Update: Klairs has suspended the sales of their sunscreen due to the SPF testing out to be much lower than claimed. It’s extremely disappointing, but I hope that they’ll reformulate and fix their errors in the future.
With the advent of fall comes changing leaves, shortening days, and a significant shift in the needs of our skin. As summer humidity slinks away we are left with cold, dry winter air that sucks the moisture right out of our faces. I immediately notice a change in my skin’s appearance when the temps drop significantly. For me, it is always an unwelcome change that I dread every year. However, there are ways that we can fight the effects of this cold change in temperature! Switching out some of our lighter summer skincare products can help combat dry, irritated skin issues that happen in fall and winter. This year I started switching out my usual Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence for the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence, and I’ve noticed a difference in how my skin behaves throughout the day!
Ingredients
The ingredients list for the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence is as follows:
Water (Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
This is a chemical, water-based sunscreen that leaves no white cast. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is a UVA filter and ethylhexyl triazone wards off UVB.
This formula is alcohol-free, making it much less drying than other water-based, quick-drying sunscreens. You might be saying, “Melanie, I just read the ingredients and there IS alcohol in there. What are you talking about??” Well, cetearyl alcohol is actually fatty alcohol, which is not irritating or drying to the skin. It is an emollient that works to lock in water and give a smooth feeling to your skin.
Niacinamide helps improve the appearance of large pores, uneven skin tone, and fine lines by helping prevent moisture loss in the skin. Of course, sodium hyaluronate is in the formula to give it that extra kick of moisture. Hippophae rhamnoides oil is more commonly known by the name sea buckthorn oil. Sea buckthorn oil is full of nutrients and fatty acids, and it can help heal inflammation, control sebum production, and repair oxidative damage from the sun (due to its high concentration of vitamin C.)
Usage
This squeezes out easily, but it’s not runny or messy. It holds its shape in your hand, in a sturdy but light way. (Am I overthinking this too much? Maybe.) This is easy to spread on my face, and it settles down nicely without leaving a white cast. There is a faint smell due to the tiny bit of orange oil that’s in it, but it’s not strong at all. It leaves an ever-so-subtle shiny layer on my face, and I can feel its presence on my skin for several minutes after I apply it. In the summer I don’t enjoy that feeling as much, but on cold weather days, it feels comforting and protecting. It’s an easy, no-fuss sunscreen that doesn’t give me any trouble when I’m trying to get myself presentable in the morning.
Final Thoughts
This has been the best sunscreen to help me transition into the cold weather! I plan on repurchasing because I love that my skin is protected, but it doesn’t end up massively greasy by the end of the day. Currently, you can get an 80ml bottle from YesStyle for $23, which I think is a fair price. If your current sunscreen isn’t doing the trick in this cold weather, I’d highly recommend the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence.
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. This post was not sponsored, nor does it contain any affiliate links. All links provided are solely for the convenience of the reader.
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share!