Which is better? Biore UV Body Care Serum SPF50 or My All-time favourite Body Sunscreen?

Hot and sunny days are here! Let’s check out Biore UV Body Care Serum that comes with a high SPF50 and see how it fares against my all-time favourite body sunscreen – Nivea Extra White.

Which sits more comfortable on skin especially in our hot and humid climate? And which is better value for money? We’ll find out. 

 

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More about Biore UV Body Care Serum

Biore UV Body Care Serum comes in a few variations that cater to different skin needs, such as one for whitening and another for a refresh feel. The one we are reviewing today is “Extra Moist”.

This variation contains Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid and is said to offer intensive moisturising in addition to offering UV protection. It also claims to shield the skin from pollution, whatever that means. :) 

Anti-Pollution? According to Biore’s marketing write-up, pollutants such as dust and dirt can cause skin dehydration, rough skin and uneven skin tone. 

You may also want to know that the product is made in Vietnam even though Biore is a trademark from Japan. This is not unusual in the current globalised business world. For reference, Nivea Extra White is a German brand but the product is made in Thailand. 

Now that we know more about Biore Body Care Serum, let’s zoom in and talk about its pros first before we move on to its cons. I’ll make reference to Nivea Extra White whenever relevant.  

 

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What’s Great about Biore UV Body Care Serum (Extra Moist)?

1. High UV Protection

As compared to Nivea Extra White, Biore UV Body Care Serum comes with a higher sun protection of SPF 50+ PA+++. Nivea only offers SPF30 PA++. 

Therefore, I find myself worrying less when wearing Biore UV Body Serum, especially on days when I would be out in the sun a little more than usual. But I have to highlight that this doesn’t replace my specialized heavy-duty sunscreen, which I depend on when I engage in sun and water activities.  

> MUST-READ: 5 years on and still loving Nivea Extra White Essence

2. Comfortable on Skin

Both Nivea and Biore feel comfortable on skin and has the finish of a lightweight lotion. Although Biore (Extra Moist) may feel a tad heavier than Nivea serum, the difference is not by much. You may not notice a difference if you are not writing a product review. 

Biore UV Extra Moist Serum is a sunscreen you can use everyday, and have it applied all over your body whether outdoor or indoor and not feel any stickiness. Of course, it doesn’t offer a bare-skin feel as compared to many Japan sunscreen. But I think it’s a great option for those who would be in air-conditioned environment as Biore Extra Moist UV Serum can keep the skin moisturised for hours. 

If you prefer a lighter version, you can also try out Biore’s “Refreshing White” formula.

> RELATED: Review of Suncut Waterproof UV Protect Gel

3. Easy to Apply & No White Cast

Some heavy-weight sunscreens are difficult to apply and leave behind obvious whitecast. Not the case for Biore UV Body Care Serum as its lightweight texture spreads easily and absorbs quickly. You will also not notice any obvious white layer on skin.

4. Moisturising Ingredients

The ‘extra moist” version of Biore UV Body Care Serum contains moisturising ingredients such as  Vitamin B3, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid. This gives the skin a light veil of moisture that lasts for hours.

Similarly, Nivea Extra White does have ingredients that keep the skin feeling soft and moisturised, such as Glycerin. 

5. Water-Resistant 

I like it that Biore Body Sunscreen’s formula is water-resistant and can withstand perspiration. This would be good for use during daytime jogging. 

Nivea Extra White on the other hand does not offer such a claim. When I applied it during a jog, I can see white streaks of perspiration flowing down my skin. Hence, Nivea would be better reserved for non-active moments.

6. Love its Scent

I love the perfumy scent of Biore UV Body Care Serum. I’m not very good in describing scent, but this should fall under the refreshing category. Definitely not sweet or fruity as I’m not a fan of those fragrance notes.

 

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What’s not great? 

1. Pricier than Nivea

Biore UV Body Care Serum SPF50+ is actually quite cheap as compared to sunscreen meant for the face. At just S$13, you get 150ml of product which is quite a good deal. 

However, if we compare it with Nivea body sunscreen, this 150ml pales in comparison with Nivea’s 350ml pump bottle. Both are priced at similar range in absolute terms.

Therefore, if I am going to be indoor most of the time, I would gravitate towards Nivea Extra White Serum SPF30 PA++ just because it’s cheaper.

2. Contains Alcohol & Perfume 

Alcohol is listed as Biore UV Sunscreen’s second-most ingredient. That explains why the product absorbs quickly.

So far, I’m not bothered by the alcohol content as I stay in a humid country. But to those living in drier climate and/or have dry skin, you may like to take note and see if there are better options. As shared earlier, this sunscreen also contains perfume which may be a concern for those with sensitive skin.

Below shows the ingredients of Biore UV Body Care Serum: 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dextrin Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Aluminum Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polysilicone-9, Stearic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, PEG-400, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Agar, Isoceteth-20, BHT, Arginine, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Soluble Collagen, Phenoxyethanol

 

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So, should you get Biore UV Body Care Serum or Nivea? 

I like Biore UV Body Care Serum for its higher sun protection, comfortable finish and refreshing scent. If it’s as cheap as Nivea on a per unit basis, I would gladly use it everyday.

But since it’s slightly pricier, I tend to reach out for it only when I know I will be exposed to the sun a little more than usual (e.g. 30% outdoor; 70% indoor), or when I expect to perspire. On the other hand, Nivea is the one I would use when I am going to be indoor most of the time (e.g. 90% indoor). I also love its pump design which makes application easier.

Therefore, which product you choose really depends on your lifestyle. As for me, I am happy having both on my vanity desk right now, as it gives me options. Rating: 4/5.

 

To find out the latest price on Amazon, click HERE

Or view price on Shopee (SG). 

 

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