Sunscreen is the most important beauty product. If there is one product everyone should have, this is it. We have to wear it every day, rain or shine to protect our skin from harsh UV rays. Unfortunately, many people like me tend to skip it because they are uncomfortable, thick, and gives an oily and heavy feeling to our skin. Until recently, one of my favorite Korean brands, Klairs, claimed they finally created “a sunscreen that will change the way you feel about sunscreens and UV protection for good.” And I was one of the first people who get to try it, but is it good? Keep reading my Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence review to know more.
UPDATE:
On May 3, 2021, Klairs Global Instagram account released a statement about the result of their third-party test of this sunscreen, and unfortunately, just like Purito and Krave Beauty, this one also ended up not having the amount of SPF it claims it has. Instead of 50, 12.4 to 25. You can read their statement here. If it has at least SPF30 I’ll still recommend this sunscreen but the actual number is too low so I suggest stick to Western brands or Japanese sunscreens like Anessa for now.
WHAT IS IT?
Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence has an SPF 50 PA++++ and is an everyday sun protector for sensitive skin. As is it water-based, it holds a gel-type texture to give a soft weightless and light finish. Also with its high SPF and PA level, it claims to completely guard the skin against UVA, UVB without leaving any greasiness or white cast. It also claims that it will slowly brighten your overall complexion with continuous use.
INGREDIENTS
Wishtrend said that this Klairs UV essence, like all other Klairs products, is created with only the safest ingredients, notably the Niacinamide which is both a brightening and anti-aging ingredient. It also contains Sodium Hyaluronate which is a is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a powerful moisturizing ingredient. It also has a Sea Buckthorn Oil which is a highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial ingredient with a high amount of antioxidants.
While for sun protection, it uses Ethylhexyl Triazone and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate which makes this a chemical sunscreen that works to be absorbed by your skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. It is good for those who don’t like to use physical sunscreens like me because it is heavy, greasy or have a Zinc allergy. (You can about the difference between Physical and Chemical Sunscreens here.)
Other than that, The Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence is free from parabens, artificial fragrances, and colors, preservatives and oils that may irritate the skin. And it’s made with only 20 ingredients, with no additives at all! Remember, the fewer the ingredients of a beauty product, the better because they tend to be purer. You can read more about its ingredient analysis in Skin Carisma.
PERFORMANCE
APPLICATION: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and at the end of your skincare routine. Thoroughly apply to the skin. You can reapply this every two hours (depends on your sun exposure) even on top of your makeup using a cushion puff.
SCENT: It has no detectable scent.
PACKAGING: Just like the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop and Vitamin E Mask, the Soft Airy UV Essence also comes with a white and shiny holographic packaging. Minimalist but looks so good! But what I like the most is that it comes in an 80ml squeeze tube, bigger than most sun protection commonly sold in the market.
FORMULA: The texture is actually not quite creamy but does not totally feel like a gel either. It is something in between which will make you think it may feel greasy on your skin but it doesn’t! It absorbs fast into the skin and leaves a semi-matte finish.
MY EXPERIENCE
The Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence is not only the most lightweight sun protection I ever use, but it is also hydrating. I never thought I will ever say this to sun protection but I love slathering this on my skin. It blends really nicely and sits well under my makeup. It is truly airy because I don’t feel like I’m wearing sunscreen on my skin! No heavy, sticky, or greasy feeling at all.
If you dislike sunscreens because it feels heavy, thick, and greasy, I’m sure you’ll like this one.
Although I’m not sure if this Soft Airy UV Essence really makes my skin brighter because I recently had a chemical peel treatment again, I swear my skin looks brighter than last week and I never felt any irritation. Phew! Thank goodness. But remember YMMV! Overall, this is the most comfortable yet effective sun protection I’ve used so far.
WHERE TO BUY?
| STORE | PRICE | DETAILS |
| Wishtrend | $23 | They offer free shipping worldwide on a certain amount of orders and give freebies. Check the StyleVanity Deals page for discount coupons |
| Kbeauty Cafe | Php1200 | Use the code itsmariaalyssa to get Php100 off for first-time buyers with minimum orders worth Php1000 |
| Lazada | Php1200 | Ships to the Philippines only. |
| Go Bloom & Glow | Php1200 | Use the code MARIM60 to get Php100 off with minimum orders of Php1000 for first-time customers (single-use only). |