Naruko AM+PM Real Xpert 10-peptide total defense sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

Hello! Today I would like to review product from one of my favourite asian brands Naruko.This particular product is from their AM+PM line, designed for office ladies.

Packaging/Pricing:

50ml (1.75fl.oz) Use within 6 months once opened. Nice sleek white bottle with small nozzle, that will keep ingredients stable. I do not approve of any sort of jar packaging, as it is ridiculous to pay money for something that will not keep ingredients stable for more than a week. Pricing is not too bad, but still it is not completely budget friendly choice at 26$ US. On the side note, US Naruko website (Naruko) always have promotions going on. I picked it up for 21$ US.

Ingredients:

Actives: Octylmethoxy Cinnamate 10%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 3%

Other:Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Oleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyloyl Hydroxytheonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15, Pentapeptide-18, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Oligopeptide-68, Nonapeptide-1, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Methylisothiazolinone.

Excellent (only beneficial ingredients, proven research)
Good (mostly beneficial, not extensive research or just not quite outstanding properties)
OK (mostly thickeners, emulsifiers, mild preservatives, pH adjusters, all that is necessary, but not a skincare per se)
Bad (irritants and such)

Ingredient Discussion:

There are really 10 peptides as they promise which are always nice to have in your skincare. Peptides usually serve as cell-communicating agents and make your skin work better. Unfortunately this formula really lacks antioxidants and anti-irritants which I believe are essential in skincare. Especially if you are in the sun they work beautifully paired with sunscreen to protect skin from radical damage. Overall I always prefer my products to be well rounded. Sunscreen wise this product offers quite high broad spectrum protection: Octylmethoxy Cinnamate from UVB rays, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate from UVA rays. Both ingredients have proven research behind them. Quite relieved actually. Nothing worse than taking steps to protect your skin and ending up in the sun absorbing all the damage. I also would like this formula to have more skin-identical ingredients (AKA plant oils or hyaluronic acid). But firstly it does have glycerin which is a cheap skin-identical ingredient, and secondly people with oily skin might disagree with me on that. It's just a personal preference not really a complaint. The only ingredient marked in red is a preservative and not very mild unfortunately, but since it is the lowest concentration wise I can deal with that. I have to note that this product is fragrance free, which is brilliant. Any fragrance is irritant (no exception).

 

Consumer thoughts: 

The texture is very liquidy and light. You would have to shake it each time before use. Absorbs very quickly which would be ideal for vacation or hot climates or reapplying on the go. Smells faintly of sunscreen. I found it to be not moisturising enough for my face without additional layer of serum or lotion (Note though, I have normal to dry skin type). I personally use it mostly on my neck and chest. My eyes are quite sensitive to some chemical sunscreen ingredients, and in the summer I stick to physical sunscreen mostly. I was pleasantly surprised that these ingredients didn't cause any irritation. And I can safely use it all over the face.

Verdict:

Like this product. I would give it 4-4,5 out of 5. Like the packaging, like high sunscreen that does not irritate eyes, like texture, mostly like ingredients. My three minor complaints are, first, no antioxidants (problem solved by using antioxidant serum underneath), second, not moisturizing enough (though I guess I am used to moisturizers with sunscreen, while this is only sunscreen), third, a little bit not as budget friendly. I do usually apply my sunscreen liberally and this bottle would not lust long (I find liquid textures are not as economical).

Would I repurchase? Absolutely! Especially for trips to sunny hot places. Would I recommend? Yes.

P.S.: Product is cruelty free =)