Which One Works Best? Sunscreen Recommendation, tested ＆ reviewed by Payke!

As UV rays become a concern these days, we all want to minimize sunburns and skin damage from strong sunlight. Essential for UV protection is sunscreen, and Japanese brands are highly rated even overseas.

The trend includes not only UV care but also products with added skincare ingredients and makeup effects.

Here are Payke sunscreen recommendations from the ever-evolving Japanese lineup!

1. SKINAQUA Super Moisture UV Gel

SPF50+／PA++++／UV Water Resistance★★ 
A moisturizing sunscreen with three carefully selected types of hyaluronic acid. This gel type is easy to apply all over the body and feels like water on the skin. It’s fragrance-free, colorant-free, mineral oil-free, and paraben-free. With super waterproof properties, it can be removed with soap. Suitable for face and body, and recommended as a makeup base. (Text quoted from the official page）

The ultra-light feel is almost unnoticeable!
It’s non-sticky and doesn’t have the typical sunscreen stickiness. No white cast means it can be used all over the body, not just the face.

2.NIVEA UV Deep Protect & Care Tone-Up Essence

SPF50+／PA++++
Enhances complexion and naturally brightens the skin. Its super waterproof formula cuts strong UV rays even when exposed to sweat and water. Contains moisturizing serum ingredients to prevent spots and freckles caused by sunburn while hydrating the skin. Conveniently doubles as a makeup base. (Text quoted from the official page)

The tone-up effect is noticeable immediately after application!
The light pink cream brightens dull skin naturally. Despite the lasting moisture, it finishes smoothly like a serum.
For light outings, you can skip makeup and just use this! It’s also soap-removable, which is an advantage.

3. Biore UV Perfect Milk

SPF50+／PA++++
A non-sticky, smooth UV milk even with sweat.
It cuts strong UV rays without drying out. The “smooth water-repellent veil” resists sweat and water, ensuring a silky smooth feel all over. It’s a super waterproof formula but can be removed with regular cleansing products. Also usable as a makeup base. (Text quoted from the official page)


Spreads smoothly, minimizing skin burden with its milk type. Recommended for those who prefer a smooth feel.
Suitable for daily UV protection and can be used instead of a moisturizer.

4. ANESSA Perfect UV Skincare Milk NA

SPF50+／PA++++
Thorough UV protection with a smooth UV milk.
Two UV technologies—auto-repair and auto-booster—automatically correct creases from movement and protect critical areas like around the eyes and cheeks. The milk-type texture ensures a smooth finish. Can be removed with soap. Suitable for face and body, and usable as a makeup base. (Text quoted from the official page)

The king of sunscreens, ANESSA. Popular among those who never want to tan, whether daily or outdoors.
It spreads well, feels smooth, and its auto-repair technology ensures a thin skin that covers our skin thoroughly.

How Effective Are They? We put the sunscreens to the test!

Testing Method: We used UV check beads and a UV light.
The beads change color when exposed to UV light. By applying sunscreen to a transparent sheet over the beads and shining a UV light, we can see how well each sunscreen blocks UV rays based on color change.

We apply the UV light to each sunscreen-coated sheet.
The results are…

4th place: NIVEA. The beads turned quite dark overall.
3rd place: SKINAQUA. The beads turned slightly pale.
2nd place: Biore. The beads showed some color but not much.
1st place: ANESSA. No color change at all! As expected from the strongest ANESSA.

From this test, the recommended sunscreens are… “Biore UV Perfect Milk” and the strongest “ANESSA Perfect UV Skincare Milk NA.”
Interestingly, both are milk types. Please use this article as a reference when you try sunscreen! If there are other products you’d like us to test, let us know in the comments!
There are lots of sunscreens with a wide range of textures and functions, suitable for face and body use, for daily or leisure use. The convenience of purchasing at nearby drugstores and the good cost performance are also appealing.
Find the sunscreen that suits your scene from the various types available!