This post will be reviewing the Isehan Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence SPF 50+.
I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to use and review sunscreens before the end of the Summer. You can follow the reviews here. But my biggest challenge right now is finding sunscreens that are suitable for dry dehydrated skin. As I mentioned earlier, I hate sunscreens that dry down matte. I love my sunscreens dewy and greasy. But then again, it is Summer. I really can not use any sunscreen that is slightly heavy like the Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+. Even my skin takes a break from all the layering before the start of the colder months.
So, my dilemma is finding sunscreens that are lightweight but hydrating enough to leave a dewy finish. This is why I’m looking forward to reviewing this particular product today.
First Impressions of the Isehan Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence SPF50+
According to YesStyle:
Water-based formulation contains 86% moisturizing ingredients including three types of hyaluronic acids and three antioxidants that enhance skin’s hydration levels. Lightweight gel texture applies smoothly and cleanly without any white cast while remaining sebum-resistant.
I’m not very familiar with this Japanese brand. Actually, it is my first (or second?) time blindly trying a product with hopes that it will come through for me. Plus, it was super cheap so I figured, what could go wrong? The worst thing that could happen is that the sunscreen wouldn’t work on my face. But then I can always use it on my body.
The only thing that attracted me to this product is the price and the ‘Essence‘ in the product name. So, far I’ve had better experiences using essence-based sunscreens than gel-based sunscreens for my dry skin.
Sunscreen Features & Claims
- UV Filters – Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S, Titanium Oxide ( hybrid SPF with three chemical filters and one physical/mineral filter)
- PA++++ is PPD 16 and above which is used to measure UVA protection. In the general scheme of things, it’s pretty high.
- Essential oil and Alcohol free but NOT Fragrance free.
- Formulated with at least 86% moisturizing ingredients including Royal Jelly Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract and Hyaluronic Acid.
- Lightweight moisturizing gel texture.
- Non-sticky, non-greasy but dries down to a slightly dewy finish depending on what moisturizer is layered underneath.
Texture & Consistency
In terms of texture and consistency and based on my experience so far with Japanese sunscreens, I feel like they’re mostly similar. It’s either a watery gel texture or a creamy gel texture that are generally lightweight. The idea is for sunscreen usage to become a daily habit so they try to make it as cosmetically elegant as possible. Unlike Korean sunscreens, they don’t compromise on actual sun protection. They have quite strict cosmetic regulations in Japan.
Unlike the Biore Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence, this has more of a lightweight creamy gel texture rather than a watery texture. I honestly don’t mind it because this makes it super easy to apply generously without feeling too heavy. In total, I apply between three to five fingers depending on how I’m feeling.
The lightweight texture also makes it perfect for reapplication in transit. Plus it is small and portable.
Avalaibility & Price
For less than £10/$10, you get 50g of product which can last for about a month, While some people have issues with the tiny sizes of Japanese sunscreens, I don’t mind them because I can quickly use them, review and move on to the next one. I’m not tired down with 100g of product which I might not exhaust for months. ( I have different sunscreens for reapplication.)
Review of the Isehan Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence SPF50+
I’ve been using this product as my primary sunscreen for almost a month now and I’m about halfway through the tube. I’ll like to mention that I currently have a simple streamlined morning routine for the Summer which includes a lightweight gel moisturizer that leaves a dewy finish.
Performance
Before I go on, I’d like to mention that this product has a faint citrus fragrance which doesn’t bother me at all. For those that are sensitive, it’s bearable. But if you’re extra-sensitive, you might want to stay away. So, I use this at the last step of my skincare routine every morning. I don’t wear makeup hence the heavy emphasis on a dewy finish.
The first time I tried it on its own, I was slightly disappointed as I didn’t find it moisturizing enough, It also dried down but I didn’t get that dewy finish either. I was almost ready to toss it away until I tried layering it with my other skincare products. Just like that, it suddenly became wearable. Every single day I layered it with a gel moisturizer, it left a dewy finish. EVERY SINGLE TIME. Unfailingly. ( I feel like I’ve finally found the hack to make non-dewy sunscreens work for me.)
Then again, I had to decide if I wanted a greasy sunscreen or a lightweight decently moisturizing sunscreen that feels like nothing particularly in the Summer.
In hindsight, I feel like I’m asking for too much. But then, the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence – which is the perfect sunscreen – exists for a reason.
It goes without saying that this sunscreen applies smoothly and leaves no white cast. Even with the Titanium Dioxide, you don’t have to spend hours trying to blend it in. You just need a couple of minutes and you’re good.
In Conclusion,
The Isehan Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence is not bad at all. It’s pretty decent. But will I go out of my way to repurchase? Probably not. Especially since I currently have a list of sunscreens to try on my wishlist.
But if you have combination to dry skin and need something lightweight, this is not a bad choice. For those with oily skin who prefer matte sunscreens, unfortunately, this isn’t matte so you might not enjoy it.
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