Sunplay Skin Aqua sunblocks were recently launched in Malaysia and come in 2 forms – Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk SPF50 PA+++ and Skin Aqua UV Moisture Gel SPF25 PA++ I had not had very good experiences with Sunplay sunscreens on previous ocassions. I did not quite like the watery texture and my skin felt “papery” and dry after using it. So, I tried the new SkinAqua with not a little trepidation.
The 3 key ingredients are hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen to keep skin moist,Vitamin C and E for anti aging and zinc oxide for sunblocking. Despite the presence of zinc oxide I did not get a white cast on my skin. In fact, both sunscreens are non greasy and feel very nice going on unlike the thick textures associated with sunscreen containing zinc oxide.
Sunplay SkinAqua UV Moisture Milk SPF50 PA+++ (RM34.90 for 50ml)
Of the two, I prefer the milk version for the face. It is liquid but like a milky lotion and glides on your face easily. You have to shake the bottle to mix up the lotion prior to application. However, because it is so liquid and spreads so easily, I feel like I’m not using enough sunblock on my skin.Yet when I use more, it feels sticky. So there is a very delicate balance to it that I have yet to reach.
I always apply my sunblock at least 15 minutes before I do the rest of my makeup and before going outside. There is no use for you to apply sunscreen on your face or body and go straight out. The product has no time to bond to your skin so its as good as not applying any at all!
I like that its SPF50 (UVB measure) and PA+++ (UVA measure). The sunscreen blocks both UVB and UVA rays so its broad spectrum. It is also waterproof so you can take it swimming.
I use it over my usual day moisturiser. However, after about 3-4 days straight of using this, my facial skin started feeling a little dry and little spots and clogged pores appeared. So, I skipped it for a day or two and the skin cleared up and when I came back to this the same thing happened if I use it for a few days straight. I’m not sure if its the alcohol content in the product but I will not be using this as my only sunscreen and I’ve since started using it on my arms instead.
The sunblocking ingredients are Octyl methoxycinnamate, uvinul A plus and zinc oxide.
Sunplay SkinAqua UV Moisture Gel SPF25 PA++ (RM29.90 for 80ml)
This is a bigger bottle and comes in a gel form. You do not need to shake the bottle prior to applying and the gel feels fresh and applies smoothly. Again, because it glides on so smoothly, I feel I’m not using enough so I compensate by applying more and it ends up a little sticky. Also, I’d only use this one for days when I’m indoors a lot as it has lower SPF and PA rating. I’m a little paranoid about my skin LOL…
I liked the texture. Its lighter than the milk (only very slightly) so you can consider this one if you don’t go out in the sun a lot or like light sunscreen. It did not make me any oilier but it did clog my pores a little. Sigh… so onto the arms and neck it goes! At least I’m not wasting product and I’m keeping my neck and arms covered! 😉
The sunblocking ingredients are Octyl methoxycinnamate, octocylene and avobenzone
Like I said, of the 2, I prefer the UV Moisture Milk version for these reasons:-
- It has higher SPF and PA ratings
- It is waterproof
- It contains zinc oxide
Whilst both will help retain your skin moisture I do not recommend using them instead of day moisturiser but use them on top of your regular moisturiser. The level of moisture offered is sufficient to prevent my skin drying out but insufficient to act as a daily moisturizer. Both forms are easily available at Watsons and Guardian pharmacies.
Pros: Inexpensive, Light Texture, Non greasy, High SPF and PA rating
Cons: A little drying for me, broke me out a little
prettybeautiful says
May 21, 2009 at 9:17 ami tested the milk version on my hand in Guardian. it felt pretty good then. almost tempted to buy it. but now i guess i am not 😀 thanks for the review. i dont want my pores to be clogged =/
ParisB says
May 21, 2009 at 9:54 amYo prettybeautiful
It honestly does feel nice on the skin but I don’t think my face liked it much. My arms do though so I’m keeping it for when I go swimming and the like because its waterproof and doesn’t smell nor feel sticky and icky!
Cerise says
May 21, 2009 at 10:56 amThanks for the review, Paris! What’s the best drugstore face sunblock that you’ve tried? The Maybelline one feels a bit sticky on me.
ParisB says
May 21, 2009 at 1:33 pmHi Cerise
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Eucerin White Solution SPF40 is the one that works for me. However not everyone thinks so.
Monstro says
May 21, 2009 at 11:24 amThanks for the review. I’m surprised it broke you out since almost nothing breaks you out! Pity…cos it sounds so hopeful.
ParisB says
May 21, 2009 at 1:34 pmHey Monstro
*touch wood!* LOL… Ya it really does sound good. But its just my exprience – others might like it.
HaNNa_HuLLaBaLoo says
May 21, 2009 at 11:27 amHmmm maybe u have dry skin, ParisB. I used Sunplay once, and love the non-oily though papery feeling!
Since I have combination skin, I guess I’ll prefer the watery one.
may I know how much is it again?
ParisB says
May 21, 2009 at 1:35 pmHi Hanna
When I tried it I had oily skin and it was the papery feel that really bugged me LOL… The lighter one is RM29.90.
HaNNa_HuLLaBaLoo says
May 22, 2009 at 12:10 amOwh how come?
Btw thanks for the price info. I’m considering…
Nikki says
May 21, 2009 at 12:09 pmI’ve seen sunplay brands when I travel to other nearby countries but none down here! I wonder why!!!
ParisB says
May 21, 2009 at 1:36 pmHey Nikki
That’s strange – maybe it’ll get in there soon enough!
Magz says
May 21, 2009 at 12:22 pmoh that’s disappointing to know that they clogged pores.
Thanks for the review!~ Looks like I’ll have to go back to my biore sunblock. lol
ParisB says
May 21, 2009 at 1:37 pmHi Magz
To be fair, it could be just me. I tested the Biore in store and I prefer the Sunplay texture because it felt smoother and more moisturizing. However, as with all skincare, what works for one may totally break out another! 🙂
renz says
May 21, 2009 at 2:40 pmlol. true true.
But at least I can save $ by not getting another sunscreen, and try my very best to finish my current biore. lol.
Connie says
May 21, 2009 at 7:00 pmPlue gave me the gel and it’s not bad at all! I like that it’s lightweight and yet not drying (Boo Biore!) or stinging. As for how well it works in protecting me from the sun, I can’t tell yet. I’ve been too well-protected by RMK’s Face Protector!
Thanks for the milk review! I can consider that when I run out of all my sun blocks… which will probably be next year. Hah!
ParisB says
May 22, 2009 at 3:23 pmHey Connie
YES! That’s how I felt about Biore too – drying like paper haha… RMK face protector sounds good!
plue says
May 21, 2009 at 10:13 pmI didn’t like the gel. It went all sticky and icky. But the milk is another story, it’s much better than the gel.
but so far, nothing beats Biore. Haha!
ParisB says
May 22, 2009 at 3:25 pmHiya Plue
Thats why it ended up with Connie eh? 🙂 The gel is ok lah… its light which is what some people like.
Penelope says
May 23, 2009 at 3:36 pmI’m using the milk one too…and it’s my second bottle…I’m loving it but it only can last me for a week! Why can’t they make this as big as the gel type one?
ParisB says
May 24, 2009 at 10:36 amHi Penelope
A week? Thats fast. Do you use it all over your body too? I think they formulated the milk one mainly for the face hence the smaller size. But I can’t quite say for sure.
Synaesthesia says
July 10, 2009 at 11:22 amI almost get this when I saw it at local Guardian. I don’t want to clog my pores thus I think I’ll just pass this product.. hehe
yuki says
August 7, 2009 at 1:33 pmI tried the trial version of the gel type… They sell smaller bottles for like RM4 one tube? I like the fact that it absorbed really quick and didn’t leave that icky sticky feeling like normal sunscreen lotions…
After a whole week of using it, I broke out.. sighs… why is everything I’m using making my skin bad? *sobs*
aiyu says
August 31, 2009 at 9:30 pmI’m using the moisture milk currently. I only use it during swimming cause it’s waterproof. I think waterproof products are more ‘pore clogging’ so I’m not sure if it’s suitable for everyday use.
I like that it’s don’t feel and smell like the usual waterproof sunblocks. But then due to the same reason, I feel like I’m not being protected from the sun. Contradictory right!? LOL
One day when the sun’s really hot, then I’d know if this sunblock really works 🙂
Also the bottle is so small, I don’t think it’ll last me for long 🙁
Vince says
January 4, 2010 at 2:13 pmI have Rosacea on my nose and it is very sensitive to sunlight.
It turns very red and has pustules after exposure to sunlight even for a short while.
Is Sunplay 130 suitable for this condition?
Thanks.
ParisB says
January 4, 2010 at 4:43 pmHi Vince
It might be good to check with a doctor – your case sounds serious.
Winston says
March 3, 2010 at 10:48 pmI recently bought a bottle of Sunplay 130 after reading your blog.
However, I found that it has a very strong metallic smell as soon as it is applied.
Also, it was stated that it doesn’t clog the pores so I suspect that the reflector particles are absorbed by the pores in the nose. This may be bad for health.
Hope to have your comments.
ParisB says
March 3, 2010 at 11:30 pmI’m sorry to hear you did not like the Sunplay 130 – neither do I 😛 Hence I don’t recommend it – never have and never will.
My gripe has to do with the feel which I find drying. I attribute it to the alcohol in the product. Some people like it though. I personally do not. As for the particles being absorbed, honestly, I won’t know. If its chemical based, then yes some can get absorbed into the skin. If its physical based, it usually just sits on the skin. Products that don’t clog pores are usually good – they don’t cause acne.
Ivy Chow says
June 9, 2010 at 2:47 pmHi,
I’m from Malaysia , Puchong Selangor.May I know where i get the Skin Aqua products in Malaysia ???
ParisB says
June 9, 2010 at 2:48 pmAs in the post – look in pharmacies. I’ve seen them in all the local pharmacies – Guardian, Watson’s Caring etc