Review: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++

Biore recently reformulated their popular UV Aqua Rich line and made it sweat/water proof and brighten skin giving it that healthy glow. The UV Aqua Rich line is available in the essence , watery gel, gel lotion, BB essence, and whitening essence. 

The essence has topped the @cosme's Best Cosmetics Awards five years (Aug 2011-July 2016 in a row.

Overall the packaging looks great, but the nozzle needs improvement because when you shake the bottle, the liquid spills over and gets very messy (as seen below) after you twist open the cap. 

This does not leave a white cast and it leaves a healthy glow after it is fully absorbed. It is not as mattifying as Kanebo Allie UV Long Keep Gel Sunscreen, but it should last a few hours if you are indoors. There's a nice fresh citrus scent and it does fade off in a couple of minutes. This can be used under makeup or as a primer. I've used this for a few weeks and so far so good. I felt no discomfort or experienced clogged pores, but I still cleanse thoroughly even if it claims it can be easily to removed.  

Left: Water simulation test
Right: 5 minutes after

I tried a water simulation test to see how waterproof it claims to be. The water droplets turned milky as it rolled off the back of my hand. I guess this is not as waterproof as it claims. I let it dry for about 5 minutes without wiping or patting away the water and it seems to dry without a trace. I think it is safe to say this is good for everyday use, but reapply often if you are playing sports or doing activities where you may sweat a lot. 

Tip: 

If you want to hunt for deals in Japan, I suggest checking out a few drugstores before making your purchase. The minimum is typically 5000 Yen (~$61 CAD) to qualify for a tax exemption so keep a list of all the things you want and don't forget your passport.

Avoid drugstores in tourist heavy prefectures such as Shinjuku and Shibuya. Kichijoji is my favorite prefecture for shopping for good deals.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel product page claims:

汗・水に強い！肌にとどまる耐久型＊1ジェル。
強力紫外線から肌をしっかり守り、日やけによるシミ・ソバカスを防ぎます。
汗をかいても、水にふれても、落ちにくい。UVカット成分を含んだベールが、しっかり肌にとどまります。
ぷるぷるのウォーターカプセルin！全身するするのびて、足先まで使いやすい。
美容液成分（保湿成分）配合（ヒアルロン酸＋ローヤルゼリーエキス＋シトラスmix＊2）。
光ベール効果で全身明るい美肌にみせます。
汗・水に強いスーパーウォータープルーフタイプ。（80分間にわたる耐水試験で確認済み）なのに、いつものせっけん、洗顔料、ボディウォッシュで落とせます。
肌になめらかに密着するから、化粧下地にも。
＊1 アクアリッチ ウォータリージェル従来品比
＊2 オレンジエキス、グレープフルーツエキス、レモンエキス

◆SPF50+／PA++++
◆みずみずしく香るフレッシュフルーツアロマ
◆アレルギーテスト済み（すべての方にアレルギーが起こらないというわけではありません。）

【日やけ止め（顔・からだ用）】

It is strong against sweat and water! Durable type to stay on your skin * 1 gel.

It protects the skin firmly from strong ultraviolet rays, and prevents spots and freckles due to sunburn.

Even if you sweat, even if you touch the water, it is hard to fall. Veil containing UV-cut ingredients will stay firmly on your skin.

Purupuru water capsule in! Every time you make your whole body, it is easy to use even to your feet.

Composition of beauty care ingredient (moisturizing ingredients) (hyaluronic acid + royal jelly extract + citrus mix * 2).

I will show the whole body bright skin with light veil effect.

Super waterproof type resistant to sweat and water. (As confirmed in the water resistance test over 80 minutes), you can drop it with usual soap, facial cleanser and body wash.

Because it adheres smoothly to the skin, it is also a makeup base.

* 1 Aquaritch Watergel Gel Compared to conventional products

* 2 Orange Extract, Grapefruit Extract, Lemon Extract

◆ SPF 50 + / PA ++++

◆ Fresh fruit aroma aroma fragrant

◆ Allergy tested (Not all people suffer from allergies.)

【Sun banner for face and body】(English translation from Google Translate)

Ingredients:

水、エタノール、メトキシケイヒ酸エチルヘキシル、（メタクリル酸ラウリル／メタクリル酸Na）クロスポリマー、酸化チタン、安息香酸アルキル（C12-15）、ビスエチルヘキシルオキシフェノールメトキシフェニルトリアジン、ジエチルアミノヒドロキシベンゾイル安息香酸ヘキシル、ジメチコン、エチルヘキシルトリアゾン、キシリトール、パルミチン酸デキストリン、含水シリカ、ヒドロキシエチルセルロース、ステアリン酸グリセリル、（ビニルジメチコン／メチコンシルセスキオキサン）クロスポリマー、トリエトキシカプリリルシラン、（アクリレーツ／アクリル酸アルキル（C10-30））クロスポリマー、セタノール、パーフルオロアルキル（C4-14）エトキシジメチコン、水酸化Al、水酸化K、ステアリルアルコール、ステアリン酸、カンテン、ポリビニルアルコール、イソセテス-20、ステアロイルメチルタウリンNa、AMP、ステアロキシPGヒドロキシエチルセルローススルホン酸Na、グルタミン酸、ローカストビーンガム、マルトース、BG、PG、ヒアルロン酸Na、ローヤルゼリーエキス、オレンジ果実エキス、グレープフルーツ果実エキス、レモン果実エキス、フェノキシエタノール、EDTA-2Na、BHT、香料

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, lauryl methacrylate / sodium methacrylate crosspolymer, titanium oxide, alkyl benzoate (C12-15), bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, hexyl diethylamino hydroxybenzoylbenzoate, dimethicone, (Acrylates / Alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, triethylsilyl triisocyanate, xylitol, dextrin palmitate, hydrous silica, hydroxyethyl cellulose, glyceryl stearate, (vinyl dimethicone / methicone silsesquioxane)) Crosspolymer, cetanol, perfluoroalkyl (C4-14) ethoxydimethicone, Al hydroxide, K hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, Ca Stearyloxy PG hydroxyethyl cellulose sulfonate Na, glutamic acid, locust bean gum, maltose, BG, PG, hyaluronic acid Na, royal jelly extract, orange fruit extract, grapefruit fruit extract, Lemon fruit extract, phenoxyethanol, EDTA-2Na, BHT, fragrance (English translation from Google Translate)

Price: 850 Yen ~ $10.29 CAD



Repurchase:

I tried both the essence and the watery gel out while in Japan. I liked the watery gel more because it was not as tacky as the essence. Both are quite easy to find since this is a popular brand. I would definitely repurchase on my next trip to Japan.