Another Japanese product review about the Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist Neo, which I received from Kirei Station together with the Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks. I really like that japanese sunscreen tend to be less greasy and do not leave a thick white cast compared to western sunscreen. On the other hand you have to differentiate between the sunscreens which are suited for outdoor activities and their sunscreens, which are only suited for every day (going to work and being exposed only to a minimum to sunlight). The sunscreen here is suited for outdoor activities and is also water- and sweatproof with a high UV protection and is a good choice for the upcoming sunny months.

Kanebo is one of the leading Japanese cosmetic brands and their history goes back to 1887! Their cosmetics production started in 1937 and since then they have grown with many different brands like Kate, Allie, Freshel, Coffret D’Or, Lunasol…or their western brands eg. Sensai (this is also available in Germany, but is is quite expensive). Allie was founded in 2000 and has launched several sunscreens from there on, until their newest update, the Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist Neo, which I’m reviewing here.

Like most Japanese products the sunscreen comes packed in plastic containing a large tube of 90 g! I was really surprised about the size, since the previous Japanese sunscreens tend to be quite smaller than my expectations :D. This sunscreen is made for outdoor activities with an SPF of 50+/PA++++. It is suited for physical activities outdoors, for beach and vacation and has a water-resistant formula, which is sweat-proof and sebum, too. Nevertheless, please reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming, or you will risk sunburn! The sunscreen can be used on body and the face.

You can look up the ingredients on COSDNA and you will see that the key UV protection is given by these four ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (also known as Octinoxate), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), and BisEthylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S). Apart from the sunscreens the product also contains a bunch of moisturizers like Glycerin, Royal Honey and Hyaluronic acid. There are some potential irritants in the lists, but all in all the ingredients are safe to use.

Although the tube is designed in a simple way it is still pretty and looks neat. The tube is a regular squeezing tube with a screwing cap.

The sunscreen as a gel formula and applies easily, feeling moist and nice on the skin. It doesn’t give you this heavy or greasy feeling. It is not as runny as some other japanese sunscreens, but also has a light yellow color and a citrus scent similar to the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel. When rubbing it into the skin it feels very watery and moist and leaves a pleasant and refreshening feeling on the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaves the skin with a light glow without greasyness. Despite the glow the product does not lay itself onto the skin but seems to absorb completely, leaving a satin feeling on the skin. It also suits as makeup base therefore.

I’m very happy with the Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist Neo and it is a good alternative to the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel is you want a similar light sunscreen which is suited for outdoors. The Bioré sunscreen is not a sunscreen for outdoor activities, but it has similar texture and is great for everyday use. I received the sunscreen from Kirei Station where it retails for  3624 Yen (32 US$). You can use the discount code CODE-01 for a special discount.

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Just as a short reminder: All products mentioned and reviewed on this blog are of my personal opinions. This product here was sent to me for reviewing purpose by http://www.kirei-station.com/ which doesn’t influence me in providing my honest opinion on the products.