed here, update coming soon).

EDIT 9: Regarding the discrepancies on SkinCarisma, it could also potentially be the case that the list is for a version sold in a different country. Also, I’ve since learned that the EWG is bunk anyhow.

Ingredients (2018 formula): Water, Zinc Oxide, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Triethylhexanoin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone [Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150], Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate-80, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

2. Kanebo Allie Extra UV Highlight Gel 2018 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WNRP, but not because of the product itself
• Product name in Japanese: アリィー エクストラUV ハイライト ジェル
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese),* RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S, Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150, Titanium Dioxide
• Advertised as: Friction-proof, water resistant, ADVAN UV barrier technology, moisturizing, fragrance-free, paraben-free, can wear under makeup, for face and body

* No archive link, but the press release is available here. PDF in Japanese.

For the most part, this feels similar to the Extra UV Gel. The difference is that this one is tinted green, like the new limited edition Skin Aqua that just came out recently. The ingredients are basically the same as the Extra UV Gel too, except this one also includes titanium dioxide (probably as a colorant, though I included it among the UV filters), mica, silica, and CI 42090, or Blue 1 in Japan, and a couple of ingredients are in different positions on the list. I don’t hate it, but I ignored an important lesson I learned from the lavender Skin Aqua I bought last year (review below)—if the sunscreen is tinted, I’m not going to put on as much of it, and hence I won’t get as much protection as I would from one that isn’t. This is entirely my own fault and not the product’s. In fact, this seems to be a pretty popular product here in Japan, so I may be in the minority. Personally I think it would be better for me to stick with normal sunscreen and use a different color correcting product over it.

Ingredients (2018 formula): Water, Zinc Oxide, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Triethylhexanoin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone [Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150], Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Mica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isohexadecane, Silica, Polysorbate-80, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, CI 42090

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

3. Kao Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence version q/2019 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WNRP
• Product name in Japanese: ビオレ UV アクアリッチ ウォータリーエッセンス
• Trade name or registered name: ビオレＵＶアクアリッチウォータリーエッセンスｑ
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese); RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S
• Advertised as: Micro Defense technology, moisturizing, no white cast, water resistant, easy to wash off, can wear under makeup, white muguet fragrance, colorant-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic

I tried this a long time ago, possibly the 2015 version if not earlier, and my face turned red in that about-to-get-a-sun-rash way that I’m all too familiar with. This generally doesn’t happen with SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreens, and my trust in that line plummeted. I heard about the new formula’s “Micro Defense technology,” which made it seem like it could be worth giving it another try, because I do recall liking how refreshingly hydrating it felt. Now, either the formula has changed completely or I remembered wrong, because this is probably the greasiest sunscreen I own. (I have to note that it’s possible that I just feel that way because I was expecting more of it, but it’s definitely at least among the greasier ones.) One layer was okay, but upon reapplication I felt so greasy that I ended up washing it off and putting something else on. Maybe I need to apply less, but then I’d be concerned about its effectiveness. There’s also the matter that I would still feel nervous about wearing it outside, regardless of how much of it I apply. So I don’t trust it for outdoor use, and it’s not even comfortable enough to warrant buying it separately for indoor use. The fragrance is also quite strong. I’ll finish the current tube, but I’m not sure I would ever be giving this a third chance.

• EDIT: I should probably note that I only started using this very recently and may change my opinion at any time.
• EDIT 5: I’m not 100% sure—I don’t feel compelled to try putting it on my face again just to check—but I think this makes me break out. Nothing extreme, just four pimples, but I usually only get maybe one at a time so four seemed plenty break-out-like. It could possibly be the Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence (reviewed below) or maybe something else entirely.
• EDIT 9: I want to emphasize that I’m not necessarily saying that I don’t think they meet the SPF 50+ PA++++ claim. Given my experience with sunscreens in general, I think it’s more likely that the ones that are on the lower end of SPF 50+ PA++++ aren’t protective enough for me. To give an extreme example just to illustrate my point, let’s say this product is technically SPF 100, but personally I need SPF 200 to keep my allergy symptoms at bay. SPF 100 would definitely be SPF 50+ and yet not protective enough for me, if that makes sense. (And no, I don’t think I need SPF 200.)

Ingredients (2019 formula): Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Ethylhexyl Triazone [Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150], Isopropyl Palmitate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Dextrin Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, Acrylates/C10–30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, C12–15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Behenate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Agar, Sorbitan Distearate, Isoceteth-20, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Royal Jelly Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Fragrance

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

4. Kao Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence 2019 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WRP
• Product name in Japanese: ビオレ UV アスリズム スキンプロテクトエッセンス
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese), RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S
• Advertised as: Flagship sunscreen for Bioré, Tough Boost technology, moisturizing, water resistant, easy to wash off, can wear under makeup, white floral fragrance, non-comedogenic, tested at 40℃/75% humidity

This one is currently a contender for outdoor use. I don’t like that it has a strong fragrance and that it feels very much like a film on top of my skin, but the latter also makes me feel protected, so this might be a good option for when I need heavy-duty protection. I’m sure the milk would be more waterproof etc., but again, I hate milks. It also doesn’t apply with a white cast, so it’s currently becoming my top choice for reapplication when I’m out and about, but I also wash it off as soon as I get home, especially if I reapplied more than once. I wish they had a larger size than 70 g, because one day I applied/reapplied four times on my face, neck, and arms, and felt like I’d already used up most of the tube.

• EDIT 5: The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (reviewed above) feels like the more likely culprit, but this may possibly have made me break out. Unlike the Aqua Rich, I will eventually be putting this on my face again, so I’ll edit the post again if it turns out to be this one.
• EDIT 8: As of 2021, I’ve grown even more accustomed to fragrance free products, and I now find the fragrance completely overwhelming. WNRP.

Ingredients (2019 formula): Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Zinc Oxide, Methylheptyl Laurate, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Glucan, Phytic Acid, Saxifraga Sarmentosa (Strawberry Geranium) Extract, Glucosylceramide, Prunus Yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry) Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen (Job’s Tears) Seed Extract, Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Silver Oxide, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Leaf Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

5. Ida Laboratories Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV: 01 Clear 2015 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WRP, maybe even HG for indoor use
• Product name in Japanese: キャンメイク マーメイドスキンジェル UV [01] 透明
• Links: Official website, RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S
• Advertised as: Washes off easily, for all seasons, moisturizing, for face and body, can use right after washing face as skincare/moisturizing primer/SPF primer

To be honest, I didn’t expect to like this, but Canmake and its sister (probably more like) cousin brand Cezanne do consistently surprise me with their makeup, and it’s so highly recommended here and so cheap that I decided to buy a tube. It’s now my favorite for indoor use. It contains neither alcohol nor fragrance, and really just feels like a moisturizer or primer as they say, although I definitely use my regular moisturizing products too. No white cast as far as I can tell. It kind of smells slightly funny… Almost like butterscotch?? I have no idea how to describe it. Anyway, it’s faint enough to ignore. With titanium dioxide listed fairly early on in the ingredients, I’m wondering whether it might also be at least slightly protective against blue light as well (don’t quote me on that). (EDIT 9: Nope, Titanium Dioxide has nothing to do with blue light protection, as far as I currently know.) It’s so comfortable that I’m afraid to wear it outside, but it’s definitely sufficient when I’m staying home. It’s almost as cheap as Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence per gram. This one definitely needs to come in a bigger tube, but then again, they would probably have to modify their drugstore displays significantly to fit, say, a 90 g tube. But really, hats off to Ida Laboratories. Great products for truly affordable prices.

• EDIT: I should probably note that I only started using this very recently and may change my opinion at any time.
• EDIT 2: Yes, of course I follow u/amyvancheese’s posts on r/SkincareAddiction quite closely. Here is her experiment with Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV (I’m assuming the clear version, since I don’t think she specified). In spite of being ridiculously cosmetically elegant, it seems to stay put for almost three hours. But until I finally get my own Sunscreenr and can test for my own climate/skin type/etc. (or accidentally do a real-life experiment wearing it outside), I’m still going to think of it as an indoor sunscreen. As u/kaylamariko says in the comments below, it’s actually so good that it seems too good to be true. It doesn’t claim to be water resistant though, so it definitely won’t be enough for the humid, sweaty summers here.
• EDIT 3: I just learned that the 02 White version is a new development (officially released on May 1, 2019), so I should probably add a heads-up about this. The white one is meant to have a brightening effect (see for example this photo posted on @cosme), but I imagine it would just look like a white cast on a lot of skin tones, so be careful to make sure you have the version you want when you buy this.
• EDIT 5: I posted more about the White version here [post deleted; quoted below].
  Also, I finished my first tube in a little over two weeks, and that includes days where I was wearing something else. And I only wear it on my face and the front of my neck, with one of the WNRPs on my arms and the back of my neck. (Again, I probably put on a lot more than most people do, so it would most likely last longer for most.) Like I said, it’s also one of my cheapest sunscreens per gram so having to buy it so often isn’t a problem financially, but it definitely feels like way too much wasted plastic. It seems like none of their cream/gel products are available in tubes any bigger than this (70 g), so this might be asking for a lot, but I really wish it was available in a larger size.
• EDIT 8: As of 2021, I have different things to say about this product and am planning on posting an updated review (also, it was silently reformulated in 2020 due to ingredient availability).

Ingredients (2015 formula): Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Zinc Oxide, Methylheptyl Laurate, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Glucan, Phytic Acid, Saxifraga Sarmentosa (Strawberry Geranium) Extract, Glucosylceramide, Prunus Yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry) Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen (Job’s Tears) Seed Extract, Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Silver Oxide, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Leaf Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

6. Etvos Mineral UV Powder (IV) 2019 formula (SPF 50 PA++++)

• Rating: WRP for now, but only because I don’t know of anything better EDIT 9: Did not repurchase
• Product name in Japanese: エトヴォス ミネラルUVパウダー
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese)
• UV filters: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
• Advertised as: Blocks UV rays, blue light, and infrared light; moisturizing (probably more like non-drying); free of petroleum-based surfactants, mineral oil, silicone, tar colorants, artificial fragrances, preservatives, and chemical UV filters

Until recently, I was working extremely long hours directly in front of a very bright 27-inch iMac, which is probably the most blue light anyone would ever get. At one point I finally figured out why I was getting a photosensitive reaction on my face in the middle of the night. Blue light damage is real, according to my face. It really takes a lot of it before anything happens, though, so I only really worry about it if I’m going to spend hours in front of a computer. It felt marginally better when I put my usual Allie Extra UV Gel on out of desperation, which I now realize could be because it lists zinc oxide as its second ingredient.

Later on, I started seeing articles about skin damage from blue light, and looked into products that address this concern. There is a whole line of skincare products called And Mirai from Fancl (link in Japanese), but I wanted something that would be easier to add to the products I already use. So then I found this powder from Etvos. I just ran a search and am surprised to find that Etvos has never been mentioned here. Yes, they’re on the pricey side—maybe on the upper side of mid-range, with both department store counters and displays at Loft and the like—and this is one of the few departures from my drugstore rule. The brand puts a lot of emphasis on “safe” ingredients, if you can’t tell already from the advertisement claims above. I also have a couple of makeup products of theirs that I am liking very much. The powder is apparently reformulated every year, so this is strictly about the current version.

The powder itself is translucent on me, but it is tinted, so I’m not sure how it would look on anyone with ivory-fair or darker skin than mine. I pulled one all-nighter in front of a less bright, smaller monitor and remained unscathed, but that isn’t really a fair comparison so I can’t swear on its effectiveness just yet. It does give me peace of mind, though. I would also use this for reapplication if I’m wearing makeup and staying indoors, although that situation hasn’t arisen yet. One complaint that I have is that the case is cute but not very functional. It seems like a lot of people have a problem with this, actually—it’s one of those fully plastic cases with holes in the inner lid for the powder to come through. If I use the puff straight from the case, I end up with dots of powder on my face, so I’ve been using my usual non-SPF powder first, and then layering this over it. It’s kind of a pain, so I’ve only been using it when I’m sitting in front of my computer for an extended amount of time. Much like their skincare line, the powder includes an impressive array of ceramides, but I wouldn’t get too excited considering it is after all a powder. Overall, it’s not bad, but I would definitely want to try other similar products if I find any.

Ingredient (2015 formula): Mica, Silica, Zinc Oxide, Kaolin, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NG, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AG, Ceramide AP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Polyquaternium-61, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Baikal Scullcap) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (German Chamomile) Flower Extract, Saxifraga Sarmentosa (Strawberry Geranium) Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Water, Phytosterols, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Calcium Carbonate, Barium Sulfate, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide(s), Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate Stearic Acid

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

7. Napla Mieufa Fragrance UV Spray: Magnolia 2015 formula I think? (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WRP
• Product name in Japanese: ミーファ フレグランスUVスプレー〈マグノリア〉
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese)
• UV filters: Octinoxate, Zinc Oxide, Polysilicone-15 aka Parsol SLX, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S, Titanium Dioxide
• Advertised as: Protects hair and skin from UV rays; Magnolia version smells like orange, jasmine, and magnolias, and contains orange oil to combat unwanted odors

I wrote a comment about the spray here:

The most hair-specific one I know of is Mieufa Fragrance UV Spray. You can use it on your face and body too—the usual rules for sunscreen sprays apply, and you aren’t supposed to spray this directly on your face—but it’s sold in hair salons and includes hair conditioning ingredients. It’s made by Napla, whose hair oil under the N. brand (which I also have and like) is probably more famous at the moment. I’ll try to go into detail since their English website is abysmal and the information is outdated (and misspelled), and it looks like it’s not on RatzillaCosme either. I promise they seem like a good brand in Japanese!

The fragrances currently available are Magnolia, Oriental Jasmine, Sea Salt, Tender Lily, and Cherie Savon. Each version features a different plant-based oil or extract for a specific hair conditioning function (possibly except for Cherie Savon, which doesn’t have an oil/extract in its blurb). While it’s called a fragrance spray, there’s also a fragrance-free version, Clear, but I haven’t tried it yet. It does contain grape seed oil and plant extracts, and might not be ultra-sensitive-skin friendly (but they don’t claim it is, either). Again, while these sprays can also be used on your skin, they’re marketed more as hair products. It’s an aerosol spray and the canister is pretty small, but I figure that makes it easier to carry around for reapplication.

I have the Magnolia version and personally enjoy the fragrance, but it could stand to be a little more subtle. Then again, I’m always paranoid about smelling too strong. According to this page (link in Japanese), the top notes are jasmine, magnolia, and rose; the middle notes are orange and peach; and the base notes are musk, amber, and white cedar. I’m not sure I get all that, but I’ve always been bad at identifying fragrance notes. I’m on my second or third bottle, but obviously I find myself avoiding it if I want to wear perfume or anything else with a significant fragrance. This means I use it much less often than I should, so I’m thinking about getting the Clear version too. The line-up has changed significantly since when I started buying Magnolia, so I’m also curious about the newer variations.

Overall, I would recommend this if you aren’t allergic to plant extracts and oils, and if you like the fragrance. I have to note that I use non-spray sunscreen on my face and body, so I can’t fully speak for its use on skin. For what it’s worth, I haven’t had any bad reactions on my scalp or ears.

Apart from being sold at hair salons, I saw them at a Plaza store just the other day, and they should be available at Loft and Tokyu Hands too. In case it isn’t obvious already, I live in Japan so unfortunately I don’t really know about international availability. I do see a couple of Rakuten Global listings for under ¥900 JPY, and I can confirm that they do show up for the same price or even cheaper on the domestic Rakuten Ichiba too.

Ingredients (2015 formula I think?): Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Cyclopentasiloxane, Methylpentanediol Dineopentanoate, Zinc Oxide, Fragrance, Orange Yu [Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil (or peel oil from other edible Rutaceae)], Camellia Sinensis (Tea) Leaf Dry Distilled Solution, Rosa Canina (Rose Hips) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-15 [aka Parsol SLX], Dimethicone, Butyl Acrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Talc, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, BHT, Alcohol, Tocopherol

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

8. Kao Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Extra Cool 2016 formula (SPF 50+ PA+++)

• Rating: WNRP
• Product name in Japanese: ニベアサン スーパーウォータージェル エクストラクール
• Links: @cosme (link in Japanese), RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus

This one was limited-edition and is no longer in production, so I’ll keep it brief. It’s a spray that turns into a gel on your skin, which is kind of fun and gimmicky. The cooling sensation definitely doesn’t last. Kind of a ”why did I buy this” impulse purchase. It’s not even PA++++.

Ingredients (2016 formula): Water, Dimethyl Ether, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone [Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150], Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Menthol, Menthyl Lactate

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

9. BCL Company Saborino Ohayo Sun Cut UV Spray Cool 2019 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WNRP
• Product name in Japanese: サボリーノ おはようサンカット UVスプレー
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese), RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus
• Advertised as: Cooling effect; lavender coloring; for use on face, hair, and body; spray right after washing face to cover skincare, SPF, and makeup all at once; water resistant; moisturizing; fruity herb fragrance; easy to wash off

I like the idea of Saborino’s products, which all multitask in some way and are marketed toward the busy and/or lazy. I really like the idea, but I find it rarely works out as promised. Even before purchasing this, I knew there’s no way I would just spray this on without my usual moisturizers. For better or for worse, the lavender color isn’t noticeable, even on my jet black hair. I’m not a huge fan of the fragrance; I don’t hate it, but I would rather smell like the Mieufa spray. Overall, a run-of-the-mill sunscreen spray. Again, I would rather use the Mieufa, which even has a more impressive array of UV filters.

Ingredients (2019 formula): Alcohol, Dimethyl Ether, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Honey, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Soluble Collagen, Butylene Glycol, Talc, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Menthol, Water, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Fragrance, CI 60725

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

10. Rohto Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence 2018 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WNRP
• Product name in Japanese: スキンアクア トーンアップUVエッセンス
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese; 2019 formula), RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S
• Advertised as: Lavender tint for color correction; other skin brightning ingredients; savon fragrance; water resistant; can wear under makeup; easy to wash off; for face and body

Initially, I really liked this and bought several tubes. But as I mentioned with the Allie Extra UV Highlight Gel, I eventually came to the conclusion that as a photosensitive person, I probably shouldn’t be using tinted/tone-up sunscreens. The coloring leads me to use in moderation, which leaves me a bit concerned about whether I’m getting its full effectiveness as a sunscreen. I also started to feel like it’s slightly drying—not enough to be the primary reason why I won’t be buying this any more, but something to note. If I were to buy a tinted sunscreen again, I would go for the Allie Extra UV Highlight Gel. Also, the lavender color correction effect is fine on me, a relatively pale Asian, but I suspect it would just look like a white cast on a lot of skin tones.

That said, I’m curious whether the 2019 formula might be more hydrating, and whether there are any improvements that might benefit me. But again, I think it’s probably not a great idea for me to buy tinted sunscreens.

Ingredients (2018 formula): Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate [MAP], Passiflora Edulis (Passionflower) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica (Plum), Rosa Roxburghii (Chestnut Rose) Fruit Extract, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Acrylates Copolymer, Polysorbate-60, Acrylates/C10–30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Silica, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, BHT, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, CI 73360, CI 42090, Fragrance

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

11. Rohto Skin Aqua Water Magic UV Oil Spray 2017 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: WNRP, but not because of the product itself
• Product name in Japanese: スキンアクア ウォーターマジックUV
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese), RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S
• Advertised as: Water Fit technology, can use on wet skin, for face and body, no white cast, easy to wash off, citrus fragrance, hypoallergenic

The emphasis here is on waterproofing. It does call itself an oil spray, so it’s not too surprising that it feels rather greasy/sticky. I don’t do water sports, so it’s kind of a bit much for me. I bought it last year, or maybe even the year before, and am still stuck with it. I don’t think it’s necessarily bad, just not what I need; I imagine the wet skin part would be very useful in certain situations.

Ingredients (2017 formula): Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Alcohol, Triethylhexyl Trimellitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Dipropylene Glycol, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone [Octyltriazone aka Uvinul T 150], Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate [HDBM aka RonaCare AP], Carnosine, Water, Fragrance

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.

12. Kosé Sports Beauty Sun Protect Gel 2019 formula (SPF 50+ PA++++)

• Rating: Probably WNRP
• Product name in Japanese: スポーツ ビューティ サンプロテクト ジェル
• Links: Official website (link in Japanese), RatzillaCosme
• UV filters: Octinoxate, Zinc Oxide, Polysilicone-15 aka Parsol SLX, DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus, Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S
• Advertised as: Water resistant, tested by athletes, friction-proof, easy to wash off, moisturizing, for face and body, hypoallergenic, uses less oils to make it feel more hydrating

This really isn’t a bad sunscreen at all, and it’s still a contender alongside the Athlizm essence for my reapply-on-the-go sunscreen. No white cast as far as I can tell, and their efforts to make it hydrating seems to have paid off fairly well. The only thing that puts me off is that the fragrance is really strong. Athlizm’s fragrance is strong too, but I think Sports Beauty’s is stronger by just a hair. I do like that it feels less film-y than Athlizm, although that’s also part of Athlizm’s appeal. It all comes down to whether I can learn to live with the fragrance—but then I think I’d rather live with Allie’s initial white cast, which probably goes away before this fragrance does.

• EDIT 5: I feel like I might have made it sound more hydrating than it is. I wouldn’t say it’s any more hydrating than the other sunscreens, so don’t pick it for that.

As with any post: YMMV! These are all just one person’s impressions, and I hope you will take everything with a grain of salt. Also, this is my first post on Reddit, so please let me know if I’m doing anything wrong.

Ingredients (2019 formula): Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate [Octinoxate], Alcohol, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-15 [aka Parsol SLX], Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate [DHHB aka Unvinul A Plus], Mica, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine [Bemotrizinol aka Tinosorb S], Dipropylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Soluble Collagen, Butylene Glycol, BHT, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylic Acid/C10–30 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isohexadecane, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Squalane, Stearoyl Inulin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Triethylhexanoin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Nylon-12, Polyquaternium-7, Polysorbate-80, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance

Disclaimer: I’m just a bilingual sunscreen enthusiast with no background in science. If you’re allergic to anything, double-check to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong.