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
LT SH says
Thank you so much for sharing this. My only problem is the Whitening aspect of this product. I tend to turn against products that promises to whiten your skin just because I simply do not want to artificially lighten my skin color. Is there another great moisturizer with sunblock (as great as you guys claim Eucerin is) but doesn’t whiten the skin?
ParisB says
@LT SH : You may want to try L’oreal UV Perfect – that was the other sunscreen I liked and it doesn’t proclaim to whiten. That said, I did not experience any whitening with Eucerin.
¤nOtcUte¤ says
Does it work for oily/combi skin??? I never use sunscreen coz after applying it, it just makes my face sweat n it gets oily
Natalie says
Hi PB, I think I should tell you about my experience with Eucerin White Solution. I tried it on in Sept following your recommendation. And I have had a very serious break out thereafter for 2 months. I have no idea what causing it til my friend asked me to review every single product I used every day. My face cleared after I stopped using it and switched back to L’oreal. I never thought it’s Sunscreen which break me out. I think my skin is sensitive to chemical sunscreen. So, better play safe with physical sunblock now. 🙂 Lucky for Kat who did realise quick enough.
ParisB says
Hi Natalie
I’m so sorry to hear the Eucerin did not work for you. I guess we are all different. L’oreal too is a chemical sunscreen not physical. Maybe your skin does not like Tinosorb 🙂
Natalie says
PB, no worry 🙂 Yes, Tinosorb is big no-no for me..Good that I know it now. Thanks god my face is clearing bit by bit. I’m using Cetaphil cleanser and TBS Vit C booster. The booster does its job so far, let you know the result later on. 🙂 Stay beautiful ya.
¤nOtcUte¤ says
Hi ParisB,
Hmm I tried Eucerin today and pumping out the texture is uneven. When I spread it, it has a quite strong starchy smell like something gone bad. I don’t know whether it’s suppose to have that smell? Does it give out that smell or it’s just the bottle I bought? If it doesn’t have any smell then I’d better go change it ASAP. Pls let me know ya ParisB. Thanx 🙂
jeniikoumichin says
Hi ParisB,
ParisB, thanx for helping me out. I already referred the Pharmacist and returned the product. The Pharmacist helped me make a call to the Eucerin company and they’ve said that, that is the smell of the product. So if I don’t like it I can just return and change something else. It was very nice of him coz I was devoloping some sensitivity on my cheeks and only 3 days into using (daytime only) my cheeks skin area began to peel…
I thought of giving it a second try since the Pharmacist opened another new bottle but the result is the same. Sigh… No doubt I fall in love with the Hydro Moisturiser with SPF15 which is non greasy and oil free!!! At least I have found a moisturiser with SPF15 that is totally not greasy!!! Anyway thanx ParisB for helping me out.
I would also like to take this opportunity to those who already purchased and do not like the product, pls remember you bought it from a Pharmacy and pls go back and refer to the Pharmacist and tell them your problem. You still have at least a week to return them though it’s not stated. No point just wasting money on something that your skin cannot adapt to.
Cheers =)
Shin says
eucerin has a new sunscreen, using tinosorb S + M also, you checking it out?
http://www.eucerin.com.sg/sun-protection/sun-face-protection50plus.asp
Mell says
i’ve been using L’oreal UV Perfect Fluid – anti dullness for over a year now.. i’ve been thinking of changing my sunscreen as my face tends to be oilier and dull at the end of the day and worst when i am wearing it under my make-up.. i have to blot the oil n reapply my make-up.. will Eucerin White Solution Fluid do the trick? i am tanned skin by the way.. HELP!
ParisB says
Hi Mell
UV Perfect does make the skin oilier – even mine. Eucerin doesn’t for me but it has broken others out. I suggest the only way to know is to try it for yourself.
joey says
Hi Paris B,
i just got this Eucerin thingie yesterday, put it on this a.m….
It is VERY light weight, great for combi-oily skin like mine…coz i hate sticky thick moisturizers…
However, it didnt absorb into my skin with a MATTE finish 🙁
which is very 🙁 for me coz i thought it wont be ‘glossy’ on my skin! LOL!
You mentioned it didnt make ur skin oily, rite?
May i know if u applied foundie or powder after Eucerin?
(n that’s why our outcomes are different?)
2nd question: do we have to use make up remover to wash off the sunblock/screen at the end of the day? or a normal facial wash would do?
Thanks 🙂
ParisB says
Hi Joey
No this did not make my skin oily. It did not feel or look matte either. It just did not make it look like an oil slick. I use this in the day under my makeup on weekdays. On weekends, I used this by itself – no makeup. It works fine for me – does not make me look oily like L’oreal UV Perfect can. Of course if I’m out and about in the heat, I’ll sweat but if I’m in cool areas I have no problem.
As for removing sunscreen, I’ve been advised to use a makeup remover if you use physical blockers because zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can stick to the skin – its the sunscreening properties. On weekdays, I use makeup remover because I have makeup on. On weekends I don’t. But when I use a sunblock with zinc oxide, I do because it always leaves a cast on my skin.
Hope this helps.
joey says
Thanks very much for your advice:)
hehe…update update, not only it left me with a HI-GLOSS face the minute i applied it on, i passed it to my sis to try last nite, and she reported back “VERY SHINY”….lol
aicks!!! i guess i have to use it for beach trips or other parts of my body then…too bad! i just love the idea of moisturizer+hi spf…..
🙁
Thanks again!
mari says
Thanks for the review. But I’m only 14 is it safe to use for my age? Cos I get tanned SO EASILY. And they take so long to go away!!! D: I just wnna restore my skin colour back.
naru says
I’m gonna try this but, do u know what they have in their full range other than this.