Anyone who’s read my site long enough will know I’m a firm advocate of L’oreal UV Perfect SPF50 as THE BEST sunscreen for me. About a month ago, I picked up a newly launched product from Guardian pharmacy that effectively dethrones the L’oreal UV Perfect as the perfect sunscreen for me, and has placed itself high on my must-have list – Eucerin White Solution Whitening Extra Treatment Fluid SPF40.
The Eucerin White Solution Whitening Extra Treatment Fluid with SPF40 is a mouthful. I’ll just call it Eucerin White Solution Fluid throughout this review. White Solution is Eucerin’s “whitening” range of skincare products and they have had body lotions and facial washes for a while. The Whitening Extra Treatment Fluid is actually a moisturiser with SPF40. The active ingredients for sunscreening and sunblocking are Tinosorb S (chemical) and Titanium Dioxide (physical). For me, SPF40 is good enough for our tropical weather.
The product comes in a 50ml pump bottle and promises that it :-
- repairs accumulated dark spots, dull & damaged skin inside and outside
- strengthens sensitive skin with cell-protecting Vitamin E
- is fragrance free
I quizzed the Eucerin promoter who seemed to know what she was talking about, and she told me that the White Solution fluid is firstly a moisturiser but as it contains SPF40 is good enough to use as sunscreen too. Now, I’m as sceptical of such lofty claims as they come, so I decided to test out the sunscreening properties.
I based my experience on how warm my face feels after being out in the sun and how tan I become from the sun rays. I sometimes am running around or driving around in the heat of the afternoon and it has been a very hot month of June indeed. During this test period, I used the Eucerin White Solution fluid exclusively in the day as moisturiser and sunscreen, under my normal makeup.
As a Moisturiser
The texture of the Eucerin White Solution fluid is light and absorbs quickly. It is formulated for sensitive skins and is dermatologically tested. Being fragrance free is a boon because fragrance is usually one of the top irritants of sensitive skin.
I have combination skin (with the usual oilier T-zone and slightly drier cheeks) and I found that the Eucerin White Solution Fluid was sufficient for me as a day moisturiser. My skin felt moisturised the whole day and there were no signs of it drying out. My skin did not get oily nor did it break out and in fact I thought it was looking great! I’d say it serves it duty well as a day moisturiser. However if you have dry skin or prefer to use creams, then I’m not sure if it will be sufficient for you as it is very light. If you have oily skin then this might work well because it is light and a fluid.
As a Sunscreen
I’m no expert in sunscreens but I have been using a multitude of sunscreen brands over the year. A common problem faced when using sunscreen is that you have to apply it over your moisturiser thereby adding another layer of cream on the skin, and that it feels oily. Well, Eucerin White Solution Fluid doesn’t feel oily. Unlike L’oreal UV Perfect, this sunscreen did not feel oily on the skin at all. It absorbs well and doesn’t leave a shiny cast to the skin. That said, there is a slight whitish cast to the skin, which isn’t all that noticable. I attribute this to the Titanium Dioxide content but as I said, its not all that noticable.
I paid special attention to how my face felt after I was out in the sun and I noticed that I did not feel the slight burning sensation that one sometimes feels after being out in the sun. Even after I was out the whole day for a photography session under the noon day sun (not recommended!) my face did not feel warm nor burnt nor was it even much redder than normal.
As for skin darkening, there was no perceptible tanning of my skin during this time which is great. Again, I have to say that I’m pretty fair as they come, so I cannot quite say if there was any further “whitening”. Any pigmentation I have remained status quo – no darker and also not that much lighter. However, my skin has been looking even and not red nor blotchy so I’d say that the Eucerin White Solution Fluid is doing its sunscreening and sunblocking job pretty well.
Eucerin White Solution Fluid vs L’oreal UV Perfect Fluid
Comparing these 2 products side by side, I’d say that for me, the Eucerin White Solution Fluid is superior to L’oreal UV Perfect. At the end of the day, Eucerin does not leave me oily (even without makeup on) and it cuts down my skincare regime in the day. Being untrained in chemicals, I can’t tell if Tinosorb S is any better than Mexoryl in screening UVA and UVB rays, but I can safely say that Eucerin White Solution Fluid is doing a pretty good job keeping my skin safe from the damaging rays based on my experience with it.
Costwise, Eucerin White Solution Fluid costs about RM66+ for 50ml while L’oreal UV Perfect costs about RM30 for 30ml. That makes L’oreal UV Perfect cheaper. However, I’d still go for Eucerin White Solution Fluid because I can use it as both moisturiser and sunscreen, thereby cutting out one step in my day skincare and cutting out the cost of a day moisturiser. I did not feel that L’oreal UV Perfect was sufficient for me as a moisturiser on its own.
On an overall basis, I’d pick Eucerin White Solution Fluid over L’oreal UV Perfect from now on. My remaining stock of UV Perfect is going to be used for screening my neck from the sun!
I cannot find the Eucerin White Solution Fluid on Eucerin’s website, except on its Thai site, which I cannot read nor understand. It looks like the Eucerin White Solution Fluid might only be available in Asia at this time.
Eucerin is an under-rated drugstore/pharmacy brand and I don’t quite understand why they aren’t marketing themselves as aggressively as other major brands, when their products are as good as, and in many cases, better than the more mainstream skincare brands. Eucerin is very good for people with sensitive skin besides being fragrance-free; and their body wash is excellent especially if you have dry skin. So, really, Eucerin should do something about their branding because it is so easily overlooked! (end of rant 😛 )
Pros: Light, absorbs quickly, no white cast, good day moisturiser, good sunscreening and sunblocking, Pump is hygienic
Cons: Can be considered slightly expensive
[rating:5/5]
Ingredients: Aqua, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Traizone, Alcohol Denat., Titanium Dioxide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cyclomethicone, Ceteryl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Trisodium EDTA, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Methyparaben, Propylparaben
Karen says
I’m urgently looking for a sunscreen and your review was very informative. Previously, I was using Cellnique’s Total Daytime Protection 30 and switched to Clinique Super City Block SPF40 after I finished off the former. Despite the rave reviews I read about Clinique Super City Block SPF40, my face reacted really badly after using it for about a week. Now that’s my money down the drain as I can’t use it anymore. After reading your review, I’m undecided whether to get Avene or Eucerin’s as both seemed to be a good choice. Has anyone used Avene’s sunscreen before?
Evelyn Leong says
Just want to know more about Eucerin White Solution SPF 40. II is sun block or a moisturizer. If I use Eucerin Hyaluronic Day cream can I still use Eucerin White Solution SPF 40 to protect my face for pigmentation / freckles. Can any of this products lightening the pigmentation.
Elaine says
I saw this Eurecin Anti-Pigment Regulating Fluid in Guardian. Is this cream a moisturizer to prevent pigmentation. Does it come with SPF . If I use this product can I still use Eucrein White Solution SPF 40 as a sun block ? By the way have anyone try this before . Does It is effective ?
ParisB says
Elaine : I saw the Anti-Pigment fluid too but I haven’t checked it out so I can’t say anything about it. Will update if I know more.
Sher says
In the August 2008 issue of Allure magazine (p. 168) I read that the new Nivea Natural Tone body lotion was as effective as the Eucerin White Solution Spot Teatment to even skin tone. Surprisingly, the SPF was only 4. It is in a 13.5FL. OZ pump bottle. I just purchased it at CVS Pharmacy in CA, so I can’t say how effective it is yet. It feels light, luxurious, and non-greasy. It has a slight fragrance which completely disappears in about 5 minutes. Wish me luck!
ParisB says
Sher: That Nivea lotion sounds good. I don’t think we have it here. Do let us know how you like it!
Jenny says
I saw this product too at pharmacy…. but there is also this Pigmentation Fluid which has spf20 suppose to reduce and prevent dark spot.
What is the difference between this mouthful product and this fluid? are they make for different market? Try surfing for more info on this White Solution but found non but instead manage to read about this Pigmentation Fluid. I did a quick comparison on this 2 product which happen to be place side by side on the shelf…but sad … just can tell the difference except one come with SPF40 and the other 20. But the ingredient is different tho…
I am facing dark spot problem of late mainly due to sun exposure ferrying my children to school.
Any helpful soul mind to clarify….thanks
ParisB says
@Jenny: I have seen the pigmentation fluid spf20. I believe its a pigmentation treatment fluid that perhaps treats problem areas but I have not tried it. The White Solution Fluid SPF40 however is more of a moisturiser-sunscreen product. Over time I have seen it even out my skin tone. Given a choice between SPF20 and SPF40 I’d go for the higher one especially as you seem to have to be out in the noon day sun often. Hope this helps!
Lara says
I live in Boston, USA and as of yet we don’t have this lotion in this country. I am particularly interested in the Eucerin White Solution Spot Treatment since it is supposed to help with Melasma. Let me know where I could purchase it please.
Thank you
Lara
Mrs. Wong says
Have any one try anti-Pigmentation fluid? Is it effective to lighten pigmentation/ freckles?
Eva says
Can I use Eucerin white solution as a sun block after I apply the moisturize?
ParisB says
@Lara: I’m not sure where you can purchase this in the USA unless you have friends who can buy it for you from Asia? Sorry I’m not much help.
ParisB says
@Mrs. Wong: I haven’t tried the anti-pigmentation fluid but if I do, I’ll write about it.
ParisB says
@Eva: I suppose you can use it on top of your moisturiser as its quite light. I don’t because I find it moisturising enough by itself for day 🙂
kat says
I’ve been a staunch supporter of L’oreal UV Perfect for a couple of years now. after reading this review, i decided to give Eucerin a try. Got it from Watson for RM50 ++ after a discount so it was a good deal i thought. but after using it for 2 weeks, i noticed that my face gets really oily towards the end of the day as compared to before when i was using L’oreal. even worse, i ended up with a break-out & also lotsa whiteheads. I’ve since switched back to L’oreal & my face is back to normal with no zits & whiteheads! so yeah.. anyone fancy a barely-used Eucerin White Solution Fluid with SPF-40 for free?
ParisB says
@kat : Oh my! I’m so sorry the Eucerin reacted this way for you. For me it was the total opposite! At least you know for sure the L’oreal works.
Penelope says
After reading so many good reviews about Eucerin White Solution Whitening Extra Treatment Fluid SPF40, I definitely would like to try one since i’m into Whitening product with SPF now. Cant wait to get it tomorrow at KLCC…but i’m wondering which pharmacy (Watsons or Guardian) is selling cheaper?
ParisB says
@Penelope : Personally I love it. But do bear in mind the previous commentator who had an adverse reaction to it. Just see whichever is on sale 😉
mizx says
hi, i’d like to share my great experience with eucerin product.
i am now 18 and had a sudden major breakout when i reached 17 last year. i was walking across guardian in midvalley when this promoter approched me & introduced me to this brand. i started using eucerin acne care range for almost a year now and i swear that my skin condition had greatly improved! it really clears up my acne. i was so impress and i dont think i would ever turn my back to eucerin. 🙂 this brand had gained my trust.
ParisB says
@mizx : Thank you for sharing! I’m only testing out Eucerin myself and so far so good!