Japanese Drugstore Sunscreens

I've been resigned to using thick, greasy sunscreens whenever I get out in the sun. Not anymore. That has changed when I discovered the Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF 35 PA+++ sunscreen while traveling in Japan.

It's silky and extremely lightweight; I don't see or feel traces of it. Makeup goes on like a dream. The watery lotion absorbs within a minute and there's no scent. My guess is that the hyaluronic acid content makes it socomfy and moisturizing. I've been using this for both face and body for nearly 2 months and I haven't had any allergic reaction nor sunburn. The drugstore chain Matsumoto Kiyoshi sells it for about $5 (80 gr/2.8oz) but you can get the 4.9oz version for about $20 on Amazon. The smaller-sized SPF 50 PA+++ version goes for under $12.

I also really like Rohto's Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF 50+ PA+++. I also use it for face and body and the consistency is very similar to the Nivea Sun Protect. I tuck it into my bag for touchups, travel, etc. Interestingly enough, most of the Japanese sunscreen brands seem to change their SPF formulas each year. Currently you can get Skin Aqua on Amazon for $20-$25 (80 grams/2.8oz).

At 50 grams (1.76 oz), the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is designed for facial use. It feels and looks a tad richer than the other two brands but it absorbs just as well. The small bottle is perfect for the makeup bag and this one goes for about $10-$11 online. 

Comments

[Carolyn Jung]

Wow, $5 for sunscreen in Japan? That's crazy cheap. I hope you stocked up. Though, $20 on Amazon is pretty reasonable, too.

[Tami]

It's insane. I should have bought more but Amazon will have most of these brands stocked, even with higher prices and shipping fees.