Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Review: Pros and Cons After Testing

We also tested the sunscreen on real skin, not just with a UV label. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence was applied to the back of a male staff member at our office.

After application, he stayed under direct sunlight on the building’s rooftop for about 30 minutes. Since the skin became slightly red after sun exposure, we waited for it to calm before checking the condition and assessing the results.

Because the sunscreen wasn’t spread evenly in some areas, parts of the skin turned a faint pink. However, it blocked most UV exposure overall, so its sun protection performance itself wasn’t a concern. With this level of protection, it should provide enough coverage even during the summer season, when sunburn is more likely.

The sunscreen applied to the skin also effectively blocked direct sunlight and prevented noticeable sunburn. To avoid uneven coverage, the key is not to apply too much at once. Instead, use small amounts and spread carefully.

When applying it to the face in particular, using the pads of your fingertips to distribute the product evenly helps reduce streaking and makes it easier to achieve a smooth, uniform finish.

After rubbing the area with a towel, we found that most of the sunscreen had come off. Because it easily wears away when rubbed by towels or clothing, its resistance to friction is limited.

For areas like the face, which are less likely to be rubbed frequently, constant reapplication isn’t always necessary. However, if you’re spending long hours outdoors, it’s best to reapply about every two to three hours to maintain adequate sun protection.

When we sprayed the simulated sweat onto the skin, the sunscreen washed off fairly easily. Although it’s labeled as waterproof, it wore away quickly, so using it at the beach or in the pool isn’t recommended.

That said, while it isn’t strong against water or sweat, its sun protection performance itself is still dependable. For this reason, it’s better suited for everyday use, where reapplication is easy and frequent touch-ups are manageable.

As the product claims to be easy to remove with soap, its wash-off performance was impressive. Even though it’s labeled as waterproof, most of the sunscreen came off with just a few gentle passes using a regular facial cleanser.

While it doesn’t offer strong water resistance, being able to remove it easily with your usual facial wash or body soap helps reduce stress on the skin. That said, given its UV protection level and the need for frequent reapplication, a double cleanse is a safer option to ensure no residue remains.

While you might expect a very light, watery feel, the texture is more gel-like and feels slightly heavier on the skin. Even a small amount spreads easily over a wide area, but a noticeable sticky feeling can remain after application, which may be a drawback for some users.

Applying too much at once tends to increase this stickiness. For best results, use a small amount and spread it thinly, gradually building coverage to keep the finish more comfortable.