Kose Sekkisei's new sunscreens review: The Kose Sekkisei UV Essence Gel vs UV Essence Milk – which is better?
This beauty journalist puts the new Kose Sekkisei Skincare UV Essence Gel and UV Essence Milk to the test and here’s what I think.
In my years as a beauty journalist speaking with dermatologists, aestheticians, scientists, skincare founders, beauty influencers, and well-known personalities one thing is clear – sunscreen should be an essential part of any skincare routine. Hear it from the experts and read about the importance of sunscreen here, here, here, and here. As someone who got badly burnt (literally) by the sun’s rays when I was only 17, I have since become an advocate of sunscreens. Read all about my horror sunburnt experience here.
So when Japanese brand Kose Sekkisei launched two new sunscreens last month, a gel and a milk variant, I was stoked to try them out. Known for their Japanese technology which harnesses Asian herbs, these sunscreens are also touted as their “strongest UV protection” yet. The new formulations also come with moisturising benefits akin to an essence (oh, so lightweight!) – an important factor, especially in hot and humid Singapore. The new formulation is infused with three types of Job's Tears and Asian Herb extracts which bring about skin hydration and smooth skin. So far so good. Let’s put it to the test!
Shop Kose Sekkisei on Lazada | Shopee
Exclusive New Launch: Kose Sekkisei New Launch Skincare Blockbuster Set, includes the New Lotion & Skincare UV Defense Sunscreen Milk
First impressions: Main ingredients and difference
Weight/Size
The Kose Sekkisei Skincare UV Defense Essence Gel, SPF50+, PA++++ (hereafter referred to as ‘Gel’) comes in a generous 90g, while the Kose Sekkisei Skincare UV Defense Essence Milk, SPF50+, PA++++ (hereafter referred to as ‘Milk’), is available in a handy 60g.
Packaging
There’s a slight design tweak with a silver chrome around the Essence Milk, which elevates its classic Sekkisei’s deep lapis lazuli blue representing the Earth while the white references the snow for its brightening features. Both products come with a flat base which allows them to stand on your beauty pantry or vanity table. The other main difference is when you use the Milk version, you will need to give it a little shake to activate and blend the goodness in them just before application.
Smell
There’s no distinctive smell that may potentially put anyone off.
Where/Usage
For use on both the face and the hands, I tried both the Essence Gel and Essence Milk separately on different occasions and different body parts.
Feel and texture
Using essentially the same ingredients but engineered to result in different textures, the Gel offers more hydration while the Milk has a cooling and mattifying effect on the skin. The Gel left a healthy-looking sheen on my skin which was not sticky at all, to my surprise. It felt extremely comfortable for my dehydrated skin.
The Milk also performed well and was extremely smooth to the touch. Upon application, it appeared as if there was a thin, comfortable veil protecting my skin.
Both textures were easily absorbed and felt comfortable on my skin. The Milk left a more ‘powdery’ feel as compared to Gel which made my skin appear just that little bit more glowy.
Ingredients that are good for your skin
Both sunscreens are packed with three types of Job's tears (which is a highly concentrated extract of Coix Seeds) — Japanese Job’s tears extract, fermented Job’s tears extract, and Job's tears water — which enhances skin moisture and clarity.
Studying the ingredients further, I noticed the inclusion of one of my favourite ingredients – squalane. If you are not clued in on why I absolutely love squalane, have a read at how this one ingredient saved my skin and my social life. TL;DR, squalene mimics our skin’s natural oils. However, with age, our bodies produce less and less of it. And that’s why our skin welcomes it.
The main differences: Kosé Sekkisei Skincare UV Essence Gel
1. The first formula with a flexible "Hydrasplash” polymer that retains water to ensure effortless blending and effective hydration. It spreads easily and shields our skin from UV rays with a lightweight and non-sticky veil.
2. Infused with Clarity Powder (science speak refers to it as 'synthetic fluor phlogopite') that instantly bestows a bright and radiant appearance upon application.
Main differences: Kosé Sekkisei Skincare UV Essence Milk
1. The formula uses lightweight oil that melts into the skin, giving a thin, non-sticky veil that protects the skin from UV rays and external stimuli.
2. Utilises Stretch Veil (a well-balanced blend of two polymers) that flexibly adheres to the skin and prevents smudging during sports activities.
3. Two-layer type formulation – shake before use.
What both the Gel and Milk do: More reasons to love them
1. Super waterproof formula that withstands sweat and water which can still be easily removed using regular facial cleanser or body soap.
2. Blocks UV rays and airborne particles (pollen, PM2.5, dirt, dust, etc.).
3. Can be used as a makeup base.
4. Coral-Friendly Formula: Its environmentally friendly formulation is free from OMC (a UV absorber regulated in select regions) and D5 (a silicone oil regulated in the EU).
5. Dermatologically-tested.
6. Its formulation is less likely to cause acne.
7. Free from colourants and parabens.
Attractive price points
Giving you more bang for your buck, Kosé Sekkisei Skincare UV Essence Gel costs only S$33 for 90g, which is still a good size to carry around be it for everyday reapplication or travels. The Kosé Sekkisei Skincare UV Essence Milk also comes with a very affordable price tag of S$37 for 60g.
Are the new Kose Sekkisei sunscreens worth getting? Which one should you get?
I have used both the Gel and the Milk when I'm back in the office, when I'm working from home (fending off the harmful rays from the windows!) when I was working out in the gym, and when I take walks along our beautiful parks. Even when I perspired, there was no trace of the awful white residue that mixes with the sweat trickling down, something I have personally experienced with other sunscreens.
However, the day I was in the airconditioned room for the bulk of the day, I did feel my skin getting a little tight. As my skin gradually transforms from oily to dehydrated, I feel like instead of reaching out for anything mattifying, I now look to more hydrating products.
For occasions where I tend to be more exposed to the sun's rays, I prefer to use the Milk which melts perfectly when I start to break out in sweat sessions. And on days when I'm indoors and especially in airconditioned rooms, the Gel worked better for me, under my makeup. I have also used the Gel on my face and Milk on my body and the best thing is they both do not transfer to my clothes. I also like to bring out the more handy Milk at only 60g for touch-ups during the day. This year, I made a promise to myself to always remember to touch up my sunscreens mid-day.
Apart from their very attractive price points, the Gel at S$33 and Milk at S$37, what I dig about these two new formulations is how easy to wash off they are. According to the brand, thanks to its water-repellant coating that is compatible with soap ingredients, it is resistant to sweat and water, yet easy to come off with a normal cleansing facial cleanser or soap. Now if that translates to more cost and time savings for us, I’m on board!
Comparing the costs of good performing sunscreens in the market, Kose Sekkisei’s latest reformulations for both the Gel and Milk offer extremely great value for money. And if you are to shop before month's end, you get gifts with every purchase. Making your investment for your skin is very worth it. So shop now!
This Kosé Sekkisei lineup is available on the Kose Official store on Lazada and Shopee.
Collect S$4 and S$12 vouchers with minimum spend!
Kosé Sekkisei Brightening Essence Lotion
Of course, when it comes to skin brightening, no one does it better than the Japanese. Along with Sekkisei’s Skincare UV Essence Gel and UV Essence Milk, the brand also launched the Kosé Sekkisei Brightening Essence Lotion. It is touted as the 'First In Japan' for its dual effect of brightening and improving the complexion.
The revitalised Sekkisei Brightening Essence Lotion is the brand's first-ever renewed product, targeted to reveal new levels of clear and radiant skin. This revolutionary breakthrough is thanks to the inclusion of a new active ingredient derived from Licorice, widely recognized as the king of Japanese and Chinese botanicals.
The Licorice-derived active ingredient effectively tackles the root cause of dark spots, dullness, and rough skin. It inhibits the production of an inflammatory substance called "prostaglandins" that is produced by the skin cells when exposed to external stimuli such as UV rays. This innovative proprietary active ingredient effectively suppresses prostaglandins and enhances skin barriers to help nurture healthier skin.
The new Kosé Sekkisei Brightening Essence Lotion is also non-sticky absorbs into the skin easily and comes with a refreshing floral fragrance
Kosé Sekkisei Brightening Essence Lotion, S$50 for 200ml, $80 for 350ml.
Get it on sale at Shopee.
Shop before 31 March on Lazada.
