Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen Comparison - Japanese Watery Essence vs. Canadian SPF 30 and 50

I have been using the Japanese Biore UV Watery Essence SPF 50 PA++++ for years - since 2016 at least and I've seen it through a few reformulations, but have continued to love and use it. It was only available through sites that shipped from Japan or other places that it was sold. 

I purchased everything in this post

So, I was really excited when it was announced that the iconic sunscreen was being reformulated for Canadian sales - naturally I had to pick up all of them so I could compare the formulas and let you know if the new reformulation is just as good as the original! 

Here is a look at the 3 formulas - the original vs SPF 30 vs SPF 50. At first glance, the original formula really lives up to it's watery essence name. The reformulation is a little more creamy. I will post the ingredients below, but the actives in the sunscreen are a little bit different. 

Make sure to check out my instagram video to see how these all apply - the new formula did apply more visible and then absorbed in to the skin in about a minute and where well, where the original formula applies clear instantly. They do wear very similarly, and non-irritating and are comfortable on the skin! 

Biore UV Watery Essence SPF 50 PA++++ ~ $13.99 CAN. This hydrating sunscreen infused with hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract comes with SPF 50+ PA++++ UV protection. The waterproof formula absorbs quickly into skin and leaves zero white cast. This product is suitable for both the face and body. Sensitive skin-friendly formula is made free of artificial colorants.

Japan has hands down the best sunscreen formulas - it is a little weird to me that Canada doesn't recognize their standards, but it is accessible to us through some great websites. The formula is so light and feels like nothing is on while offering some of the best sun protection! 

Here's a look at the ingredients in the original formula for comparison to the reformulations! 

Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 30 ~ $19.99 CAN. It’s a moisturizer. It protects. And it’s invisible. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer with SPF 30 provides all day visible moisture and helps protect your skin from UV rays, without clogging pores or feeling heavy. Infused with Hyaluronic acid—a skincare hero known to moisturize—and micro-defense technology, Bioré Aqua Rich SPF 30 weightless moisturizer absorbs in an instant, and disappears into all skin tones with no white cast. It’s developed from Bioré Japan’s water-based sun protection, iconic for their fresh textures and invisible clean protection. This moisturizer with SPF 30 UVA & UVB is feather-light, spreads easily and absorbs instantly to hydrate and help protect from UV rays. Expertly formulated to deliver sheer, breathable protection, this dermatologist-tested moisturizer with SPF is oil free and oxybenzone and octinoxate free, as well as formulated for sensitive skin. The lightweight texture and non-greasy feel works great under makeup, without pilling or streaking.

I tend to stick to SPF 50 myself, but wanted to try the 30 formula incase there are any differences. Again, this does absorb well and leaves no trace on the skin - comfortable and gentle on the skin and it's a great comparable formula to the original! 

And, a look at the formula for the Biore Aqua Rich SPF 30. 

Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50 ~ $19.99 CAN. It’s a moisturizer. It protects. And it’s invisible. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer with SPF 50 provides all day visible moisture and helps protect your skin from UV rays, without clogging pores or feeling heavy. Infused with Hyaluronic acid—a skincare hero known to moisturize—and micro-defense technology, Bioré Aqua Rich SPF 50 weightless moisturizer absorbs in an instant, and disappears into all skin tones with no white cast. It’s developed from Bioré Japan’s water-based sun protection, iconic for their fresh textures and invisible clean protection. This moisturizer with SPF 50 UVA & UVB is feather-light, spreads easily and absorbs instantly to hydrate and help protect from UV rays. Expertly formulated to deliver sheer, breathable protection, this dermatologist-tested moisturizer with SPF is oil free and oxybenzone and octinoxate free, as well as formulated for sensitive skin. The lightweight texture and non-greasy feel works great under makeup, without pilling or streaking.

I'm always excited to see an SPF 50 - I wear this level of protection most days, so I'm always happy to find a good formula. With three fingers, this did fully absorb and lave no trace - it wore well on the skin and was a gentle formula! I think this is a good comparable to the original formula. 

And, here is a look at the ingredients - just a slightly higher concentration of actives compared to the SPF 30 formula! 

Overall, I think the reformulation are some of the best SPFs we are going to find in Canada! They absorbed well in to the skin and left no trace. The only difference is the slightly more watery essence in the original Japanese formula which I prefer slightly more upon application!