From the day I first tried the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector sunscreen, I have been a loyal user and advocate. I know I’ve convinced many of you to use it, and despite the cost, it is one I truly swear by for efficacy and UV protection. Today, my attention has wandered to a more affordable option that unfortunately isn’t available in Malaysia. So for all those in Malaysia who ask, my recommendation still lies with the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector.
It has undergone a few revisions since the first time I tried it, and in the middle of last year, I was alerted that the new version was now called the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Multi-Defense SPF50+ PA++++
If you look at the picture you may be wondering what’s so different about it? After all, the last iteration was the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Wetforce and the packaging is exactly the same. But look closer. This time, there’s an additional tag – Multi Defense.
But what grabbed my attention wasn’t the fact that it had changed, but that I had more than a handful of people tell me that they had a negative experience with the new version, and they now hated it. That got me curious.
OK it didn’t get me curious enough to buy a new bottle of sunscreen 😛 I have sunscreen of various brands coming out of my ears, and I had stocked up on my current fave while last in Japan so I was good for a while.
But I noticed that my sister had the new Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Multi Defense version, so I spent a week using it. (For the record, my sis thinks the Anessa sunscreen is the pits and will never use it again so she’s sticking by the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector instead 😛 )
I wore this over the Chinese New Year break, which was a scorcher this year! Goodness. We usually experience very hot weather at this time of year, but this year seems to be exceptionally hot and dry. I had to run a few errands and pop in and out of the house, and I could feel my skin burning. No better time to test a sunscreen in my experience 🙂
How is the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Multi Defense different?
This new version builds on the previous Perfect UV Protector Wetforce sunscreen, and uses the same technology. It is a lightweight fluid texture that applies easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling on skin.
The Wetforce technology allows the product to bind with water or perspiration to create a more effective veil of protection on skin. It is also highly water-resistant, which is good for use by active people, or if you’re out in the sun a lot or by the water e.g. beach or swimming.
So what is different with the Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Multi Defense, based on the paperwork, is the new “Functional Fragrance”. I do not remember much of a scent from the previous versions. But in this new version, a new scent has been added, which they say, synchronizes with the smell of sweat, so you don’t smell unpleasant. Interesting 😛
Has the texture of the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector sunscreen changed?
I received many reports from dismayed readers last year, that they were no longer happy with the new texture and formula of the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector. To be fair, not having tried it then, I did not quite understand why.
From what I understood from the literature, there was no change in formula. However, once I used the product, I understood the grouses.
In terms of texture, I can safely say that the new Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Multi Defense sunscreen feels different on skin. I find that the texture is a little thicker, more like an emulsion than a lotion. Not so much that it is unpleasant, but if you have been using it, you will notice the difference.
It isn’t as thick as the Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Hydrofresh version (which is still in existence), but is definitely thicker than its preceding iteration.
I also noticed that the product now feels more “siliconey” on skin. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. On the upside, this texture lends itself to a better function as a makeup primer, and also makes your skin feel velvety.
However, I do not like textures like this. Once upon a time, I did. Now, I don’t. I’m not sensitive to silicone as an ingredient, but I do not like my skin having that fake velvety feel. This is a personal thing, and nothing to do with the efficacy of the product. If anything, I find it makes for an even better primer now than before!
Where has the tint gone?
The second thing I noticed after the texture, was the lack of pink tint in the lotion. Previous versions of the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector had a slight pink tint to it.
While almost imperceptible, this pink tint makes skin look a little brighter and perks up tired looking skin. It isn’t that noticeable when you have it, but you notice it when it’s not there.
And it isn’t there in this version. The lotion is white, like the Hydrofresh version. I don’t have the old version with me anymore, so I cannot show you the difference, but this is a picture of the old version next to the Hydrofresh version. The new Wetforce Multi Defense is white, no more tint.
A note to say that because I am very fair-skinned, I did not notice a white cast. If you have a deeper skin tone, I’d be interested to know if this new version leaves a white cast on your skin.
Does the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Multi Defense sunscreen still protect my skin?
Ultimately, this is a sunscreen, not a makeup primer nor any makeup base. And as a sunscreen, I do still find that it protects my skin well.
When I wear it outside in the searing heat, the skin of my face, neck and chest where I apply this feels protected. We had a 2 hour drive under the blazing sun, and my face did not feel overly warm. My skin did not go red and I did not burn. My arms however, were burning up! 😛 Negligence right there!
This is the easiest and best test for me. If I wear a sunscreen out, especially when I drive, and my face feels overheated, I know it isn’t protecting my skin well enough, and I ditch it, or I only wear it indoors. This passed my outdoors test.
Granted, I was not outside for very long – probably the same amount of time I’d spend outside on a day to day basis. I’m not an outdoors person, and I hide indoors from the sun where possible 😛 Puteri lilin 😛
More than a handful of readers also reported breaking out from this new formula, as compared to the previous formula. They also found it more drying. I used this for a week, and did not experience breakouts, nor did I find it any more drying than usual. For me, it felt the same as the last one.
Texture aside, I was happy with this, as a sunscreen.
What about that “Functional Fragrance” then?
To be honest, I don’t know what to think of it. I do not personally think that fragrance has any function in skincare, although I am not personally averse to it (unless I don’t like the scent).
I found the added fragrance to be a light floral that dissipated quickly, and I would not have noticed it, if I was not looking out for it.
I however, do not quite understand the function. Is this intended to combat body odour? I found it puzzling.
It is scientifically proven that perspiration by itself is odourless. It starts to smell when bacteria on our bodies multiply and break down sweat. This is largely linked to the apocrine glands found in the breasts, genital area, armpits, eyelids and ear (read more here if you’re interested)
My point however, is that this particular sunscreen will be largely used by most of us, on our face. Maybe our arms. And no matter how much we sweat in these areas, we aren’t going to stink from here, because these aren’t usually the hotspots of bacteria.
So I don’t know if the Japanese are exceptionally sensitive to smell of sweat, or if there is something else I’m missing, but to me, the “functional fragrance” intended to combat this smell of sweat, serves very very little function.
Chances are, you will still stink of sweat from other body parts, unless you slather this sunscreen on every inch of your skin. Ideal, but impractical. Not sure what’s happening here, Shiseido 😛
IN A NUTSHELL
The Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Wetforce Multi Defense SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen is a new version of a sunscreen stalwart. I did notice that the texture felt different (a little thicker) and it has lost its skin-brightening pink tint. I did however find that it still felt lightweight on skin, and did not feel greasy nor leave any residue. I did notice that the silicone feel was more pronounced, and that it is a better makeup primer now than before. There is also a light floral scent. Personally, I found it to be an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen although I recommend that you double-cleanse when using this, as the high water resistant formula does not break down easily with normal cleansers. I did not like the texture as much anymore so I am reluctant to commit to buying it again in future.
PROS:
Skin feels protected from heat and sun
Skin did not turn red nor feel heated
Highly water resistent
CONS:
Pricey
Velvety finish on skin isn’t something I like
Light floral fragrance that claims to mask the smell of sweat that I personally don’t see as being very functional
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who likes a velvety finish on their skin, Anyone who wants an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen that can also function as a makeup base
PRICE: RM165 for 50ml
WHERE TO BUY: Shiseido counters or Sephora stores
This is the ingredient list for the new Wetforce Multi-Defense sunscreen.
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Water, Alcohol, Zinc Oxide, Isododecane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Isopropyl Myristate, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Talc, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Octocrylene, Dextrin palmitate, Glycerin, Polybutylene Glycol/Ppg-9/1 Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Diisopropyl sebacate, Silica, Xylitol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Isostearic Acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Trisodium EDTA, Fragrance, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-14/7 dimethyl ether, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, BHT, Polyquaternium-51, Iron Oxides, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Nylon-12, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Hydrogen Dimethicone, CI 45410, Diisostearyl malate, Glyceryl diisostearate, Tocopherol
I compared it to the ingredient list of the old Wetforce version and noticed that it has primarily the same ingredients at the top. The ingredients at the bottom have changed slightly with some new additions and omissions.
However, I feel that ingredient lists merely serve as a guide. The product itself does feel and look different, and that is either a good or bad thing, depending on how your skin takes to it.
I know a week’s use sounds ridiculously short, but that’s all the time I had with it, and for me, it was enough to gauge the product, because it’s one I’m very familiar with. But take it with a pinch of salt if you like 🙂
Are you still using the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector sunscreen? Is it this version?
As I said above, I’m not using this for now, because I still have sunscreens to go through. However, I’m not that keen on the texture on my skin, so I’m reluctant to commit to purchasing this in the future. That said, I do still find it an effective sunscreen, and I would still recommend people try this, because Allie isn’t available here yet 😛
Paris B
Evie says
February 11, 2019 at 9:58 amI have been using Wetforce for a couple of years. There are 2 versions, one for sensitive skin and the other, regular. The regular one has a LOT of alcohol. Very drying. I have used both versions but I prefer the sensitive skin version which has less alcohol.
When do I use it? For hiking, running and outdoor swimming – activities that involve a lot of sweating. It’s very good for this purpose. It is very expensive. Such a tiny bottle for so much money. For walking around the city, I use a less expensive sunscreen.
Shiseido also has a clear sunscreen stick SPF 50, which I carry around. It’s fantastic for applying on the face during long hikes. I don’t know if you have this in Malaysia. It was launched at the same time as Wetforce.
Paris B says
February 11, 2019 at 10:10 amI think the sensitive one is the white bottle? I’ve been told it feels better on the skin too. It is a very good sunscreen, but yes, pricey. But because I am prone to hyperpigmentation, and many other drugstore brands don’t work as well for me (my face gets very warm in the heat) I suck it up, because it seems to help control it better. That is, until I discovered Allie haha! 😀 I do think there’s the stick here too. Thanks for sharing your experience with it! would be good for touch-ups!
Liz says
February 11, 2019 at 5:56 pmWith each year, I feel that the name has gotten longer that it has become quite the mouthful! -lol- This used to be my HG but since I found a cheaper dupe in Anessa a few years back, I’ve never gone back to it. I’m quite curious with the Allie since I previously tried an essence gel version of it and hated it so I’ll probably look out for the one you’ve tried. There are too many choices nowadays with sunscreen and even the Western brands have upped their game. While I still mainly use Anessa, I’m also loving the Curel UV Protection Face Milk and will be trying a bunch of Supergoop! soon because I’m just that fickle.
Paris B says
February 12, 2019 at 9:03 amOMG yes! I cannot understand why they can’t use a shorter name LOL! I don’t quite like Anessa unfortunately. I find the alcohol too strong, but perhaps I should use the one for sensitive skin and see if it serves me better. My Allie is the Milky lotion one but I also have the gel one that I plan to try after this because my bottle is almost gone. For some reason, I’m still very wary about many Western brand sunscreens especially those from the US. I just feel that their formula and sunscreen regulation doesn’t allow for the best product. But of course, I could be wrong! I see many people loving Supergoop!
Houdini says
February 11, 2019 at 10:24 pmOh no! I’m going to have to try this out before getting a replacement, thanks for the tip! I’m not a fan of silicon-y sunscreens as I’m prone to breakouts 🙁
Paris B says
February 12, 2019 at 9:04 amYes I highly recommend testing it out first to see how you like the texture. I was quite shocked to touch my face and feel a velvety finish on my skin, when I know that my skin is anything but! 😛 To be fair, the previous version had silicone in it too – it just didn’t feel as thick
kuri says
February 12, 2019 at 6:55 amI don’t like a velvety feel either – it bothers me for some reason – kind of like chalk on a blackboard 🙂
At least it protects well!
Paris B says
February 12, 2019 at 9:05 amTo be fair, this doesn’t have that chalky feel (I know what you mean and that’s why I can’t use many Japanese drugstore sunscreens because of this feeling). It makes for an excellent primer though! LOL! 🙂
kuri says
February 12, 2019 at 11:08 amHeh, good to know!
Mimi says
February 13, 2019 at 7:30 pmHi Paris,
I’m currently using the Hydrofresh version and to be honest I like it. But since it’s running out now so I need the get the replacement and I’m thinking to get this multi defence version (the hydrofresh is more expensive..huhuu *CRY*).
If the silicon-y finish is the downside, I think I can handle it since I often use the silicon primer to help my make up last longer. Well, consider it will cut one step from my routine 🙂
Price aside – which one is better?
Thank you… oh, and yes..you have the best beauty blog! Cheers 🙂
Paris B says
February 14, 2019 at 8:32 amHi Mimi 🙂 Like you, I cannot understand why the Hydrofresh version is more expensive than the regular one! But if you are comfortable with the texture of the Hydrofresh then I don’t think you’ll find the texture of the Multi-Defense to be unpleasant. Also yes, you can most certainly consider cutting the primer from your makeup routine! But of course, do see how it performs for you. I don’t usually wear a primer, so for me, this works as well as a primer. I cannot say which is better personally. I think I might prefer the Multi-Defense a little bit because the cool minty feeling of Hydrofresh is a bit strange for me (from memory) 😀 But performance wise, I think they’re both as good so just go for whichever your wallet likes better 😉 Good luck and thank you for reading my blog! <3
Mimi says
February 14, 2019 at 7:36 pmThank you for taking the time to reply my comment ? yes, the cool minty feeling is a bit strange. I think I’ll get the multi defense as well to see how it performs. If that works for me so my wallet will be happier ?
Mimi says
February 14, 2019 at 7:38 pmOo the emojis appear as “?” LOL
Paris B says
February 15, 2019 at 8:12 amI hope it’ll work for you! 🙂 If you are comfortable with Hydrofresh I think you should be fine with Multi-Defense 🙂 And unfortunately, emoji’s don’t appear, sorry!
Ella says
February 25, 2019 at 12:50 pmUsed this for a few weeks and it doesn’t goes well with my skin. But it does protect my skin from that scorching sun and not feeling like someone poking hot needle on my face when I went for mandi sungai and hotspring. Hahah.. Since the texture is thick, it eventually blocked my pores (maybe my double cleansing is not working,am considering those balm cleanser you’ve been reviewing), blocked pores and end up with acnes. I just stop wearing it, and give it to my niece since she’s doing sport.
I started with shiseido when I bought their synchro lasting foundation, love it so much! But this one was not a match for me. ?
Thank you for your detail and honest reviews! Keep writing!
Paris B says
February 27, 2019 at 8:47 amSorry to hear that Ella. High levels of silicone in products are known to possibly clog pores. I know someone who would break out at the slightest bit of silicone in makeup or skincare, which was very challenging for her! The Shiseido Synchro skin foundation is amazing! Very good pick 🙂
Ella says
February 28, 2019 at 12:30 amIf I’m not mistaken there’s two of these sunscreen right? I ended up buying because i got free samples and it was the other one that have orange line at the bottle. It seems okay on my skin, with velvety finish. That’s why i decided to buy it.
But when I visited shiseido, the salesperson somehow made me bought the hydrofresh one.
Paris B says
March 1, 2019 at 11:43 amThe one with the orange line is this one. The other one with white is the Hydrofresh version. There is a white one with grey text that is meant for sensitive skin.
Victoria says
February 25, 2019 at 2:07 pmI think I have finished 2 bottles of this new upgraded sunscreen. There is a definitely a scent that dissipates quickly. I did notice a slightly more velvety feel to this sunscreen but it did not bother me too much. I still notice the pink tint in this new version though. Perhaps I should look at it the tint more closely because I am always applying the sunscreen in a dimly litted room since my son is still asleep on weekdays when I am applying my skincare. LOL. I still love this sunscreen and will continue to use it until I can find an identical dupe of the same 🙂
Paris B says
February 27, 2019 at 8:51 amHappy to hear it still works for you! I’m glad it did for me too although I wasn’t keen on the texture. I just appreciate good sunscreens much better now that we’re having this heatwave, with the blazing sun, and I don’t burn when I’m out and about. It’s torture driving around in this heat, I can’t imagine the delivery boys on their bikes!
Shia Million says
February 25, 2019 at 11:04 pmI’ve grabbed a bottle to try out since it’s your HG. I find it rather thick and siliconey, as compared to my previous ones. My friends and I have been using the Clarins sunblock and they swear by it. I have also gone through bottles of the Clarins.
The texture of Clarins is very thin, and sandy. Definitely not thick or siliconey.
I tried to search for reviews for Clarins but it is not very common.
Hence Ive decided to try shiseido. I noticed that I need to double cleanse the face to totally remove the sunblock, which is good. I take it that I don’t need to worry about reapplying.
Next issue for me is that I’m learning to apply “sufficient” sunblock. One fingertip length for one side of the face. I apply exceptionally thick on my cheeks especially, where the hyperpigmentation gathers.
I still haven’t get a hang of the texture or it could be my method of application is incorrect. There will be streaks of sunblock on my face,due to over-enthusiasm.
I know you have shared on videos of how you take off make up atnight.
But will be fantastic if you can video on how you apply sunblock and foundation in the morning! Pretty please….
Next i’m really keen to get my hands on Allie!
I’m currently alternating 3 sunblock . That’s how serious I am.about sunblock ?
Shiseido. Apieu. La Roche.
Laroche is out of the picture . Apieu I may consider repurchase but I’m not sure if it’s effective ?
Paris B says
February 27, 2019 at 8:59 amThanks for sharing your thoughts! I remember the texture of the Clarins sunscreen is nice and light, and I know many people like it. I tried it when it was SPF40 and while the texture was nice, I didn’t find it sufficient for my needs so I have never gone back. You are right about having to properly double-cleanse in the evening, because it does stick to the skin – good for when you sweat and get wet, bad for everyday when you’re tired at the end of the day. I have shared how I apply my sunscreen on IG stories hehe… But I’ll remember to take a video again soon to share again. Basically, if you massage it in, as you would a moisturiser, it should take care of any streaks. I know opinions are divided as to whether to rub it in or to pat it on skin, but I just rub it in, to make sure I get every inch of skin covered 🙂
I’ve tried La Roche Posay sunscreen too. I really liked the Anthelios cream. It was thick, but it was good. Pity we don’t get the brand here 🙁
shia says
March 2, 2019 at 9:08 amoh then i must have missed the IGstories! the last i recalled was the removing of make up :p
can we save IG stories? (im considered a newbie in IG) 😀
now that youve mentioned, i think i do recall the suncreen video…hmmm it was rather recent? ok i think i really need to learn if we can save the video so that i can rewatch for a forgetful person like me.
rubbing in vs patting. will rubbing in prevent pilling? i noticed the Anthelios will pill (recently). strange. ok i shall experiment 😀
thank you for responding! 😀
Paris B says
March 7, 2019 at 8:25 amHmm I don’t think it’s possible to save IG stories, only to screen shot 🙂 I don’t know if rubbing vs patting will prevent pilling. I think that’s more to do with the texture of the product, than how it is applied. I used Anthelios back in the day (the cream) and I remember I liked it, although it was quite heavy back then. But I haven’t used it in recent times so I don’t know how it feels now 🙂