About 2 weeks ago I told you about finding a slightly more affordable alternative to my favourite sunscreen from Shiseido. How about that, I appear to have told a little white lie š
Yes, I like the Kose Sekkisei one but it turns out, that one has been relegated to third place, now that this one from Hada Labo has entered the fray. Actually Iād started using this a while back then lost it ā I donāt know how things go missing, I swear I breed pixies in my house ā but its made an appearance again so Iād been using it again and it immediately leapfrogged to 2nd place in my sunscreen index.
This is the Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion SPF50+ PA+++ and if you recall that I too had mostly good words for the Hada Labo UV Moist Emulsion sunblock, you may wonder why there are two different types ā one in a white tube and one in a blue tube. No, its not the blue is prettier ā although I do like the colour better than the white haha! š
The reason it is blue is because the Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion comes under the Hada Labo āwhiteningā range of skincare which has blue packaging. So this is just to keep things consistent. It comes in a simple packaging and can be found at most major pharmacies but if you are really really looking, go to a Guardian pharmacy first. Hada Labo Malaysia had a relationship with Guardian pharmacy so its easier to find their products there than in other pharmacies.
According to the sticker on the front of the packaging, there are 4 benefits in this UV Whitening Emulsion which is ā UV Protection, Whitening benefits, Hydration benefits and Makeup Base. I will attest to 3 out of 4 š
As a sunblock, this one ticks the right boxes for me. It is lightweight although it feels like a lotion (it does of course say āemulsionā on the tube) and it spreads and absorbs nicely into skin without feeling sticky or drying. I have a major beef with many Japanese brand sunscreens and thatās the drying bit. Thatās the reason I donāt use others by brands like Biore or Sunplay ā I donāt like the texture.
For moisture, Iād put it thus : Kose Sekkisei > Hada Labo > Shiseido so it depends a lot on the type of formula you like.
What else is good about this? Like its regular hydating version in the white tube, this one feels very lovely and comfortable on my skin and does not leave a white cast on my skin.
There is SPF50+ and PA+++ which covers the UVA and UVB blocking factors which are physical and chemical. I do note that this product uses Zinc Oxide as one of its UV blockers and my skin usually rejects products with high levels of Zinc Oxide in them, but to my surprise, my skin did not reject this one. Its the same with the Shiseido UV Perfect sunscreen. That too contains Zinc Oxide but my skin does not reject it. So maybe the levels arenāt too high or maybe they have included it in a formula that my skin tolerates comfortably which is of course a good thing. Zinc Oxide is supposed to be one of, if not the best physical blocker for both UVA and UVB rays out there.
In terms of sun protection, Iād say Shiseido = Hada Labo = Kose Sekkisei
What makes this product a little different from the white tube sunscreen is the additional whitening ingredients. Not only does this one protect your skin from the harmful UV rays, it also works to whiten your skin. This is the one feature I cannot comment on because I personally saw no difference using this one as opposed to using a different sunscreen. Freckles and pigmentation are still there in their glory.
As a makeup base, its not bad. It isnāt oily on skin and isnāt too matte either. I do think the Shiseido UV Perfect makes a better makeup base than this one, as that one has slightly brightening effect too but as a base, this Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion makes a far better base than the Kose Sekkisei Sun Protector N as the latter feels more āmoistā compared to the Hada Labo.
So as a makeup base, its Shiseido > Hada Labo > Kose Sekkisei š
Due to the formulation of this one, you do have to shake it up before using to ensure all everything is evenly mixed before you apply to your skin.
As you can see, dispensing it is easy and you can quite comfortably use it on face and body. The only āwrongā perception Iād say, is the price.
You see, this one retails at RM49.90 for 38ml. The bottle is compact and 38ml can easily last you a month or two depending on your use and how heavy handed you are (I am quite heavy handed so I get just slightly over 1 monthās use out of it) The Kose Sekkisei one retails at about RM110 for 60ml so if you do the math, it actually comes up to roughly the same price per ml! Now, does that surprise you? š
So, if you ask me, Iād say this isnāt quite the budget option I expected it to be, but it will come under the budget category because its entry price is low.
So pricewise, Iād place it at Shiseido RM150/50ml > Hada Labo RM49.90/38ml = Kose Sekkisei RM110/60ml
In a nutshell
I like this sunblock. It feels lovely and comfortable on my skin and I like the high sun protection factors and UV screening. It is compact to carry about and it does not feel dry or uncomfortable on my skin. There is no white cast and it does work well as a makeup base, albeit not as well as the Shiseido but the latter comes in at almost triple the price. While I wouldnāt quite consider this a ābudget buyā due to various price comparisons, I will still say that this is a good buy because the entry level price is low and its easy to find. I am happy to use this interchangeably with the regular white version but I still wonāt use it as a primary sunblock because for that, Shiseido gets pride of place. Iād use this as a back up, and perhaps for my body (arms) because I like the texture. That will make it pretty pricey though š
Pros: Non greasy oily or sticky texture, Easily absorbed, Good makeup base, Can be used on face and body, High sun protection and UV protection factors, No white cast
Cons: Works out to be rather pricey on a per/ml basis, No visible whitening effects
Who will like this: Anyone who wants a hydrating sunscreen with high sun protection factor, Anyone who wants a non oily, greasy or sticky sunscreen
Here is the ingredient list for those interested to know whats in this:-
Donāt you love the little warning in the Caution message? LOL! If staying out for long hours in the sun, make sure you reapply your sunblock at least every 2 hours. Its something weāre supposed to do anyway on a regular basis but honestly, how many of us do that? Itād mean having to do our face every 2 hours! I donāt think bosses will appreciate that a lot LOL!
Have you tried this sunblock or any from Hada Labo? What do you look for in a sunblock or sunscreen?
I have liked both versions (white and blue) that Iāve tried from Hada Labo so far. Iām waiting to see this one go on sale so I can pick up a back up because its almost finished. Sunscreen is one skincare item I almost always finish up without fail š
Paris B
Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion Price: RM49.90/38ml Availability: Most leading pharmacies but try Guardian pharmacy first
You are quite convincing you know that? ^___^ I have 3 new bottles of the other japanese onesā¦ I canāt even remember its name! LOL
Hahaha should I be a sales person now? š Do you like Japanese sunscreens too?
I do like the texture of the Hada Labo sunscreensā¦ If only they donāt break me out!
Yikes! Must be something in there that doesnāt agree š
At the moment Iām using this one or the Kose one depending on my mood or whether Iām going out as I feel this one does not give me enough protection. I brought this along when I was at a not so high above sea level mountain in Sarawak few months ago. And about 2hrs later I got sunburnt on my nose, neck and arms even though it was a cloudy day. If my feet alone got sunburnt thatās my fault but I always apply generous amount of sunblock on my neck, ears and arms as well. Donāt know what went wrongā¦ Haha
Hmm I havenāt tried taking this one to the beach but thanks for the heads up! I do personally feel that the Shiseido one gives me better protection one way or another. When I know Iām out and about in the sun, I always go back to that one ājust in caseā LOL Maybe its just that youāre right and the level of protection may have worn off more quickly in the Hada Labo. Or maybe the sun was super duper strong! š
My favourite too! Try our Shiseido Senka oneā¦ almost same texture but this one better!
I havenāt tried the Shiseido Senka but Iāll take your word for it! In that case, I wonāt bother trying Shiseido LOL!
Oh Paris, I recently purchased the regular version of this sunblock after checking on your review a few weeks ago. Iām glad there arenāt any major differences or Iād be forced to buy this one too! Knowing me, Iāll probably do so anyway š
Hahaha Ashley š No, I donāt think there are any major differences between the moisturizing one and this one except that this one feels a tiny bit more āmatteā. Still, youād probably find it out for yourself some day heheā¦ Are you liking the regular version? š
Fantastic review, I love my sunscreens so must check this out!
Thanks, hope you get a chance to try it soon š
I donāt like this. T_T Good that you like it! Mine is sitting there doing nothing, as I just donāt reach for it. Wasted money.
Sorry to hear that, Jyoan. Which is your favorite sunscreen for now then?
Interesting! Iāll probably check it out when Iām in Japan, to see if thereās much of a price difference between this and Koseās. A pity itās rather expensive for a drugstore sunscreen
On a per ml basis, yes itās rather pricey but I think it isnāt too bad a price for something from the pharmacy generally. Biore is cheaper I believe but I donāt like the texture of that one as much as many do š
I think your favourite Shiseido sunscreen is selling for RM130 for 50 ml as that is the price I paid for when I bought it in January. Thanks for the review of this sunscreen. It is definitely a cheaper alternative to Shiseido but I have never used Hada Labo products before and worry if it would break me out. Will keep this in mind if I do switch sunscreens š
Thanks for the clarification, Victoria! I thought Iād paid RM130 at Isetan, but someone said its RM150 so I got confused. Some people have reported breakouts with Hada Labo and sensitivities with concentrations of hyaluronic acid so if you have that sensitivity then better stay away š glad the Shiseido works for you!
Oooh I bought this! I have the original white bottle (non-whitening one) and I loved it. Itās not sticky and makes a great base for makeup. Canāt wait for my current sunscreen to finish so that I can rip open the packaging for this wee blue bottle š
If you liked the white one I think youād like this one too. Feels about the same for me, but this one seems to feel a bit more matte. Could be my imagination though š
After reading your review on this yesterday, I (ahem) happened to walk by Guardian whilst coming back from lunch the same day and picked up this blue bottle.
(NB ā Not an advert but Guardianās having its usual sale of some items and the Hada Labo range falls under the items ā got this @ 10% off).
Have not started using it yet. I had picked up Biore UV Perfect Milk (the white bottle) after the 2012 Readersā Choice Awards ā and have been using that on my face before swimming. Canāt really tell if the Biore works (my face is still pretty tanned/brown) but I really like the smooth feel of that Biore UV PM. So if the Hada Labo is anything like the Biore ā whoopie!
Haha youāre quick, JK! Thanks for the sale update! I personally prefer the Hada Labo one simply because Iām not very good with Biore sunscreens although many people rave about it. Still, theyāre both very affordable š
I REALLY wanted to like this because it has zinc oxide, but I think I am even more allergic than you to it! I broke out in clogged pores 1 day after using it. Even with prior makeup removal and double cleansing my face in the shower. š
Did the original Hada Labo one break you out? I have the original one that Iām using for my neck and hands now.
Yikes! Sorry to hear that. The original one works for me too. Thus far,only this Hada Labo and Shiseido that contain zinc oxide donāt break me out. Others tend to š
Iām still happy after reading your shiseido review and quickly went to purchased it without even trying it first on my skin. I can tell u, its so worth it. I uses this everyday except on formal occassion I switch to my also fav Prep + prime spf 50. Anyway, just to tell ya the Shiseido from Sephora will cost Rm150 but I got it from Isetan for Rm130 last month. I actually went to Isetan first thenSephora and back to Isetan again. I save Rm20 and bought my fav Gong Cha after that š
Am so happy you like the Shiseido too because its seriously my No. 1 sunscreen! So awesome right? Thanks for the tip about the price difference. I thought there was something funny about the price. Iāll stick to buying from Isetan š
Hahaha, your pixies must be very beautiful ones š I started using Hada Labo UV Moist Emulsion sunblock a few months back and loved it for its moisturizing effect. However, because I have oily skin, the effect turned my skin dull and felt like thereās a layer of grime. I use it on weekends when I know Iāll be out and about for a couple of hours. For weekdays, I use Biore UV Perfect Face Milk which is awesome for oil control and as make up base. Thanks for the comparison among your favourites. The Kose one is worthy of trying.
My pixies are a nuisance >.< or maybe just my bad memory š sorry to hear about your experience with the Hada Labo sunblock but glad that the Biore one works for you. Maybe because it works for oily skin, it doesn't work for my drier skin š
I havenāt try out the Hada Labo sunscreen before yet as I still stick to my Shiseido UV Protector SPF 50Pa++. I ll have a try . Thanks for sharing this ~~
I personally would stick to Shiseido too lol!
Oh, how I wish Hada Labo were easier to source locally in the US. I canāt think of any place that would allow you to try before purchasing.
One question ā you didnāt really name any differences between this one and the same one in the white tube. Is there some reason you like this one better?
Maybe because of the promise of whitening, perhaps lol! But seriously, it maybe my imagination but it feels a bit more āmatteā, and it promises to help protect against the sun and also to help with existing pigmentation. Didnāt notice anything but who knows if it really works eh? š
I have yet to try a sunscreen from Hada Labo, but you convinced me to give this a try. I tend to go for Asian brands sunscreens because they are much lighter and doesnāt have that greasy feeling.
Youāre right about Asian sunscreens. They have perfected the texture bit, that many Western brands still havenāt. Hope you get to try this one soon š
Iāve been using the Hada Labo sunscreen in the white bottle for a couple of years. I live in Japan and can usually get it on Japanās Amazon site for around ¥700 so itās pretty cheap compared to other sunscreens Iāve used. It also works well on my sensitive skin.
I got a rash all over my neck and up my cheeks when I used the Sekkisei sunscreen. I think it was caused by the fragrance since my skin has been rejecting pretty much everything with fragrance lately.
Another Japanese sunscreen I like from Dr. Ci Labo, itās the UV&White Moisture Milk SPF 50 PA+++. Itās much more expensive at around ¥3,500 per bottle. It does have that powdery feel lotās of Japanese sunscreens have so I make sure to put on extra moisturizer before using it. I used it for a few months and felt like my skin tone was more even, not lighter just less blotchy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Melanie š we have Dr. Ci Labo here but I didnāt know about the sunscreen, maybe I can give it a shot some day. Thanks!
I have been using Shiseido sunscreen b4 ur reviews..when its about to finish..u just come with this..right on time..
got it ā using ā satisfiedā¦hehe
thx Paris B
And your wallet heaves a sigh of relief! š Thanks for sharing, Wan!
indeedā¦thanks to you for sharing great review..
about the texture and all..
used the Biore(White bottle) one before, also drying on my skinā¦
maybe our skin condition is quite similarā¦
It does sound that way! Good to know at least something works š
Hi Paris!! How about your eyes? Do you put sunscreen on them as well? This one okay with the sensitive skin around them eyes? Thanks! Love your blawg š
Hi Irene, thatās an interesting question but no, I donāt apply sunscreen around my eyes. I think there are some eye creams out there that have SPF in them but I donāt use anything around my eyes. Bad I know but if I go out, I wear sunglasses so I guess it helps some š
Haha! U know what, I know all that they say about the skin around the eyes needing special care, and I do use an eye cream morning and night, but when I use my Hada Labo lotion, the Trilogy face oil, or almost everything else I use on the rest of my skin, I use the palm of my hand to gently press some products on my eye area too (to avoid tugging and pulling). So far itās been okay, with no reaction or milia. Been doing that with this sunscreen too and it seems to be okay!