Bioré UV Aqua Rich Canadian Version Compared to the Japanese Version
Bioré launched earlier this year their North American version of their sunscreen. I picked a four pack up at Costco. 
This formula has an SPF of 50, which means it filters out 98 per cent of UV radiation. It is made in Canada in a carbon neutral plant, which I think is fantastic. It is supposed to be based on the Japanese water-based formula and is vegan. It comes in both 30 and 50 SPF.
Its active ingredients are Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene.
Since I happen to have a bottle of the Japanese formula from last summer and my new bottles of the Canadian formula. So let's compare the formula descriptions and then see how I feel about the formulas.
Japanese Version - Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++:
Water, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethanol, BG, isopropyl palmitate, titanium oxide, bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine, ethylhexyltriazone, dimethicone, crosspolymer (lauryl methacrylate / Na methacrylate), hydrogenated polyisobutene, diethylaminohydroxy Hexyl benzoyl benzoate, silica, hydrous silica, mica, dextrin palmitate, dipentaerythrityl tripolyhydroxystearate, (Acrylate / alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, triethoxycaprylylsilane, cetanol, glyceryl stearate, hydroxy Ethyl cellulose, polysolvate 60, polysilicone-9, Al hydroxide, K hydroxide, royal jelly extract, Na hyaluronate, tin oxide, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, EDTA-2Na, BHT, fragrance
First off, there are a few versions of the UV Aqua Rich in Japan, I happened to have found the Light Up Essence version when I was in a store last year. It has a SPF of 50+ PA++++, which means it "Very good UVA protection, up to over 95%. Filter time up to 16h", which is from what I understand as strong as their ratings go for sunscreens. It is made in Japan and has a waterproof formula with an essence in it.
Its active ingredients are Titanium Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, and Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine.
Canada's formula - Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50:
Active ingredients (w/w) Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7 %, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5 % Inactive ingredients Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dextrin Palmitate, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Glyceryl Behenate, Cetyl Alcohol, Limonene, Sorbitan Distearate, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Linalool, Geraniol, Disodium EDTA, Citral, Sodium Hyaluronate. Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. F
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| Japanese version on the top, Canadian version on the bottom. |
What do I think?
The bottles are similar and the only thing to really say is that I prefer that the Japanese version have a bit more of a tip to it and makes it less messy to apply.
The Japanese version feel a bit more watery coming out of the bottle, but not a whole ton. I applied it to the right side of my face, and the Canadian one to my left for a week. After the first day I couldn't really notice an actual difference. Both blended it well, did not sting my eyes at all (I did my lids and got sweaty, nothing stung or ran). When I looked in mirrors, my right side, which had the Japanese version on it, seemed a bit more shiny. But they both felt the same on my skin and when I touched my face. I really could not tell any difference between the two on my skin.
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| Japanese version on the top, Canadian version on the bottom. |
Overall, I think they feel identical on my skin, and cannot tell a difference at all. They are hydrating and light on the skin, it feels just lovely. I love that they both are skincare with solid SPF going on for them. They do not sting they eye and don't seem to run on my face. There is a good reason Bioré has such a good reputation for their sunscreen and it shows when using it. I have no regrets that I bought four bottles of it, they will get good use this summer.
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