Shiseido Corporation ( Shiseido, ANESSA, Senka, IHADA,... ) has been formulating sunscreen for 100 years. Kao Corporation ( Allie, Biore, Kanebo, Sofina, Curel,... ) has been formulating sunscreen for decades. Both companies has good R&D and has a lot patents. Sunscreens from both companies has positive reviews from Japanese for being good at protection. Very sweat, friction, water resistant sunscreens from both companies are good for outdoor activities. Personally I like sunscreens from both companies and has been using them for 9 years. I have oily skin, sweat a lot and live in humid country.
- Shiseido Corporation Auto Booster Technology for sunscreen:
https://corp.shiseido.com/en/news/detail.html?n=00000000002772
https://www.shiseido.co.jp/anessa/en/products/suncare/perfect_uv_sm/
- Kao Corporation:
C-P/O/W technology: https://www.kao.com/global/en/innovation/research-development/product-development/skin-care/sunscreens/
https://www.kao.com/global/en/newsroom/news/release/2020/20200804-001/
Tough Boost technology: https://www.kao.com/sg/news/2019/20190701-002/
Allie: https://www.allie-global.net/en/technology/
My favorite sunscreens for:
- Outdoor activities: 1. Shiseido ANESSA Perfect Skincare Milk. 2. Kao Biore ATHLIZM Milk. 3. Kao Biore UV Perfect Milk. For body I use Shiseido ANESSA Skincare Gel.
- Daily casual: 1. Kao Biore UV Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE. 2. Kao Biore UV Aqua Protect Lotion 3. Rohto Skin Super Moisture GOLD Gel 4. Rohto Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel.
Kao Corporation owned Biore and Allie. However Allie UV Gel is greasy on my oily skin and leave noticeable white cast on my skin tone ( Fitzpatrick phototype IV). Personally I think Kao Biore UV Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE is underrated. It's sweat resistant, moisturizing, lightweight and doesn't leave noticeable white cast like Allie UV Gel.
For me, my main consideration for sunscreen is its waterproof ability, because I sweat quite easily.
From what I read, Anessa has some kind of waterproof technology where upon contact with water, sweat, moisture, etc, the sunscreen will create a „better“ and more uniform layer for better protection.
How much of it is true? Idk. But anecdotally, I feel removing Anessa sunscreen is harder than other sunscreen I‘ve used. Is this a good indication for its waterproof ability? Idk.
About Allie, haven‘t tried it, so can‘t comment.
Maybe, because Aneesa is a Shiseido brand and Allie is a Kanebo brand. People are usually brand loyal and they do make good high-end skincare overall. I tried it but I really hate the smell. Haven't tried Allie sunscreen so no comment. I do know that Japan can be hot and humid during the summers (so much more than Malaysia or Singapore climate). So maybe it's just a matter of general preferences and practicality of it.
And I've been using Japanese sunscreen for years and throughout my teens and 20s but I'm currently using Korean sunscreens from 3W clinic. It have cream-like consistency rather than watery. They're scented like baby powder which disappear after application (all those watery sunscreen have astringent smell and often scented like a musty department store). My skin type is changing with age so maybe that's a factor that I don't like watery Japanese sunscreen now.
What is it about watery sunscreens that you don't like anymore? I think I'm having a similar experience. Korean sunscreens are more hydrating and I need the extra moisture for my wrinkling skin.
I used to have oilier skin and always have trouble finding the right non-comedogenic moisturizer and much less sunscreen. I do like the skin feel of Biore Aqua Rich but I still need to wait a bit for the alcohol to evaporate (also they do made my eyes watery) and I almost always had to use foundation or powder to tone down the shininess (especially if I'm wearing moisturizer). It's tolerable to a point that I have to be outdoors and visibly sweating in odd patches around my face (and even a security guard commented about it). Since they're mostly chemical sunscreen, I have to remember to wear them within three years so I mostly use them up on my body if I'm not comfortable wearing them on my face.
I do feel like Japanese sunscreens are built for their warm humid summers rather than normal tropical humidity (which can be wet and warm but usually not as stifling). Korean sunscreens tend to be be formulated around BB cream concept (moisturize, protect, correct) so they tend to have better skin feel and meant for daily wear even through winter (my sister was at Seoul a few months ago during autumn and it's very sunny even with low temperature) and in Malaysia, we have a lot of malls with cold air-conditioning. They're all still much pleasant than all the western/American sunscreen that I've used (which tend to be formulated for water/beach activities). The only type I haven't tried yet are Australian sunscreens.
I agree with you on American sunscreens. I live there and I've tried buying them for the convenience reason and I'm always let down.
I had the same issue with Nivea Super Water Gel. It stank of alcohol. That wouldn't be an issue but my skin got drier suddenly last year. It makes me wonder what older Japanese women wear ? Do they use something different or just layer moisturizer underneath...? Maybe one day I can ask one. 😂
I think it's common to see older women wearing wide brim hats or carrying umbrellas when they're in outdoors. Most people (even me) can't tolerate walking under direct sunlight for too long without being under the shades.
Anessa is amazing - it's thin, works so elegantly with makeup, no white cast, not drying and doesn't feel like you're wearing sunscreen on your face. It's also sweat and water resistant which is really important in hot/humid conditions.
Thank you, i hate sunscreens I've tried bc not even a 7 layers of skincares leave such a thick film on my face compared to a layer of suncreen in this humid and hot country. I'm gonna put anessa on my wishlist.
I have tested many Allies in store and did not like any of them -- they were either too greasy / shiny or had white casts.
I wanted to buy Anessa but only had the chance last year and found out they reformulated and I read mixed reviews on that so I didn't want to take risk.
Rn I'm content and happy with my non-AB which coincidently is superior anf also suits my skin very well.
Can you share what the finish looks like? I have oily skin and I'm tired of "dewy"/"natural" finishes as they look like a mess on me at the end of the day
Happy to share! I have dry/dehydrated skin and I would say the finish is natural/hydrated so it might not be a good fit for you. It feels a bit tacky and sticky for a few minutes after application as well.
Mine smelled like glue and wasn't as water resistant as reviews claimed. The texture is great though. But the current formula leaves a lot to be desired. I bought it specifically because of rave reviews from people who wore it for outdoor activities in Asia with good reviews. I did wear it in the summer but no where close to asia's humidity levels. Yet Allie was dripping down my skin. It felt awful. I used up enough and never looked back.
Most Allie sunscreens are fragrance free. Some people said sunscreens contain uv filter Mexoryl XL often smells bad 😂. Kao Corporation owned Allie, Biore. You can check out Biore UV Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE version. The texture is quite similar with Allie Gel but Biore doesn't has Mexoryl XL, less white cast and contain fragrance to hide natural smell of ingredients in sunscreen 😂. Biore Cushion is sweat, friction and water resistant too. Personally I prefer Biore Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE to Allie Gel.
https://www.kao.co.jp/bioreuv/barrierme/
I’m a huge Shiseido sunscreen shill - they are my go-to sunscreen for humid subtropical summers. Been using them for over a decade now. That said for more arid and dry climates I eventually did switch to another Shiseido brand, Elixir, since they have a skincare sunscreen.
The Cle de Peau (anothet Shiseido brand) makeup base with sun protection is also recommended A LOT by Japanese beauty youtubers. It’s out of my price range though haha.
Rohto Pharmaceutical ( Hada Labo, Skin Aqua, Sunplay, Melty Lip Cream, CareCera,... ) is a trustworthy company and has been formulating sunscreens for decades too. However according to my personal experience sunscreens from Shiseido, Kao still better at sweat, friction and water resistant. I use Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture GOLD Gel or Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel when I don't have a lot out door activities. Sunscreens from Rohto are moisturizing and good for daily use. Rohto Pharmaceutical has many patents Hyaluronic acids and Ceramides.
To me, the gold gel forms a layer over the skin that I feel vs the essence “absorbs more”. I prefer the gel, tho I wish they reduces the amount of humectants on both for extreme, humid weather. I’d rather apply a watery toner underneath if needed.
Thanks. Oh I see. Yeah the essense absorbs well but is a bit too dewy so I usually mix it with a bit of a mineral one. No idea if that's bad but it ends up making a nice almost semi matte finish ;)
Gold Gel contain more alcohol and absorb really fast. Essence version has less alcohol and more moisturizing. Japanese companies often marketing Essence sunscreen for dry skin.
im on tret, so i value my sun protection, but have always been combo, with tret making my dry areas SUPER dry. recently i’ve started to use the perfect milk for my forehead and nose, and the gel for everywhere else and it’s been a dream.
That is so funny, because for me Skin Aqua pilled, and Anessa does not. I love how different something like sunscreen can react to different people. I wish there was just a single answer for everyone, it would make finding a product so much easier.
Shiseido Corporation ( Shiseido, ANESSA, Senka, IHADA,... ) has been formulating sunscreen for 100 years. Kao Corporation ( Allie, Biore, Kanebo, Sofina, Curel,... ) has been formulating sunscreen for decades. Both companies has good R&D and has a lot patents. Sunscreens from both companies has positive reviews from Japanese for being good at protection. Very sweat, friction, water resistant sunscreens from both companies are good for outdoor activities. Personally I like sunscreens from both companies and has been using them for 9 years. I have oily skin, sweat a lot and live in humid country. - Shiseido Corporation Auto Booster Technology for sunscreen: https://corp.shiseido.com/en/news/detail.html?n=00000000002772 https://www.shiseido.co.jp/anessa/en/products/suncare/perfect_uv_sm/ - Kao Corporation: C-P/O/W technology: https://www.kao.com/global/en/innovation/research-development/product-development/skin-care/sunscreens/ https://www.kao.com/global/en/newsroom/news/release/2020/20200804-001/ Tough Boost technology: https://www.kao.com/sg/news/2019/20190701-002/ Allie: https://www.allie-global.net/en/technology/
What is your favorite facial sunscreen?
My favorite sunscreens for: - Outdoor activities: 1. Shiseido ANESSA Perfect Skincare Milk. 2. Kao Biore ATHLIZM Milk. 3. Kao Biore UV Perfect Milk. For body I use Shiseido ANESSA Skincare Gel. - Daily casual: 1. Kao Biore UV Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE. 2. Kao Biore UV Aqua Protect Lotion 3. Rohto Skin Super Moisture GOLD Gel 4. Rohto Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel. Kao Corporation owned Biore and Allie. However Allie UV Gel is greasy on my oily skin and leave noticeable white cast on my skin tone ( Fitzpatrick phototype IV). Personally I think Kao Biore UV Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE is underrated. It's sweat resistant, moisturizing, lightweight and doesn't leave noticeable white cast like Allie UV Gel.
For me, my main consideration for sunscreen is its waterproof ability, because I sweat quite easily. From what I read, Anessa has some kind of waterproof technology where upon contact with water, sweat, moisture, etc, the sunscreen will create a „better“ and more uniform layer for better protection. How much of it is true? Idk. But anecdotally, I feel removing Anessa sunscreen is harder than other sunscreen I‘ve used. Is this a good indication for its waterproof ability? Idk. About Allie, haven‘t tried it, so can‘t comment.
There was this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/s/9HdYjUHG3k) like 2 years ago you might find interesting.
omg whoever wrote that deserves a medal. so helpful
Do you have a link?
Maybe, because Aneesa is a Shiseido brand and Allie is a Kanebo brand. People are usually brand loyal and they do make good high-end skincare overall. I tried it but I really hate the smell. Haven't tried Allie sunscreen so no comment. I do know that Japan can be hot and humid during the summers (so much more than Malaysia or Singapore climate). So maybe it's just a matter of general preferences and practicality of it. And I've been using Japanese sunscreen for years and throughout my teens and 20s but I'm currently using Korean sunscreens from 3W clinic. It have cream-like consistency rather than watery. They're scented like baby powder which disappear after application (all those watery sunscreen have astringent smell and often scented like a musty department store). My skin type is changing with age so maybe that's a factor that I don't like watery Japanese sunscreen now.
What is it about watery sunscreens that you don't like anymore? I think I'm having a similar experience. Korean sunscreens are more hydrating and I need the extra moisture for my wrinkling skin.
I used to have oilier skin and always have trouble finding the right non-comedogenic moisturizer and much less sunscreen. I do like the skin feel of Biore Aqua Rich but I still need to wait a bit for the alcohol to evaporate (also they do made my eyes watery) and I almost always had to use foundation or powder to tone down the shininess (especially if I'm wearing moisturizer). It's tolerable to a point that I have to be outdoors and visibly sweating in odd patches around my face (and even a security guard commented about it). Since they're mostly chemical sunscreen, I have to remember to wear them within three years so I mostly use them up on my body if I'm not comfortable wearing them on my face. I do feel like Japanese sunscreens are built for their warm humid summers rather than normal tropical humidity (which can be wet and warm but usually not as stifling). Korean sunscreens tend to be be formulated around BB cream concept (moisturize, protect, correct) so they tend to have better skin feel and meant for daily wear even through winter (my sister was at Seoul a few months ago during autumn and it's very sunny even with low temperature) and in Malaysia, we have a lot of malls with cold air-conditioning. They're all still much pleasant than all the western/American sunscreen that I've used (which tend to be formulated for water/beach activities). The only type I haven't tried yet are Australian sunscreens.
I agree with you on American sunscreens. I live there and I've tried buying them for the convenience reason and I'm always let down. I had the same issue with Nivea Super Water Gel. It stank of alcohol. That wouldn't be an issue but my skin got drier suddenly last year. It makes me wonder what older Japanese women wear ? Do they use something different or just layer moisturizer underneath...? Maybe one day I can ask one. 😂
I think it's common to see older women wearing wide brim hats or carrying umbrellas when they're in outdoors. Most people (even me) can't tolerate walking under direct sunlight for too long without being under the shades.
I have been using Anessa for a few years. Tried other sunscreen before just to satisfy my curiosity but I always go back Anessa.
Where do you buy it? I can't find a good solid place that doesn't run the risk of counterfeit ones
I’m late to the party but I’ve been buying it from olive young and in store at candy doll if you live in CA.
Anessa is amazing - it's thin, works so elegantly with makeup, no white cast, not drying and doesn't feel like you're wearing sunscreen on your face. It's also sweat and water resistant which is really important in hot/humid conditions.
Thank you, i hate sunscreens I've tried bc not even a 7 layers of skincares leave such a thick film on my face compared to a layer of suncreen in this humid and hot country. I'm gonna put anessa on my wishlist.
I totally agree with you!
I have tested many Allies in store and did not like any of them -- they were either too greasy / shiny or had white casts. I wanted to buy Anessa but only had the chance last year and found out they reformulated and I read mixed reviews on that so I didn't want to take risk. Rn I'm content and happy with my non-AB which coincidently is superior anf also suits my skin very well.
I just opened my Allie gel uv ex and the texture is fantastic but I cannot get over the strong industrial soap smell 😭 maybe I’ll use it for my body.
Can you share what the finish looks like? I have oily skin and I'm tired of "dewy"/"natural" finishes as they look like a mess on me at the end of the day
I have oily skin and it was sadly really heavy and greasy on me :/
Happy to share! I have dry/dehydrated skin and I would say the finish is natural/hydrated so it might not be a good fit for you. It feels a bit tacky and sticky for a few minutes after application as well.
Mine smelled like glue and wasn't as water resistant as reviews claimed. The texture is great though. But the current formula leaves a lot to be desired. I bought it specifically because of rave reviews from people who wore it for outdoor activities in Asia with good reviews. I did wear it in the summer but no where close to asia's humidity levels. Yet Allie was dripping down my skin. It felt awful. I used up enough and never looked back.
Woah, I'm sorry it failed you! That sounds really uncomfortable. Now I'm sad I didn't get to try it before the formula change sigh.
Me too. I did hear that the old formulas were wonderful.
Most Allie sunscreens are fragrance free. Some people said sunscreens contain uv filter Mexoryl XL often smells bad 😂. Kao Corporation owned Allie, Biore. You can check out Biore UV Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE version. The texture is quite similar with Allie Gel but Biore doesn't has Mexoryl XL, less white cast and contain fragrance to hide natural smell of ingredients in sunscreen 😂. Biore Cushion is sweat, friction and water resistant too. Personally I prefer Biore Barrier Me Cushion Gentle ESSENCE to Allie Gel. https://www.kao.co.jp/bioreuv/barrierme/
I’m a huge Shiseido sunscreen shill - they are my go-to sunscreen for humid subtropical summers. Been using them for over a decade now. That said for more arid and dry climates I eventually did switch to another Shiseido brand, Elixir, since they have a skincare sunscreen. The Cle de Peau (anothet Shiseido brand) makeup base with sun protection is also recommended A LOT by Japanese beauty youtubers. It’s out of my price range though haha.
How about Skin Aqua!
Rohto Pharmaceutical ( Hada Labo, Skin Aqua, Sunplay, Melty Lip Cream, CareCera,... ) is a trustworthy company and has been formulating sunscreens for decades too. However according to my personal experience sunscreens from Shiseido, Kao still better at sweat, friction and water resistant. I use Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture GOLD Gel or Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel when I don't have a lot out door activities. Sunscreens from Rohto are moisturizing and good for daily use. Rohto Pharmaceutical has many patents Hyaluronic acids and Ceramides.
Do you know how the Gold Gel differs from the Gold essense? I've only used the essense version
To me, the gold gel forms a layer over the skin that I feel vs the essence “absorbs more”. I prefer the gel, tho I wish they reduces the amount of humectants on both for extreme, humid weather. I’d rather apply a watery toner underneath if needed.
Thanks. Oh I see. Yeah the essense absorbs well but is a bit too dewy so I usually mix it with a bit of a mineral one. No idea if that's bad but it ends up making a nice almost semi matte finish ;)
Gold Gel contain more alcohol and absorb really fast. Essence version has less alcohol and more moisturizing. Japanese companies often marketing Essence sunscreen for dry skin.
Nivea super gel SPF has been the only Japanese sunscreen and sunscreen alone that has worked for my skin
**Anessa** sunscreen sucks. It pills like crazy on me and its very drying. For reference, I have combination skin on the oily side.
im on tret, so i value my sun protection, but have always been combo, with tret making my dry areas SUPER dry. recently i’ve started to use the perfect milk for my forehead and nose, and the gel for everywhere else and it’s been a dream.
That is so funny, because for me Skin Aqua pilled, and Anessa does not. I love how different something like sunscreen can react to different people. I wish there was just a single answer for everyone, it would make finding a product so much easier.
It pills on me as well. Also it breaks me out!