Best Sunscreen of 2019

It’s summer here in the US, which means that it’s all the more imperative for us to wear sunscreen. I used to hate sunscreen because it would leave a white cast, pill, and make me look like I decided to splash a lil bit of oil on my face in the morning. After trying the Biore Watery Essence Gel sunscreen, it’s one of my favorite steps. That’s how good this stuff is.

Claims:

Biore doesn’t seem to have an official description of this product (maybe because it’s from Japan?) but on Amazon it says:

Super Water Proof (can stand up to 80 mins in water) that can be easily washed off with regular soap and make up remover.
Water capsules that spreads smoothly on skin with moisturizing ingredients (hyaluronic acid + royal jelly extract + citrus mix)

I didn’t even realize that this sunscreen was water proof, because it feels like a moisturizer and most creams are definitely not water proof. Either way, both points hold strong and as a big sweater in this heat, I really appreciate the first one.

Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, cross-polymer of (lauryl methacrylate / sodium methacrylate), alkyl benzoate (C12-15), bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoylbenzoate, dimethicone, ethylhexyl triazone , Dimethylsilylated silica, DPG, xylitol, dextrin palmitate, (acrylates / alkyl (C10-30)) crosspolymer, (dimethicone / vinyldimethicone) crosspolymer, polysilicone-9, glyceryl stearate, AMP, Vinyl dimethicone / methicone silsesquioxane) crosspolymer, agar, isoceteth-20, alkyl (C30-45) methicone, polyvinyl alcohol, olefin (C30-45), sodium hydroxide BG, PG, hyaluronic acid Na, royal jelly, orange fruit extract, grapefruit fruit extract, lemon fruit extract, phenoxyethanol, EDTA-2Na, BHT, perfume

The first ingredient is Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, a common ingredient in sunscreens, given how this chemical absorbs, reflects, and scatters UV rays. The next ingredient is lauryl methacrylate / sodium methacrylate. This ingredient is key as it allows for the product to be lightweight, long-lasting, and non-sticky, The third ingredient is alkyl benzoate. This is sort of a texturizer as well as a moisturizer. Every ingredient here makes sense but there are some really interesting ingredients I would love to point out. The first is Agar. Agar is made from seaweed and has a sort of jelly texture. It helps both with the feeling of the sunscreen and moisturizing of the skin. We also have hyaluronic acid and royal jelly which is amazing for moisture retention, anti-aging, and lots more. However, it is a little low on the ingredients list, so I’m not sure about the potency. The inclusion of the perfume is also mildly concerning, although so far I have not felt any negative side effects.

Price: 50 g

Amazon: $8.15 (Free shipping on orders over $25)

Yesstyle: $9.16 (Free shipping on US orders over $35)

Super affordable. There is a new, bigger version as well (which means it’s even cheaper per gram!)

The Run-Down:

You guys already know that I love this sunscreen so so so much if you’ve read my July Favorites. It’s unlike any other sunscreen I have tried. I love how lightweight it feels on the skin. It dries to a very natural finish (I wouldn’t say it’s matte), totally different from my typical greaseball sunscreen experiences. It’s gel texture is incredible; because of the texture/concept, it dissolves, leaving a cooling sensation with absolutely no white cast (This one’s for my darker friends). It actually dries completely invisible. That indicates that this is a chemical sunscreen, but I personally don’t have much of a problem with that. As for the fragrance, it’s very light, fresh, and goes away quickly so I enjoy it. However if you are deathly sensitive to fragrance or tend to avoid it, this sunscreen may not be your cup of tea.

Pros and Cons:

PROS

No white cast
Cooling sensation
Budget friendly
Lightweight
Waterproof

CONS

Fragrance

Who Should Use:

I would recommend this to practically everyone. It doesn’t leave me dripping even though I’m already super oily during the summer. Yet at the same time, it’s so moisturizing and doesn’t pill at all so I know that my drier skin friends will love this sunscreen too. I would buy this for the people I love (which is honestly the ultimate test)

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5/5 stars

The price, the texture, the effects, this sunscreen is truly a hit.

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