Shigaisen Yohou UV Sarasara Gel SPF30 PA+++

Here's another study in contrast: this 250g pump bottle of Shigaisen Yohou UV Sarasara Gel SPF30 PA+++ versus the terrible Mama Aqua Savon UV Moisture Gel Coral Safe. My boys just finished up this Shigaisen Yohou bottle and apparently they really liked it! I tried it a few times myself as I was cleaning out the last bit left in the bottle and I totally see why. 

Note: this is for the older version with SPF30 PA+++. The newest version has 260g of product and SPF45 PA+++, slightly more product with notably higher sun protection, which makes this sunscreen all the better in my opinion.  

 

Shigaisen Yohou was a very light gel that went on like water and then disappeared into the skin, an absolute pleasure to use. There was a light scent of orange citrus that dissipated rather quickly. The finish was skin-like and slightly mattefying, which was surprising to me. I was worried this slight mattefying effect might translate to dry skin for my boys, but thankfully the dry skin didn't happen. Now, it wasn't a "moisturizing" sunscreen, but at least it wasn't drying for my boys' eczema-prone skin. 

 

Other than having no artificial fragrance (the orange citrus scent came from the orange oil in the ingredients), this sunscreen was also colorant-free, and was free of mineral oils, parabens, alcohol, and silicone. The drawback is that it was easy-on easy-off, as in not water or sweat resistant and was meant only for incidental sun exposure and daily use going to and from school. For outdoor sports, the pool, or the beach, we apply a different waterproof sunscreen milk anyway. Will definitely repurchase. 

So far, within the past 3 years, I've discovered several easy-on-easy-off (not water or sweat proof or resistant) sunscreens that were pleasant for the kids and ourselves to use, gentle to their eczema-prone skin, and have decent sun protection. I'm listing them below just in case you're curious or interested in trying them. Happy exploring!

 

Again, ALL of the below listed sunscreens are NOT water or sweat proof or resistant. They are all easy-on-easy-off formula for incidental sun exposure and daily use to and from school only.  

 

1. Mama Labo UV Gel SPF41 PA+++: 1,400yen (~$9.50)/280g, high SPF, faint and inoffensive citrus scent.

2. The newer version of this Shigaisen Yohou UV Sarasara Gel, with SPF45 PA+++: 1,980yen (~$13.50)/260g, highest SPF of the bunch, faint and inoffensive citrus scent.  

3. Hiyo-Coat Sunscreen Milk Gel SPF35 PA+++ aka Duck Sauce: 990yen (~$6.75)/100g, high-ish SPF, mild menthol scent with slight minty sensation, that ducky bottle!

4. Mommy! UV Mild Gel SPF33 PA+++ aka Bear Sauce: 990yen (~$6.75)/100g, high-ish SPF, mild menthol scent with slight minty sensation, that bear bottle!

5. Mama Hug Sunscreen Milk SPF34 PA+++: 1,045yen (~$7.25)/100g, high-ish SPF, unscented but does have a mild smell.  

6. Honorable mention--Menturm Sun Bears Mild Gel SPF35 PA+++: 880yen (~$6)/30g, high-ish SPF, stronger menthol scent and minty sensation, very portable and travel-friendly option!