This year is full of amazing sunscreens, but you would never expect that one of the best sunscreens I've tried this year is from Laneige. The new Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen mixes antioxidants and hydration with sun protection. Additionally, it's supposed to lower the temperature of your skin. Is this an ideal sunscreen for your summer?
What's UV?
UV stands for Ultraviolet. It's nothing else but the selected range of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. UV rays are invisible to humans, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Each type of UV—UVA, UVB, and UVC—has different wavelengths and properties.
UVA, UVB and UVC - what do each of them do and where can you meet them?
I'm sure you know about UVA and UVB, but UVC or the difference between UVA2 and UVA1? Let's start from the shortest wavelengths - UVC (100nm - 280nm) exist in space and is absorbed by the ozone layer, it can kill bacteria that's why on Earth you can find it in germicidal lamps - you might ask me, but these lamps are usually visible to a human - it's because they are made in a way that makes them safe for you and other people - you shouldn't enter the room when the UV lamp is on and make people aware that the lamp is on we add other substances so the lamp has a blue/purple colour when it's on. This technology is used for example at labs and hospitals.
We all remember UVB (280nm –315nm) because it is said that B in UVB stands for BURN. Indeed, this UV length is responsible for sunburns, but it also helps synthesise Vitamin D - a vitamin which we all need because lack of it can lead to osteoporosis. UVB is focused on the epidermis aka the outer layer of the skin while UVA (315nm –400nm) can penetrate through the epidermis and dermis so it penetrates your skin deeper. A in its name stands for Aging. The bad news is that UVA can penetrate glass, and both UVA and UVB cause lots of damage including skin cancer and oxidative stress.
Should I wear sunscreen at home?
We already know that UVA penetrates through the glass so do we need to use sunscreen at home? Yes, especially if you spend lots of time working near the window then it's better to put on a layer of sunscreen in the morning and have any type of protection at home as well. But you can also use window films to reduce the risk. The choice is left to you, what I do is keep my blinds on the window during the entire morning and when the sun is not that intense because my windows are situated on the Eastern side the light usually starts to fade afternoon - usually by afternoon I already have sunscreen on, few times reapplied.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
It depends on which side we look at this topic. Mineral sunscreens are sunscreens that don't contain any carbon atoms - this automatically makes them inorganic sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain carbon atoms, which makes them organic substances. The main difference is that mineral sunscreen usually leaves a white cast, and it's better if we use both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for a broad spectrum of UV protection. Chemical sunscreens don't leave a white cast, and they have more sophisticated formulas. Both are amazing, in some cases, PIH (hyperpigmentation), mineral sunscreens, and natural pigments can make a good layer of protection from UV rays.
Sunscreen reapplication
The majority of brands recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours. The reason behind this is simple - we are active, we are sweating, we wear clothes or we touch our faces. All these things can remove a layer of sunscreen from the skin. We react differently to the same amount of UV radiation - my skin might react badly to 5 minutes of sun without protection, and my skin might need 10 more minutes. That's why on average we say that reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is the best.
Brand introduction: Laneige
2019 was the year of the Laneige - Cream Skin series, new products in the Water Bank series, Laneige in Europe, Glow Makeup Serum and now Cica Mask! 2021 wasn't worse for the brand - retinol series. 2024 has just started, but Laneige has recently introduced us to new Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Creams in three different versions. Laneige is a brand with 30 years of tradition. Yes, Laneige was established in 1994 so this year Laneige turns 30! I guess we can expect some new collaborations, throwback products or something different this year. The owner of this company is Amore Pacific. The name Laneige comes from the French "La Neige", which means snow.
Laneige focuses on water and technology. This brand knows how to keep your skin hydrated while fighting other skin problems, but it's not only about skincare! The Two-Tone Bar Lipstick used by actress Song Hye-Kyo in the K-drama Descendants of The Sun sold out quickly. I remember the Two Toner Bar Lipstick better from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, starring Lee Sung-Kyung. Both actresses made an appearance in Laneige commercials. Actress Kim Yoo-Jung is currently the face of Laneige and Radian-C Cream. It's quite an affordable brand with sweet but not too sugary packaging. The packaging makes me believe that the main targets are teens and young adults. It's like a transition between Etude House and Sulwhasoo if Etude House is a teenage girl and Sulwhasoo is a mature lady.
Read more about: Laneige Radian-C Cream
Lately, you have probably seen Laneige in the K-drama "My Demon" - even the first episode had a cool product placement of Laneige Neo Cushion Matte in a renewed version. I got a new version which I'm testing for you, but meanwhile, you can check the review of the old version on Kherblog. You probably saw Kim Yoo Jung - the actress playing Do Do-hee in "My Demon" - in Laneige commercials. Laneige also has a foreign ambassador - Sydney Sweeney. One of the new Laneige ambassadors is also Jin from BTS. One of the interesting marketing moves lately was a collaboration with T1 (Korean esports team), this collaboration is available at Amore Mall*. 2025 started with some new lip sets and the introduction of Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum on the US market. We also got Matcha & Taro lip sleeping masks, a new cream skin version and new sunscreens!
Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - Packaging
Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen came to me in a blue box with yellow details. I ordered a full version of Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - 50 ml + miniature version 25 ml. Inside the box, you can spot two plastic tubes and both have great applicators - it's like a funnel at the top of the packaging. It's easy to get the texture from the packaging because the plastic is very soft.
Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - Texture & Scent
I'm surprised how light this texture is. It's hard to compare to anything, but it's a cream with a more liquid texture than other sunscreens. It leaves no white cast - I tested that on black clothes. It has a delicate scent, there's Perfume/Fragrance in the ingredients, but this scent is delicate and it smells more herbal to me.
Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - SPF Protection
Sadly, Laneige didn't share more information about Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen than what we got on the packaging. Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen has SPF 50 and PA++++.
Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Propanediol, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Methyl Trimethicone, Tromethamine, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, C20-24 Alkyl Dimethicone, Arachidyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Fragrance/Parfum, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, Bisabolol, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms, or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the product's content. Diethylhexyl Succinate is an emollient. Propanediol, also known as natural glycol, is an alternative to propylene glycol. It is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties, making the product smooth. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients.
Drometrizole Trisiloxane or Mexoryl XL is a sun-protecting agent developed and patented by L'Oréal Group in 1989. It's a chemical, photostable sunscreen that protects the skin from the negative effects of UVA & UVB radiation. This ingredient is safe for the environment. Ethylhexyl Triazone or Uvinul T 150 is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVB range (280-320nm). Its peak is at 314 nm. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or Uvinul A Plus is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVA range (320-400 nm), and its peak of protection is 354 nm.
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid is a long name, that's why you probably know this ingredient as Mexoryl SX or ecamsule. Mexoryl SX was patented in 1982 by L'oreal so when we talk about other brands we stick to the name Ecamsule. This sunscreen protects your skin from UVA radiation (315–400 nm) and peaks at 345nm. It's a chemical sunscreen with high stability. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative. It protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin and has no unpleasant effects on the epidermis.
Behenyl Alcohol might sound scary, but it's a fatty alcohol. This type of alcohol benefits the skin since it works as an emollient and helps with the product's texture. Methyl Trimethicone is a volatile silicone, a kind of silicone that evaporates right after product application. It works as a solvent in the products. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and emulsifier. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps penetrate active ingredients, protects products from drying, and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and strengthen hair.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a thickener, it helps create elegant, non-sticky formulas. C20-24 Alkyl Dimethicone helps control the viscosity of the formula. Arachidyl Alcohol is an oily emollient, it leaves a film on the skin. Caprylyl Glycol is an oily emollient and humectant that leaves a moisturizing film on the skin's surface. Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate is a surfactant, but it also helps with viscosity of the product. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Arachidyl Glucoside is a mild surfactant and emulsifier. It's a mix of arachidyl alcohol and glucose.
Fragrance (Parfum) is a composition of scents. It can cause allergic reactions. Allantoin is an ingredient that naturally occurs in our bodies, but brands usually use the synthetic form of this substance. It comes from comfrey or soybean roots and is a humectant with soothing and wound-healing properties.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a low-weight humectant. We have to remember that not every molecule can get through the skin surface and lower molecule HA can penetrate the skin deeper and bring moisture inside the skin. It's a natural polymer that binds water in the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Sodium Metaphosphate regulates the pH of the product. Bisabolol is a substance derived from Chamomile. It has anti-inflammatory properties and it speeds up the wound healing process. It's a great ingredient to calm sensitive skin. The good news is that even if you're allergic to chamomile, you can still use bisabolol.
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract or Blackberry Extract is a source of gallotannin, citric acid, malic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamins and minerals. It's an antioxidant. Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Leaf Extract is an ingredient rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. It's an antioxidant. Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars.
Sodium Hyaluronate or sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It's a form of hyaluronic acid and naturally occurs in the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate has strong water-binding properties. Sodium hyaluronate combined with elastin and collagen is like a scaffolding for the skin. It has hydrating properties and leaves a hydrating film on the skin, but sodium hyaluronate prevents skincare products from drying. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is related to sodium hyaluronate. It's a good moisturizer.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a low-weight humectant. We have to remember that not every molecule can get through the skin surface and lower molecule HA can penetrate the skin deeper and bring moisture inside the skin. It's a natural polymer that binds water in the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is related to sodium hyaluronate. It boosts moisture in the skin and elasticity. It helps prevent skin from TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
How does Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen work?
Laneige wanted to create moisturizing sunscreen and they nailed it! Let's start with what the brand says about the product and then I'll share with you my experience.
According to Laneige, Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen has a triple-defense system, it protects from UV radiation, fine dust and external heat (-2,3C). External heat is currently a trending topic, I know there's research saying that if the external heat of the skin gets higher, it can damage collagen fibres and it leads to boosting the aging process. On the Korean Laneige website, you can see information that immediately after heating can cool down skin temperature up to -4.5C right after application of the sunscreen. I can't measure these claims in any way, but similar to the previous post about AHC, Laneige is another brand that tests every claim to have proof. I believe that the law in Korea might require a proper test for each claim, but I might not be 100% sure (even if my work is strictly related to the beauty industry in Asia and Europe).
I'm not sure which ingredient helps cool down the skin. It's easy when I see Dr G products with such properties or if I see Japanese brands making such claims - usually it's menthol. In this case, maybe it's an antioxidant combination? All I found is that Allantoin and Bisabolol in this formula are protecting the skin from irritation.
This sunscreen is based on HydroBarrier UV Technology. It helps create a lightweight texture which you can layer. Instead of using oil particles that contain oil-soluble UV filters, Laneige decided to use water particles that contain water-soluble UV filters in Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen. That's why this sunscreen isn't greasy and it fits oily skin so well.
According to Laneige, Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen instantly boosts hydration levels by over +425%. I do feel that my skin doesn't get dry during the day, but it doesn't also get greasy.
Last year Laneige released Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence and it came out without lots of buzz. I feel like the same situation happens with Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen and it does make me sad because Laneige sunscreens are good!
Read more about: Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence
I'm positively surprised with Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen, it leaves no white cast, it doesn't sensitize my eyes and it really is hydrating. It works well with makeup and even the smell is acceptable!
As I said before, I can't change if Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen cools down the skin temperature, but the sensation when you apply the product feels a bit cooling. This formula is suitable for sensitive skin and I have to admit, it works well with my skin. I have a huge problem with redness and eczema caused by the sun, and putting a tiny tube of Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen in my bag saved me a few times.
The texture can be easily reapplied, I believe this sunscreen might be a good choice for people who struggle with reapplication of sunscreen. The scent wasn't a problem for me. I kinda enjoyed it since it's mild. It's a good sunscreen and I feel like I enjoy it more than last year's release.
Where to buy Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen and how much does it cost?
If you already fell in love with Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen and want to buy it then I might have bad information for you. The availability of Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen is quite limited. If you live in Korea or Thailand, it should be easier since Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen was officially released in these countries. In Europe and the USA Laneige released Hydro UV Defense Ex Sunscreen and this sunscreen is different - the review is coming soon.
I bought Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen in a set that contains a full size of Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen (50ml) + a sample (25ml) at Olive Young*. Currently, you can buy only full size tube at Olive Young*. The regular price for this set is $33, currently, it costs about $26, but during Olive Week + with an affiliate code, you can buy this set cheaper. Feel free to use my code BETWEEND0.
Lately, YesStyle* added Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen to its store too. It's more affordable since regular price is around $23, but right now it costs around $17. You can use my code BETWEENDOTS to save on your YesStyle* order.
Overall, this sunscreen is one of my favourites released this year. If you're searching for a normal sunscreen with no white cast that can be applied near the eye area then go for Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen.
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