Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+/PA++++
Anessa

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+/PA++++

skincare chemical sunscreen
Contains alcohol Has fragrance Size 60ml Size 90ml (duty free exclusive) Size 20ml mini
Formula note

Contains ethanol high in the ingredients list, which contributes to the quick drying matte finish but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin. Shiseido also makes the Anessa Perfect UV Mild Milk (different product) which is alcohol free and fragrance free for sensitive skin. The 2024 reformulation (version NA) added Auto Repair Technology and reformulated the skincare complex.

From $30.00 at 11 retailers
Best price at Yukio Beauty, ships from US
Editorial verdict

The gold standard Japanese sunscreen for outdoor protection, and one of the best selling sunscreens in Japan for over a decade. A hybrid mineral/chemical milk formula with Shiseido's Auto Repair Technology that fixes gaps in the UV film caused by facial movement, plus Aqua Booster EX that actually strengthens UV protection when exposed to sweat and water. Won 1st place in @cosme's 2024 Mid-Year Best Cosmetics Awards in the sunscreen category, with over 2,800 reviews. If you need a single sunscreen that works for beach days, humid summers, and daily commutes without feeling heavy, this is the one the Japanese market keeps choosing.

Best for
Oily and combination skinoutdoor sports and beach dayshot and humid climateswearing under makeup as a primerpeople who sweat a lotanyone upgrading from Western sunscreens
Not for
Very dry skin that needs a moisturizing sunscreenpeople sensitive to alcohol (ethanol is high in the formula)those who want a fragrance free optionanyone looking for a purely mineral/physical formula
How it compares

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is the budget everyday pick at roughly one third the price, with a lighter watery texture, but it cannot match Anessa's water and sweat resistance for outdoor use. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV works better as a hydrating makeup primer with more slip, but offers significantly less durability in heat and water. Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk is another affordable alternative with a similar milk texture, but lacks Anessa's auto repair and aqua booster technologies that make the UV film more resilient during real world use.

How to Use

Apply as the final step of your morning skincare routine, after moisturizer and before makeup. Shake the bottle well before use to mix the formula. Use about a nickel sized amount for your face and spread evenly. The milk sets quickly into a smooth, semi matte finish that works well as a makeup base.

Reapply every 2 to 3 hours if outdoors, or after toweling off from swimming or heavy sweating. For daily indoor and commute use, a single morning application is usually sufficient. Despite being super waterproof, it removes with regular soap or any oil cleanser.

Quick Specs

SPF
50+
PA rating
PA++++
Finish
Semi-matte
Formula type
Hybrid (mineral + chemical)
Water resistance
Super waterproof (80 minutes)
Formula year
2024
Texture
Lightweight milk

Product Description

What's in It

What People Are Saying

“This is my holy grail sunscreen. The finish is what keeps me coming back. It dries matte and doesn't leave skin feeling greasy or slimy after a few hours. It also doesn't clump under makeup.”

“伸びがよく、肌なじみが良い。乾燥もあまり感じない。焼けにくさも実感できる。(Spreads well, blends into skin nicely. Doesn't feel too drying. Can really feel that it prevents tanning.)”

“Soaks in well, doesn't leave a white cast, and provides strong waterproof protection. I use it every summer for outdoor activities and it has never let me down.”

“This milk formula reduced UVA by 99.73%, filtered UVB by 98.68%, and blocked total UVI by 99.67%. Fantastic results given that this lotion is very light and liquid in consistency.”

“It still holds the crown for the best finish for a sunscreen formulation. Amazingly non-sticky and non-tacky. This is the gold standard for outdoor sunscreens.”

“The lightweight, silky milk texture dries quickly into a soft, matte finish. I love how it doubles as a makeup primer, giving skin a smooth base without feeling greasy or sticky.”

FAQ

Does Anessa Perfect UV Milk leave a white cast?
It can leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones due to the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the formula. On lighter to medium skin tones, it blends in well and becomes invisible after a few minutes. Shaking the bottle thoroughly before application helps minimize any white cast.
What is the difference between Anessa Perfect UV Skincare Milk and Anessa Perfect UV Mild Milk?
The Skincare Milk (gold bottle) is the flagship, with ethanol and fragrance in the formula for a quick drying matte finish. The Mild Milk (pink/white bottle) is alcohol free, fragrance free, and designed for sensitive skin and children. Both are SPF50+ PA++++, but the Skincare Milk has stronger water resistance and a more matte finish.
Is the Japanese Anessa the same as what Shiseido sells in the US?
No. The Japanese domestic Anessa uses UV filters like Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) and Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate) that are not FDA approved for use in the US market. If you see Anessa at a US retailer, check the ingredients list carefully. The Japanese version is what most community recommendations refer to.
How waterproof is Anessa Perfect UV Milk really?
It is rated super waterproof and has been tested for 80 minutes of water immersion. The Aqua Booster EX technology means the UV protective film actually becomes more uniform when it contacts sweat or water, which is the opposite of most sunscreens. That said, you should still reapply after toweling off or prolonged swimming.
Can I use Anessa Perfect UV Milk as a makeup primer?
Yes, and many users do. It dries down to a smooth, semi matte finish that provides a good base for foundation and concealer. It does not pill or clump under makeup. Some users report it gives a slightly blurred, soft focus effect on skin.
Has Anessa been reformulated recently?
Yes. The current version is the NA formula released in February 2024. It added Auto Repair Technology that fixes gaps in the UV film caused by facial movements, and Auto Booster Technology that activates in high humidity and heat. Shiseido reformulates Anessa regularly, roughly every two years.

Learn More

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