Hello all! – Tired of heavy sunblocks or white cast?
Well, in this post (and in the YouTube video below) you can see the comparison between two cult, J-beauty-favourite SPFs: Nivea Japan’s UV Super Water Essence EX and UV Super Water Gel EX SPF 50+ PA++++. This review includes ingredient breakdowns, to help you decide which sunblock best suits your skin. PLUS offering some other good (and even better) dupe suggestions. So let’s dive in! ☀️
Note: To view other Nivea Japan sunblocks: LINK
Nivea Sunscreen – Video Review:
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Introduction
- Both sunblocks are supposed to be great for outdoor activities like beach trips, but remember to re-apply every few hours and after swimming.
- Like many J-beauty sunblocks, these contain Ethanol and Fragrance. Ethanol gives a cooling effect, speeds up absorption, and keeps the formulas lightweight. It’s not dangerous but can be drying — so dry skin types might prefer creamier options (which I recommend below!).
- Both the Gel and Essence can be used on the face or body. However, since the bottles are small, I’d suggest using them mainly for the face, opting for larger volume sunscreens for the body – like the Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hand and Body Sunscreen (Review HERE) Available at: Ultra Violette: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK
1. The Nivea Japan – UV Super Water Gel EX SPF 50+ PA++++
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: ~£12.43 for 80ml
Not Fragrance Free / Not Vegan or Halal Certified / Contains Alcohol / EU-Allergen-Free / Not Fungal-Acne-Suitable
How to Use: ”Shake well, apply to the skin. Let it dry before dressing. Apply generously and reapply often. Remove with makeup remover and/or a cleanser.”
This is: A lightweight, Organic (Chemical), Gel-cream sunblock that offers high sun protection (SPF50+ PA++++) and no white cast (See the swatches in the video).
The Sunscreen Filters: Octinoxate (UVB) / Uvinul A Plus (UVA) / Uvinul T 150 (UVB) / Tinosorb S (UVA + UVB).
Other Key Ingredients: Propylene Glycol – draws in moisture and helps absorption / Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid – deeply hydrates and boosts elasticity / Butylene Glycol – retains moisture and improves texture / Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine – maintains skin hydration.
Can this be used as a makeup base?: Yes (not sticky or tacky).
Texture: Has a water-like texture and absorbs quickly (has a slight cooling sensation during application).
The finish: Not matte. It’s more glow-y (less than the essence). Interestingly however; this feels light enough for oily skins to wear, so it depends what finish you like (not a powdery finish). It leaves a subtle silicone barrier that protects the skin. (No oil control).
This sunscreen provides No white cast on my warm-golden tone skin.
- It did not sting my eyes (even when I was sweating), and did not turn milky when sweating.
Scent: Supposed to have a mild floral scent, but I mainly get the ethanol scent when applying, but it fades quickly once absorbed.
Skin type suitability: Normal, Oily + Oily Combination skins who like a glowy-like finish. If you want a matte finish however, this may not be for you.
Note: This is very similar in texture and finish to the new Missha Aqua Sun Gel (See review below).
Overall: this sunblock offers weightless, fast-absorbing protection. However the finish is very glowy. If you prefer less of a glow, then check out the alternatives below:
Alternatives:
The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ (LINK) has a similar lightweight, non-sticky texture, absorbs quickly (thanks to its alcohol base), and is both sweat-resistant and humidity-friendly. It is also less dewy. It does have a more silicone-like texture (be careful of balling up). And contains Hyaluronic acid + Trehalose for hydration.
- Another alternative is the Rohto Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF50+ PA++++ (LINK / LINK). It is also lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves no white cast. (contains ethanol).
- The Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++ (LINK / LINK) is also worth considering. It’s non-sticky, fast-absorbing, and leaves no white cast, with a slightly more silicone-like feel and is lightweight (Swatches + Review HERE).
2. The Nivea Japan – UV Super Water Essence EX SPF 50+ PA++++
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: ~£10.85 for 80ml
EU-Allergen-Free / Not Fungal-Acne Suitable / Contains Alcohol / Contains Fragrance
What it is: This is a lightweight, fast-absorbing chemical (organic) sunscreen. It helps prevent dryness and adds hydration with Mannitol and Hyaluronic Acid, delivered through a more emollient, cream-like texture than the gel.
- Like the Gel, this has a waterproof formula and is both water- and sweat-resistant. [Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating]
SPF Filters: Both the Gel and Essence contain the same UV filters (Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Tinosorb S).
Key ingredients: This also contains the same key moisturising / humectant ingredients as the gel [Trehalose, Mannitol, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid].
Scent: Like the gel, the light floral scent isn’t overpowering. However, the ethanol smell is less noticeable here, and fades once rubbed in.
Texture: (See Youtube video for live swatches) This is creamier and less watery than the gel, but it still feels lightweight. It doesn’t ball up and works well as a makeup base.
Finish: This has an even dewier finish than the gel. It doesn’t control oil throughout the day (not mattifying).
Skin Type: Due to its lightweight nature, Oily-Combination could use this. However, the finish is not matte (dewy). Dry skins may prefer this over the gel (more emollient + shinier finish). However – Dry skins may still find this lacking in moisture/hydration compared to other sunblocks (mentioned below).
Alternatives:
- For Oily + Combination Skins: The Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ (Swatches + Review HERE) is lightweight, non-sticky, fast-absorbing, and leaves no white cast. It has a more natural finish.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK Stylevana: LINK / Ohlolly: LINK
For Combination skins: A good option is the COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (Swatches + Review HERE), which is lightweight (creamier than the Tocobo) and provides no white cast.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Skinsider; LINK
For Dry Skins: The Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Sunblock is great. It is moisturising, has no white cast, a dewy finish, and is unscented – also vegan + cruelty-free (Swatches + Review HERE).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Sunblock Comparison:
Looking at their ingredients, both sunblocks are very similar. However, the Gel contains more Caprylyl Methicone (slightly lighter, silicone-like texture. The Essence has Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether (smoother + more moisturising).
| Ingredient | Gel | Essence | Function |
| Caprylyl Methicone | Higher up in the list | Lower down | Emollient, makes formula feel silky & spreadable |
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether | ❌ Not present | ✅ Present | Thickener, helps with smooth application |
- Both include hydrating ingredients like Trehalose, Mannitol, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid, and Rose Water, but also contain fragrance and alcohol (Ethanol) – which may not suit sensitive skins.
Although the Gel appears more watery, both sunblocks have an almost identical finish: Weightless + a glow-y finish. However the Essence’s finish is even more dewy than the gel.
Note: The gel has a stronger alcohol scent than the Essence.
Great Oily + Combination skin SPFs
I recommend the Garnier BHA and Niacinamide Sunblock SPF50+ – which is designed for oily skins, it’s fluid (lightweight) and has a mattifying effect. It’s slightly less smooth and more grainy than both the Nivea sunblocks, but it maintains a lightweight feel (no white cast, and is also Fragrance + Essential-oil free).
Available at: Look Fantastic: LINK / Boots: LINK
Garnier BHA + Niacinamide Sunblock – Swatches + Review
- The Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily Sun Fluid SPF50+ PA++++ is mattifying, it’s lightweight and has no white cast (Swatches + Review HERE).
Available at: Look Fantastic: LINK / Sephora: LINK
- The Garnier Ambre Solaire Protection Fluid is lightweight and emollient, fragrance-free with no white cast, making it comfortable for oily-combination skins as well (Swatches + Review HERE).
Available at: Look Fantastic: LINK / Ocado: LINK / Boots: LINK / Superdrug: LINK
- Another great sunblock, also from Garnier – Is their Invisible Serum Super UV SPF50+. It is Fragrance + EO free, has no white cast and is an emollient, lightweight fluid (Swatches + Review HERE).
Available at: Look Fantastic: LINK / Boots: LINK / Superdrug: LINK
Great Dry skin SPFs
For dry skins who prefer more emollient / creamier textures to moisturise the skin more effectively (than the Nivea SPfs), here are my recommendations:
- The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++. This is hydrating and cooling, with a slightly dewy finish. It’s also alcohol and fragrance-free (good for sensitive skins).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- The Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ is a no white-cast, creamy, moisturising and smooth sunblock that dry skins could enjoy. (Oily-Combination skins could enjoy this in the winter). Swatches + Review HERE.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- The Beauty of Joseon Relief Relief Sun SPF 50 PA++++ is incredibly dewy and glossy (almost oily). Dry and very dry skins should enjoy this, particularly during the dry months (Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free). Swatches + Review HERE.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Conclusion
These sunblocks have been lightweight, provide no white cast and are fast-absorbing with a non-sticky finish. The texture is overall comfortable for Normal and Oily-Combination skins – however, their finishes are more dewy (the Essence even more-so). – Because I liked the texture of these, I finished them. However, I did look more dewy than I would have liked (Oily-Combination skin).
Since the protection, ingredients, and finishes are similar, it really comes down to your texture preference (Water-like or Creamier). Though they seem different initially, once absorbed, their finishes feel nearly identical throughout the day (although the essence looks shinier however).
- Oily skins may prefer the Gel in hot, humid weather (still gives a glow) and the Essence in drier conditions (although, it does have a shinier-looking finish). I recommend powdering your face once this sunblock has absorbed (to mattify it).
- Dry skins may prefer the Essence in warm weather but might skip the Gel (not moisturising enough for dry skin).
Overall, I would recommend them to someone who prefers a shinier finish but a lightweight texture. Furthermore, as both sunblocks contain alcohol and fragrance, they may be less suited towards sensitive skins.
Summary:
- Normal Skin types = Gel or Essence
- Oily + Combination = Gel or Essence (powder the face to help mattify the finish)
- Dry Skin = Essence (in the summer, as it may not be moisturising enough in the winter)
- Sensitive Skin = Neither, as both contain Alcohol and Fragrance (Test patch).
More Great Sunblock Recommendations:
The recommendations below are for Oily, Combination + Oily Combination, Sensitive skins who prefer Natural finishes:
- If you prefer a velvet-like finish (NOT dewy) – then the Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence is for you. It’s unscented and lightweight with no white cast (Swatches + Review here).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Numbuzin Sun Essence Swatches + Review:
- The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ is another sunblock with a lovely, velvety finish (without shine) and is fragrance-free. (Swatches + Review HERE).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- For Oilier skin types who prefer a MATTE FINISH: The Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk. This has a powdery soft-matte finish. (See the review below for swatches).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Anessa – Perfect UV Sunblocks Review:
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
My Skincare Regime 