Anessa vs. Biore vs. Shiseido vs. Allie Sunscreen: Which One Wins the Japanese Sunscreen Showdown?
- One thing is for sure when it comes to SPF: It's extremely important to wear it regularly, both for your skin's health and look. The magic of Japanese sunscreen has been well recognised in the beauty industry for its efficacy and high quality, as they have amazingly light formulas that offer great protection against the sun. You’ll notice that in addition to SPF factor, Japanese sunblock also uses PA (Protection Grade of UVA), a four level rating to measure protection from the sun's UVA rays. In this article, we will discuss four very popular Japanese sunscreens that are with Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ vs. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ vs. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ vs. Allie Extra UV Facial Gel SPF50+ – Which One Wins.
The Difference & Reviews
| Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+
($29.99/60ml, up to 3% cashback at Stylevana)
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk is a waterproof Japanese sunscreen offering a high degree of protection. Using technology based on years of research, unlike other sunscreens which thin out and become weaker in water, Anessa becomes stronger instead. A bathing test by Shiseido proves the sunscreen remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Type of protection: Chemical and Physical
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Uvinul A Plus, Titanium Dioxide, Homosalate, Parsol SLX, Tinosorb S & Uvinul T 150.
Other Ingredients: Japan's leading skincare brand Shiseido has developed a sunscreen incorporating a unique technology called Auto Booster Technology, that can increase protection against UV rays when skin comes in contact with water, sweat, and even the water in the air.
In addition to providing strong protection against UV rays both in and out the water, Anessa sunscreen contains protective and moisturizing ingredients including marine collagen, super hyaluronic, green tea, and tormentilla extract.
Broad spectrum: Yes
Pros | Cons |
Stable protection against UVA & UVB rays | The sunscreen may be drying for some people |
80-minute super waterproof function | |
Aqua Booster Technology to block UV rays when skin gets wet or sweaty | |
50% skincare formulation to prevent photoaging | |
Does not leave a white cast when applying |
Review: ANESSA is a famous skincare brand that was made and is owned by Shiseido in 1992. The ANESSA sunscreen is a holy grail for many people. The Anessa sunscreen spreads smoothly on the face, leaving a lightweight texture with no sticky or greasy residue on the skin. It creates a smoother canvas for the layering of makeup and such. Also, it has super powerful waterproof features making it more developed than the other sunscreens in the market.
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| Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+
($16.11/50g, up to 4% cashback at Yesstyle)
The Bioré UV Watery Essence Aqua Rich Sunscreen contains an advanced micro defense formula that is specifically developed by Bioré for this particular product. This sunscreen is powered by the innovative Micro Defense formula to prevent uneven application. The colorless essence sunscreen forms a waterproof shield to provide sun protection from UV rays without leaving a white cast or sticky feeling on skin.
Type of protection: Physical
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150.
Key Ingredients: This Japanese sunscreen features UV blocking ingredients such as water capsules which when applied to the skin create a pleasant, watery veil. It also contains moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, royal jelly and citrus essence to retain moisture.
Broad spectrum: Yes
Pros | Cons |
SPF50+ and PA++++: durable and effective protection against UVB | Not cruelty free |
Water & Sweat Resistant for up to 80 minutes | |
Watery, translucent and non-sticky UV protective veil | |
Not Alcohol and Fragrance-Free | |
Easily washable with face wash or body soap | |
Non-cosmedogenic and allergy tested |
Review: The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ is not only one of the best-selling and affordable sunscreens sold in Japan, but it is the ultimate sunscreen for all skin types and tones. It's not greasy, sticky, or heavy, and best of all, it is colorless, meaning that it will not leave a white cast. You feels comfort with the the translucent finish and no flaking. It can be applied as a makeup base/ primer for a perfectly smooth foundation.
| Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
($49/150ml, up to 3% cashback at Shiseido)
Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen is invisible with a protective veil that becomes even more effective in heat and water. An ocean-friendly formula for face and body that keeps pace with active and outdoor activities.
Type of protection: Chemical
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene.
Key Ingredients: WetForce Technology: Negative ions in the formula combine with positive ions in perspiration and water to create an additional layer of invisible sun protection. As you continue to sweat and get wet, the product becomes more effective without any white cast.
HeatForce Technology: A heat-sensing essence in the lotion becomes activated by external heat, forming a stronger barrier.
Broad spectrum: Yes
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protects against UVA/UVB rays | Could be irritating for sensitive or breakout-prone complexions |
Protective veil becomes stronger when it senses water, sweat and heat | |
Lightweight, silky texture goes on clear | |
Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate and compliant with Hawaii regulations | |
Formulated to be water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes | |
Dermatologist-tested & Ophthalmologist-tested & Non-comedogenic |
Review: This sunscreen checks all the boxes: It goes on invisible, rubs in quickly and can be used for face and body. Its reef-safe formula (which meets Hawaii's guidelines for ocean-friendly sunscreen) is ideal for splashing in the waves—or lounging on your towel.
| Allie Extra UV Facial Gel SPF50+
($18.99/60g, up to 1.86% cashback at eBay)
ALLIE Extra UV Facial Gel is a friction-proof Japanese sunscreen gel for the face. The gel features Kanebo's new "Friction-Proof" technology that creates a durable, flexible veil that adheres to the skin's natural contours to extend the wear of makeup, even when it comes in contact perspiration, sebum, or friction from day-to-day activities.
Type of protection: Chemical and Physical
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150.
Key Ingredients: Contains Kanebo's original Advan technology to give deep UV barrier protection whilst being light and comfortable to use. Includes hyaluronic acid and collagen to moisturize skin. Free from fragrances, parabens and mineral oils.
Broad spectrum: Yes
Pros | Cons |
Beach Friendly Prescription: non-OMC and coral reef-safe sunscreen | This does contain alcohol |
Powerful UV protection of SPF 50+ and PA++++ | |
It will not easily thin out in water, sebum, and friction against towel, clothes, and face mask | |
Resistant to water, sweat, and sebum | |
Can be used as a makeup base | |
Removable with a face wash | |
Free from fragrances, parabens and mineral oils |
Review: It is a light, non greasy sunscreen. It provides a good SPF and never leaves a white cast, absorbs super fast and leaves the skin with a pleasant sheen. It blends really easily, which has a slight oily texture but it dries into your skin and there is absolutely no oily texture anymore. ldeally suited for outdoor activities and everyday wear, the sunscreen gel protects the face from UV damages while helping makeup stay put in the summer's heat.
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