Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ (Japanese Version)
Japanese formula only. The US Biore sunscreen sold at Target and CVS is a different product with different UV filters.
This is the sunscreen people mean when they say Japanese sunscreens feel like nothing on skin. The watery, serum like texture absorbs in seconds and leaves no residue, no white cast, and nothing that fights with makeup. Kao reformulates it regularly and the current version is the best it has been. If you are new to Japanese sunscreens, this is the right place to start.
The closest comparison is Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel, which has more of a primer effect and slightly more slip. For serious outdoor or sports use, Anessa Perfect UV Milk has stronger water and sweat resistance. The Watery Essence is the everyday default; the others are for specific needs.
How to Use
Apply as the last step of your morning skincare routine, after moisturizer and before makeup. Use about a nickel sized amount for your face (most people under-apply). Spread evenly and let it set for 30 seconds before applying makeup. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors, or after sweating or swimming. For daily indoor/commute use, morning application is usually sufficient. Removes easily with any oil cleanser or micellar water as part of your double cleansing routine.
Quick Specs
Product Description
The Japanese sunscreen that started the global obsession. A watery, serum like texture that absorbs instantly and feels like nothing on skin. SPF50+ PA++++ with modern UV filters (including Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus) that aren't approved by the FDA, which is why Japanese sunscreens feel so different from American ones. Reformulated regularly by Kao, with the latest version featuring Kao's Micro Defense formula for even coverage. The most discussed sunscreen on r/AsianBeauty and consistently one of the top selling sunscreens in Japan. Important: the Japanese version (ビオレUV アクアリッチ ウォータリーエッセンス) and the US Biore sunscreen are completely different products with different formulations and UV filters.
What's in It
Full ingredient list (36)
Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Isopropyl Palmitate, (lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate) Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene +28 more
Show all 36 ingredients
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dextrin Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, (acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate) Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Behenate, (vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane) Crosspolymer, Cetanol, Agar, Sorbitan Distearate, Isoceteth-20, Polyvinyl Alcohol, (dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone) Crosspolymer, Stearoyl Glutamate, Arginine, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Royal Jelly Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Fragrance
Ingredients from the YesStyle listing, July 2026. Formulas can change between batches; check your packaging for the definitive list.
What People Are Saying
“This is the sunscreen that converted me. Feels like putting on a lightweight moisturizer, not sunscreen. No white cast on my brown skin.”
“My ride or die SPF for the last 3 years. I have oily skin and this is the only sunscreen that doesn't make me look like a greaseball by noon.”
“Just make sure you get the Japanese version. The one sold at US drugstores is a completely different formula and nowhere near as good.”
“Only downside is it does contain alcohol. My dry skin friends say it can feel slightly tight. But for my combo/oily skin it is perfect.”
“@cosme Best Cosmetics Award winner. Consistently one of the highest rated sunscreens in Japan with 5.2/7 average rating across thousands of reviews.”
