I passed by the Garnier counter at Watson’s a few days ago and I spotted something new – the Garnier UV Protect SPF50 Sunscreen with PA+++. I scanned the back of the box and saw that it contained Mexoryl, which is a chemical block for UVA and UVB sun rays. I couldn’t find any information on this sunscreen online at all nor have I seen anything in print in the news. Perhaps I’m looking in the wrong places, but the only Garnier sunscreens I can find online are by Ambre Solaire which we don’t find here. This was manufactured by Garnier in Indonesia, so I’m wondering if this Garnier UV Protect sunscreen is only found in Asia. Thus far, I think so, just like the L’oreal UV Perfect is only found in Asia.
Garnier is using Zhang Ziyi for their model, so I think the case is even stronger for it being Asia only for now. See, even the Garnier UV Protect ad is similar to the L’oreal UV Perfect ad for those who know it.
Anyway, since the bottle looks uncannily like the L’oreal UV Perfect (and the name is uncannily similar too) I tested some of it on my hand to see how it felt.
First off, I found the texture of the Garnier UV Protect nice and creamy. However, unlike the L’oreal UV Perfect, the Garnier UV Protect feels less oily and dries faster. Whilst this might work for those who have complained of the UV Perfect being oily previously, I did not quite like it. I find that sunscreens that dry quickly tend to leave my skin feeling dry and papery. This is true of Asian sunscreen brands like Sunplay, Sunkiller or any brand that comes out liquid and requires you to shake it before hand. Garnier doesn’t, but the after effect felt the same.
I love the L’oreal UV Perfect Anti-Dullness sunscreen as anyone who reads my review will know. So, I tested the Garnier UV Protect in a similar anti-dullness formula. Like the UV Perfect, this one has a purplish tint to the sunscreen. However, I felt that it made my skin look white. Too white for comfort. The one in the regular formula is a white cream that also has a strong white cast. The third has a tint so you can use it to even out skin tone like a foundation.
Garnier is owned by L’oreal so I reckon there might be some technology transfer here in the use of Meroxyl and the packaging. Price wise, the Garnier UV Protect is retailing for about RM26.90 while the L’oreal UV Perfect retails for over RM30. That said, L’oreal goes on sale often here, up to 15% if you are lucky, so I never buy my L’oreal UV perfect sunscreen at any price over RM30, thereby rendering it almost the same price as the Garnier one.
Would I switch to Garnier UV Protect SPF50? I’m not sure. I wasn’t too enamoured with the dryish texture on my hand and with the white cast it left on my skin. Then again, maybe I’d have itchy fingers and test it out anyway once I finish my present UV Perfect. Its hard to say with me. 🙂
Has anyone tried the Garnier UV Protect sunscreen and if you have, how do you like it?
It looks like L’oreal is really banging hard on their patented technology. I’m surprised it makes your skin white though. Thought chemical sunscreen is better precisely for application cos they can sink in better without leaving a white cast. As for the drying part, is it the alcohol? I remember Sunplay for the alcohol.
For Mexoryl, what I’ve learnt is that we should look out for both XL and SX for photostability. Not sure if Garnier has both.
usually, after applying the L’oreal sunscreen, I’ll blot my face using oil paper to… make it less “greasy”. however, I dont know if that action will comprimise the sunblocking properties.
Sesame: I think the white colour is just too strong so it leaves the skin looking noticably white. I checked the box again today. Yes, it says Mexoryl SL/XL. I’m not sure if that means both or either 😛 Thanks for your input!
Ms. Blacklace: I don’t think blotting will compromise the formula. I usually apply it, let it rest, then do the rest of my face. Never had problems.
i used Loreal Sunscreen Anti Dullness… quite oily laa.. soo i switch back to Transparent which suit my skin better…
hi,
i need help with garnier ambre soloaire sunscreen spray and lotions. just want to know if they tan skin too? because i have fair asian skin and just want to protect my skin from sun and not tan it . do help
thanks
Ena: Oh i found it the opposite! Anti-dullness felt nicer going on than transparent which was oilier. lol…
Sama: From my recollection, Ambre Solaire has 2 lines. Sunscreen and Tanning lotion with sunscreen. Read the bottle to see if its a sunscreen or tanning lotion. It usually says so. I tried Ambre Solaire a long time ago in the UK but I wasn’t impressed because I found it sticky and the SPF was too low for my liking. But that was a long time ago.
I’m actively looking for a good sunblock for face and have shortlisted the one from Loreal which they are promoting now with Maya Karin. I tested the product and find it too creamy and oily. Then I stumbled on the Garnier one which is similar to Loreal’s UV Perfect because they are from the same parent company. I tested Garnier (purple) and find it less oily as compared to Loreal’s. Price is also cheaper. I’m sure better ones are from the branded skincare companies and pricey too. Should I go for Garnier?
which suuscreen is suitable for all the skin type
Most sunscreens are suitable for all skin types. You can read my sunscreen reviews by following the link
which sunblock is suitable for acne skin?
Hi i attend a day center and to sun bathe there saying in 22oc i have to use spf30,but surely i assume that way to high.In the UK the temperature was about 21 oc and i was using spf15 and they said that no good but surely it is? So what do u recomend between say 20 and 38oc? Thank you very much Daniel Eady ps i’m currently recovering a coma so i sit in a wheelchair with a tshirt on and trousers
SPF use has nothing to do with temperature. I always advocate a minimum of SPF30. In the tropics, I use SPF50.
I’ve used the garnier sunblock for 2 days and hell was there.. Breakouts! I’ve stopped. Maybe just like what you say. Not suitable for all.
hi i,m the huge fan of Garnier-skin naturals. AGE LIFT anti wrinkle firming day cream SPF15. I love these GARNIER product i,m using almost a year now, I LOVE YOU GARNIER