Can sunscreen be as light as serum? Yes, it can, and Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ is one of the examples. Although Espoir is mostly known for its makeup, sunscreens from this brand are also worth the attention. Is this your new sunscreen?
What's UV?
UV stands for Ultraviolet, it's nothing else than the selected range of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. UV rays are not visible to humans, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. Each type of UV - UVA, UVB and UVC has different wavelengths and different properties.
UVA, UVB and UVC - what does each of them do and where you can 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 with the synthesis of 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.
About the brand: Espoir
Espoir is a Korean makeup brand. It's one of the brands that belong to Amorepacific Group. It was founded in 2014 and since then this brand has been loved by many people all around the world. The brand's ambassador is Winter from the K-pop group Aespa.
Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ - Packaging
Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum 50ml SPF50+ PA+++ comes in a white box. Inside you can see a tube with branding and I do enjoy the text on the bottle, it gives this fresh vibe or even a youth vibe to the brand. You can see that this brand targets people in their 20s. The pump is super weird since you can see this tiny metal string in the pump. You don't see how much of the product is left inside, but I believe this bottle is one of these airless bottles.
Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ - Texture & Scent
Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum has an interesting texture since it reminds me of lemon curd. It's like a clear gel, but it's more like it has this milky tint which is not visible on the skin (at least pale skin). This tint is closed in tiny globules. The scent is here since it has a scent ingredient marked as Fragrance, but you can smell the hint of alcohol denat. It's not a strong hint, I know worse sunscreens like Biore or The Body Shop, but not everyone is going to like it.
The texture of Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ doesn't feel sticky, it's more hydrating and it adds a bit of glow to the skin. But this glow stays for a moment, once the sunscreen is in the right place, it leaves a velvet layer on the skin.
Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ - Ingredients
Water, Homosalate, Butylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Alcohol Denat., Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xylitol, Pentylene Glycol, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Caffeine, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Fragrance, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carnosine
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 content of the product. Homosalate is a sunscreen agent. It protects the sun from UVB radiation (295-315 nm), and its peak is at 306nm. It's a photosensitive and weak sun-protecting ingredient that's why you can usually find it in a pair with Avobenzone or other substances. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps active ingredients with the penetration. It protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger.
Octocrylene is a chemical sun-protecting agent. It protects the skin from UVB (280-315 nm) and UVA II (315 nm - 340 nm) radiation with its peak around 304 nm. It's not the most stable sunscreen so it's good to mix it with other sun-protecting substances. Butyloctyl Salicylate is a solvent commonly used in sunscreens. It stabilizes some sunscreen agents and boosts SPF protection. Ethylhexyl Salicylate or Octisalate is a sun-protecting agent. It's a chemical sunscreen that protects the skin from UVB radiation (280-320nm), but it has its peak at 306nm which makes it a weak sunscreen. Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane or Avobenzone is a sun-protecting agent. It protects skin from UVA I and UVA II wavelengths (310-400 nm) and its peak is 357nm. It's not a stable sunscreen that's why we use it with other chemical sunscreens.
Alcohol Denat is an immense topic in skincare. Alcohol can be good or bad for your skin, but sometimes the amount makes a poison. Alcohol, after all, is a prominent solvent. It makes active substances penetrate the skin deeper. This effect has its cost - the skin is getting a bit irritated. Some substances can be dissolved only in alcohol. This ingredient has antibacterial properties. It works as a preservative by preventing microorganisms from growing in the product. It has some awful sides too - it can dry your skin, mainly if we use it in large amounts. Sensitive skin is not a fan of this ingredient.
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It absorbs sebum, creates a film on the skin's surface and makes texture more elegant. It reflects light and makes wrinkles less visible. 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 it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Xylitol is a sugar with humectant properties. Pentylene Glycol is mostly a solvent and stabilizer, but it has great moisturizing properties. Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol protects the product from UV damage. It works as a UV light absorber and stabilizer.
Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide is an oil-gelling agent. It can help with detangling hair. Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide is an oil-gelling agent. It can help with detangling hair. Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2 is absorbent. It makes the skin look soft and adds a "blur" effect. Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a UV absorber, it protects product from UV light. It's also used with retinol to make the solution more stable. Caffeine is an antioxidant that has a positive effect on your skin and body. It stimulates blood circulation, reducing redness, dark circles and puffy eyes. It's one of the first ingredients I would use to fight cellulite. In hair care, caffeine can boost hair growth. It's recommended for men who deal with androgenic alopecia.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and emulsifier. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a polymer with thickening properties. Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a thickener, it helps create elegant, non-sticky formulas. 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.
Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a product of sorbitol fermentation. It's a polysaccharide - nothing else than sugar, and sugar in skincare usually has moisturizing properties. Biosaccharide Gum-1 also has calming and soothing properties. You might want to use it with hyaluronic acid for longer and stronger hydration. Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent derived from corn. It neutralizes the ions in the products to make sure your product stays fresh a bit longer. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Carnosine is an antioxidant and a synthetic peptide - very similar to peptides that naturally occur in the human body. It can be helpful with wrinkles and skin elasticity.
How does Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ work?
I will not lie if I say I have a mixed relationship with this sunscreen. Alcohol in sunscreens usually irritates me, but somehow this formula isn't as bad as you might expect.
I believe a year or two ago I tried sun serum from Goodal and I was positively surprised, the formula reminds me of that serum. It's a lightweight product with moisturizing properties.
Read more about: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Sun Serum
I was surprised to see that Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum is a vegan-friendly product. It has Eve Vegan certification. The formula itself has a 69% moisturizing essence enriched with low molecular hyaluronic acid and peptides.
It adds a bit of glow at first, but after a few seconds, it turns into a velvet protective layer on the skin. It's good to wait a bit before you apply foundation. It doesn't leave a white cast on my skin. Sadly, I didn't check if this one stings eyes or not, after I saw the ingredients, I've decided I should avoid eyes - especially now, after surgery.
I bet you already saw that the protection against UVA is a bit lower in this one, it's not one of these Tinosorb sunscreens, but I believe this one is allowed in the US. I can be nice on less sunny days.
Where to get Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ and how much does it work?
Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++ is available at Olive Young*. A bottle of 50ml costs $33 in regular price. You can use my code BETWEEND0 to save on your Olive Young order. Right now you can get this sunscreen for $23.63 at Olive Young.
Overall, it's an interesting product, but as always it's going to have some fans and people who won't enjoy it.
Have you ever tried Espoir before?
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*** This product was gifted by Olive Young, even though it still shows my personal opinion on the topic and product. This post contains affiliate links, all affiliate links are marked with *. By using these links you help me to pay for domain and all the cost related to blogging.***
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