This post will review the Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF 50+ PA++++.
I’ve used quite several Japanese sunscreens in the past, so when the time came for a restock. I had to pick a couple, and this sunscreen was one of them. Everyone knows that Japanese sunscreens are the most superior Asian sunscreens.
This is because the cosmetic regulations around sun products are very strict and can be compared to their counterparts in Australia and Europe.
As someone who uses Tretinoin, the strongest Retinoid, I must ensure that I’m always protecting my skin, so I take no chances.
Skin Aqua is a sunscreen range from the pioneering Japanese brand: Rohto Mentholatum. Yes, the same company formulates the iconic Hada Labo products and the bestselling Melano CC Vitamin C products.
This company has been around since the early 90s. Just like any other pharmaceutical company, you know that they won’t put out mediocre products because they have the resources to invest in a wide range of products.
This is why Skin Aqua has about a dozen sunscreens in its range. Check this chart that attempts to differentiate them.
With so many options, deciding what to choose was a bit difficult. All I needed was a chemical sunscreen that I could wear daily.
As someone with dry skin, I tend to go for hydrating/moisturizing essences instead of gel or milk sunscreens, so it was a no-brainer going with my choice. After checking the filters to ensure that there wasn’t one that would give me a white cast, I purchased it.
I’ve been using sunscreen for about six weeks now and am ready to share my thoughts.
First Impressions of the Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF 50+
According to Stylevana:
An essence-type sunscreen with the best UV protection effect in the Skin Aqua series.
Uses a unique “block veil prescription” that spreads evenly and evenly and has a high degree of adhesion to the skin.
The moment you apply it, it blends smoothly into your skin and has a moisturizing texture. Even if you are sweating or applying it over your sweat, it will not be sticky, and you will feel as if you are bare skin.
Light durability technology adopted! Contains unique ingredients that prevent the UV cut function from deteriorating due to light. It also contains moisturizing ingredients. Aller defense technology is also adopted! Protects the skin from harmful substances in the air (pollen, PM2.5, dust, dust)
Ingredient List & Fragrance
Regarding sunscreens, I’m not particularly keen on the ingredients as long as they are moisturizing and fragrance-free.
Before exploring the sunscreen filters, let’s see what other ingredients make this product tick.
They include:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Arginine
- Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Ethanol
I’m always happy to see Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin, humectants that draw in moisture from the atmosphere.
As for the Ethanol, I’m unsurprised as Japanese sunscreens tend to have some form of alcohol in their products.
Apparently, this help to ensure they’re cosmetic elegant and doesn’t affect the product’s effectiveness. In other words, it doesn’t dry out your skin. Also, this is 2023; we’re done demonizing ingredients.
Asides from not being alcohol-free, it is essential oil and fragrance-free.
Sunscreen Filters
Skin Aqua has a few hybrid sunscreens. So you need to pay attention to the filters if you want a purely chemical sunscreen like I do.
Now let’s explore the filters:
- Octinoxate: provides UVB protection.
- Tinosorb S – provides both UVA & UVB protection.
- Uvinul A Plus – provides UVA protection.
- Tinosorb M – provides both UVA & UVB protection.
From my point of view, the filters are balanced enough to provide UVA and UVB protection. After testing, the SPF came out as 50+ and the PA rating as ++++. Hence, I have no doubt that this sunscreen will provide adequate protection.
While this product might be fully chemical as it has no standalone physical filter, the Tinosorb M is a hybrid filter. This means you might get a slight cast, but it is nothing to be alarmed about as it disappears almost immediately.
Packaging, Texture & Consistency
This sunscreen is packaged in an 80g gold tube which is how I prefer my sunscreens. This ensures that the product is not contaminated by the elements.
The tube dispenses a lightweight essence texture which is similar to a lotion. If you’re used to Asian skincare, you’ll know many products have the same texture. It’s more or less a signature at this point.
It feels slightly hydrating on application, and you can feel how soft and supple your skin is after rubbing it in. This, I think, is the effect of the humectants.
The only problem is that it dried down very quickly, almost to a matte finish, which I don’t like. I prefer my sunscreens to have a natural or dewy finish, but this doesn’t.
This means this sunscreen can benefit people with normal to dry skin. It’s also great to layer under makeup.
Price & Availability
Depending on where you buy it, this product retails for less than $15, which is typical of most Japanese sunscreens. I think I got mine for less than £10 because my points on Stylevana have stacked up a bit.
To get the cheapest deals on Asian sunscreens, always buy a batch of four to five that can last for about a year. This way, you can also get free shipping as well.
Review of the Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF 50+
I use this sunscreen daily at the end of my morning skincare routine, whether indoors or outdoors. I also wear it under makeup because it dries down super quickly. This is the only time the matte finish comes in handy.
Other times, when I’m feeling a bit dry, I layer a moisturizer under it to keep me for the day.
I tend not to use it to reapply during the day as I use a sun stick instead.
Performance
What can I say? This was my first Skin Aqua sunscreen, and I wasn’t disappointed.
After using several Asian sunscreens in the past, I’m mostly not overly excited anymore, as they all use the same formula, but I’m definitely guaranteed a decent product that won’t give me a white cast.
To summarize, here are the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros
- Great chemical filters provide good protection
- No white cast
- Water-resistant
- Non–greasy and non-sticky
- Non-tacky with a natural finish.
- Hydrating
- Doesn’t sting the eyes
- Can work across most skin types.
- Doesn’t pill; it layers well under makeup and over skincare products.
- Absorbs super fast into the skin after application
- Convenient texture for reapplication
Cons
- Matte finish
In Conclusion
The Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF 50+ reminds me of why I will always prefer Japanese sunscreens.
They make it so convenient and enjoyable to wear sunscreen daily without second thoughts.
So, if you’re looking for a lightweight daily sun which works across most skin types, you need to try this one,
Leave a Reply