An Honest Review On Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ – An All Around Safe Block

If you’ve been a Beautysparker, you should know how extensive we keep emphasizing the need to always wear a sunscreen during the day to limit sun exposure and to avoid sunburn or irritation which can ruin your skincare-efforts (which you’ve spent time, energy and resources to achieve).

We’ve over emphasized the need to wear sunscreen always as the sun isn’t a friend to your skin, especially when you’re on a religious skincare routine, infact one of the keys to a successful skincare routine is always and diligently wearing of sunscreen anytime you want to explore your outdoor activities. This is to adequately shield your skin from sun exposure and environmental aggressors that can contribute to skin aging, texture irregularities and possibly irritations.

Having said that, I came across a sunscreen named Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++, An All Around Safe Block, which have been making raves on the internet, so, I decided to purchase the product, put it into the test and see for sure if it worths all the hype.

Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ All Around Safe Block.

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This is an organic (Chemical) Sunblock, which contains 50+ UVA and UVB protection, which includes aging and burning ray protection, meant for everyday use. This sunscreen is made in Korea. According to the brand, the sunscreen is dermatologically tested. Not only does this sun-shielding product contains 50+ UVA and UVB protection, but also contains skin soothing ingredients which offers cooling sensation on the skin and also delivers protecting-potentials by shielding the skin from sun damage.

The active ingredient used in this product will be briefly explained below:

• Octocrylene: This is an organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics. Octocrylene protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun and premature skin aging. This sun-filter ingredient mainly absorbs UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for aging and also skin cancer. Octocrylene remains stable and therefore effective during exposure to the sun.

• Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water: This ingredient help soothe and condition the skin. This flower-extract is traditionally used in European phytotherapy to treat smaller eye inflammations and contain polysaccharides (mainly galacturonic acid, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, and galactose) all thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It’s included in cosmetics due to its content of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss.
  Caprylic/capric triglyceride can also function as a thickener, and can work as a preservative of sorts to make the active ingredients in cosmetics last longer, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. This ingredient’s value for skin is made greater by the fact that it’s considered gentle.

• Antozone-Rose: Antozone-rose extract helps protects skin from harmful environmental aggressors and soothe the skin irritated from strong sunlight.

• Thanakha Extract: Thanakha extract has a cooling effect that helps sooth the skin exhausted from external environmental aggressors such as solar heat, pollution and ozone. Thanakha extract is mostly used as a toner for oily skin, it also has astringent properties which helps to cool and soothe the skin. These effects are achieved while keeping the protective layer of oil found on the skin intact. The astringent and antiseptic properties of Thanakha also clear the skin, inhibit infections, and prevent scarring.

• Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water: This flower-extract contains medicinal and anti-aging properties, it allows the skin to restore its cellular memory and promotes youthful, tightened skin.

• kaki Leaf Extract: This leaf extract has promising antioxidant activity and sebum reduction potentials and also reduction in size and number of skin pores making it very helpful to tackle skin-texture-irregularities.

• Pueraria Lobata extract: This plant is obtained from the root of Pueraria lobata, also known as kudzu, it’s a plant used in traditional Chinese to help visibly reduce the look of puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Packaging.

Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ comes well-packaged in a squeeze tube bottle with a screw-top lid. It has a small nozzle for a controlled product dispensing.

Texture.

Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ has a lightweight gel-texture (which is runny in consistency), and glides effortlessly on the skin and also absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy or white-cast residue behind.

It cools down the skin upon application and delivers hydrating, and soothing effect which sort-of keeps the skin moisturized (but this shouldn’t replace your moisturizer).

Size.

Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ comes in a 50ml tube size.

Ingredients.

Water, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Butylene Glycol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water 0418.

My Honest Review On Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ All Around Safe Block.

First thing first, for the fact that this sunscreen has a lightweight texture, absorbs quickly into the skin, hydrates, cools, and soothes the skin made me instantly fall in love with it upon application.

After applying my skincare products and sealing-in with my moisturizer, I plunge ahead to applying the Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ before stepping outdoors. There was no sort of pilling experienced, it blended and absorbs well in the skin without leaving any trace of residue behind such as white-cast or sticky feeling.

Talking about providing adequate sun protection, I think this product does its best. Since the incorporation of this sunscreen in my skincare routine, I have never suffered any detriments from the sun. I feel my skin is optimally protected from UVA and UVB rays.

I tend to reapply this product if I should extensively sweat, or if I should indulge myself in swimming as this product isn’t a waterproof sunscreen, so it tends to wash-off if you profusely sweat or engage yourself in swimming, thereby leaving your skin vulnerable to sun’s UVA and UVB rays, so it’s best to reapply this sunscreen if any of the aforementioned activities takes place.

Since using this sunscreen for three weeks, I have never sustained any form of breakouts or irritations. It blends well with my skincare products and everything goes smoothly.

Sometimes I skip applying my moisturizer and go straight to applying this sunscreen after applying my vitamin C serum (except for days of dry climate or seasons) as this sunscreen is infused with skin hydrating and soothing ingredients. In fact, it’s a sunscreen made with moisturizing-base.

But if you tend to have super dry skin, then you don’t need to skip your moisturizer for this sunscreen as your skin needs adequate hydration, and this sunscreen may not offer sufficient hydration needed. But nevertheless, Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50 is hydrating to the skin.

Personally I think Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ is suitable for all skin types. Whether you have an oily, dry, sensitive or combination skin, you’ll definitely enjoy the soothing, hydrating, skin-cooling effect and sun-protection potentials of this sunscreen. But ensure to do a patch test first prior to product application to test for allergy.

I think this sunscreen has made a space for itself in my skincare cabinet, and will remain in my skincare routine till I say otherwise.

What I Like About Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ All Around Safe Block.

• It’s pocket-friendly.
• It’s travel-friendly.
• It contains high SPF 50.
• It’s an all-round UVA and UVB sunblock.
• It hydrates, soothes and cools the skin.
• It absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue.

What I Dislike About Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ All Around Safe Block.

It contains fragrance. Although it doesn’t say if it’s a synthetic or natural fragrance (as the name of the fragrance wasn’t specifically mentioned).

Synthetic fragrance can potentially cause skin irritation or acne breakouts, especially if you have sensitive skin, therefore I strongly advice to do a patch test prior to application. If irritation occurs discontinue usage immediately.

Update. 

The cult-favorite sunscreen Missha Aqua Sun Gel 50+ has been reformulated. The skincare company made some modifications in their product, by removing some ingredients and replacing them with new ingredients which impacted and changed the sunscreen’s texture from the usual lightweight gel texture it was, to somewhat thicker texture, which made it more hydrating. But leaves a shine behind, unlike its previous dewy, matte finish. 

Although the texture is still lightweight, but it feels slightly heavier at first when applied on the skin. But It subside after 30 minutes. If you’re an old user of Missha Aqua Sun Gel Sunscreen, you would definitely notice a change in the texture. 

The ‘Gel’ title on the pack of the old version was removed on the new version, which goes a long way to portray that the new version is no longer in a gel formulation. 

The new reformulated version now has a slightly thicker texture, thus more hydrating. And also a new scent too.

The changes made in the ingredients list includes:

• All flower extracts were removed.
• All forms of Dimethicone were removed.
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride was removed.
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract was removed.
• Morus Alba Fruit Extract was removed. 
• Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract was removed. 
• Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract was removed.
• Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract was removed.
• Pueraria Lobata Root Extract was removed. 
• Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Water was removed. 
• Glycerin was added. 
• Propanediol was added.
• Octadecane was added. 
• Tocopherol was added. 
• Tromethamine was added. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate was added.
• Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate was added.
• Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid was added. 

Old Ingredients List Of Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+.

Water, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Butylene Glycol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water 0418, Fragrance.

New Ingredients List Of Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+.

Purified Water, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Dibutyl Adipate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Caprylyl Methicone, Polysilicone-15, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglycerol Lyl-3Methylglucose Distearate , Vp/​​Eicosene Copolymer, Octadecane, Lactic Acid/​Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Tromethamine, Decyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Acrylate/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexyl-Glycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Polyether-1, Caprylyl Glycol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Guaiazulene, Glycerin, ​Lauryl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Fragrance.

Possible Questions & Answers.

Q: What is UVA & UVB exposure?

A: Ultraviolet A-rays called “UVA” for short, is a radiation that makes up 95% of all the UV rays that make it to the Earth’s surface.
UVA penetrates deep into our skin and can even pass through glass. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, all the way into the inner layers.

While ultraviolet B-rays called “UVB” for short, is a radiation that makes up only 5% of the UV rays from the sun, but in a very high energy. UVB does not penetrate as deeply as UVA, but it can wreak havoc on the top layers of your skin. UVB rays come in contact with the outer layer of the skin.

From the explanation above, I hope you can see a big reason why you should protect your skin from sun exposure.

Q: Is Chemical sunscreen dangerous to the skin?

A: Although chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin to the bloodstream, unlike physical sunscreen which stays at the top layer of the skin to shield the skin from sun exposure, but no data till date shows that any FDA-approved chemical sunscreens are harmful. Dr. Tyler Hollmig, director of dermatologic surgery at University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin says.

But if you should encounter irritations while using any chemical sunscreen, cease usage immediately and consult your dermatologist. Also ensure not to use chemical sunscreen on a broken or compromised skin.

Q: What is the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen.

A: Sunscreen are categorised into two types, physical (also called mineral) and chemical sunscreen.

Physical sunscreen acts like a barrier, they sit on the top layer of the skin to protect or shield the skin from sun exposure. That’s why you get to have white-cast residue after applying physical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreen on the other hand penetrates into the skin, where they stay to absorb UVA and UVB light rays before it’s able to damage the sensitive DNA of the skin cells. That’s why chemical sunscreens tend to be more elegant in terms of ease of application and minimizing that white-cast residue.

Chemical sunscreens act almost like a sponge, absorbing UV light, while physical (or mineral) sunscreens act more like a shield, deflecting the sun’s rays.

Physical sunscreen is made with the mineral-based ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

While common ingredients in chemical sunscreens include, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.

Q: What quantity of sunscreen should I apply?

A: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen on sun exposed area, the amount equivalent to two tablespoons on your face and neck.

Personally i usually use 2-3 fingers worth to cover my face & neck in one layer.

Q: Is this sunscreen suitable for all skin types?

A: From my personal experience with Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+, (because I have an oily and sensitive skin), I think this sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. Because it’s light-weight in texture, and contains skin soothing, hydrating and nourishing ingredients which makes it suitable for all skin types. But ensure to do a patch test first prior to product application to test for allergy.

Q: How do you use the Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+?

• I Cleanse.
• I tone (with a toner).
• I treat & protect (with vitamin C serum).
• I moisturize.
• I protect with Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+.
• I step out like a boss.

Disclaimer: This is a personal experience with The Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ All Around Safe Block, you may have a whole different experience as skin type differs so as result differs too.

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