Laneige is mostly known for its Sleeping Lip Masks which I adore, but earlier this year Laneige introduced a few new products including a suncare product. Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence is supposed to be a response for people with sensitive skin who need long-lasting and high protection of the skin. Is Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence your next 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.
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 just started but Laneige lately 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 Two Toner Bar Lipstick better from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo with 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 has also 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*.
Read more about: Laneige Neo Cushion Matte
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence - Packaging
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence comes in gold packaging. It does look luxurious but what surprised me is the amount of text in English in comparison to text in Korean. If you think that this product is targeted to foreign customers - it's not. It feels like a more global product or product focused on the Asian market since it's promoted and available in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and you can even find it in Japan. I feel like the Perfect Renew series isn't as highly promoted as other lines, this line is more focused on anti-aging while Laneige as a brand feels to be a brand more focused on teens and young adults.
Photo above: Laneige's promotional material
Back to Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence's packaging. Inside the box, you can find a purple tube with gold details. Laneige decided to use the airless pump in this product to make sure that the product you get is always fresh. Sadly, you can't see how much of the product is left in the bottle.
Also an important thing, there's a manual inside the box. The manual is in three languages including Korean and English.
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence - Texture & Scent
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence has a lightweight texture. It's more like a lotion than a cream, it's easy to apply and spread and it doesn't leave a white cast. It only leaves a delicate, moist film on the skin. It looks quite dewy and it doesn't feel sticky. If you have darker skin, I recommend checking other reviews to see how this formula looks on darker skin tones.
The only weak point of Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence at this point is the floral scent, it's quite heavy. It doesn't sting my eyes.
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence - UV Protection
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence has SPF50+ and PA++++. But the sun protection topic in this product is a bit more complicated. Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence contains 5 different sun-protecting ingredients. It contains Octinoxate, Octisalate, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus and Ecamsule. These ingredients are called 5D UV-Shield Pro X and they are supposed to provide broad spectrum protection from UVB (290-320nm) to even XL-UVA (340-400nm). Does it provide such high protection? I can't check that, but I do want to believe that this product provides high UV protection.
Photo above: Laneige's promotional material
Is Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence vegan-friendly?
There's no such information about Laneige being cruelty-free or vegan-friendly.
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence - Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Panthenol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance/Parfum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Propanediol, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Kojyl Methylenedioxycinnamate, Bioflavonoids, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
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. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or Octinoxate is a sunscreen agent. It protects your skin from UVB radiation (280-320 nm), but it has its peak at 310nm. It's a common ingredient in waterproof sunscreens. 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 make your hair stronger.
Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs, and it is a natural moisturizing factor. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. 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. Silica is a mineral-natural ingredient. It's popular in makeup and skincare. It can absorb sebum or thicken the texture.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is quite a hard name to remember, that's why you can find people talking about this ingredient by calling it Tinosorb S. It's one of the newer types of sunscreen agents and one of the strongest ones. It's a chemical sunscreen that protects skin from UVA (315-400 nm) & UVB (280-315 nm), and its peak is high. It's a stable sunscreen that works with other sun-protecting substances to protect their early photodegradation. 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. Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that leaves a velvet layer on the surface of the skin. It appears in cleansing products, and it makes brushing and detangling your hair easier.
Methyl Trimethicone is a volatile silicone, a type of silicone that evaporates right after product application. It works as a solvent in the products. 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 it has its peak at 345nm. It's a chemical sunscreen with high stability. Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. In the beauty industry, it's an emollient. Many people associate alcohol with something awful for the epidermis, but not every alcohol is nasty. Cetearyl alcohol leaves a moisturizing film on the skin to prevent your skin from transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We use Cetearyl alcohol to create an emulsion.
Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. 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. Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is silicone, that helps spread the product on skin and hair. Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a polymer that works as an emulsifier and thickener. Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with inflammation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is a surfactant and emulsifier for oil-in-water formulas. Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is quite common in SPF formulas since it makes sunscreen more water-resistant. Behenyl Alcohol might sound scary, but it's a fatty alcohol. This type of alcohol is positive for the skin since it works as an emollient. It helps with the texture of the product. Glyceryl Stearate is an emollient with emulsifying properties. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer and quite a large molecule. It works as a thickener and emulsion stabiliser. Hydrogenated Lecithin is a version of lecithin. It works as an emollient in the formulas. Glyceryl Caprylate is a natural oily emollient and emulsifier. It creates a delicate film on the surface of the skin. It has some antimicrobial properties.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that works as an emollient and emulsifier. Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is an oil-in-water emulsifier, suitable for vegans. Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid and an oily emollient. It works as an emulsifier. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the roles of adenosine in our bodies is that of neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifier. Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract is an antioxidant and a source of ellagic acid. It has soothing properties and it helps with wrinkles. Kojyl Methylenedioxycinnamate is an antioxidant. Bioflavonoids have soothing and antioxidant effects on the skin. BHT or Butylated Hydroxy Toluene is quite a controversial ingredient. This synthetic substance is an antioxidant and preservative - in skincare up to 0,1% in a product. You don't have to be scared of this preservative. According to CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), it's a safe ingredient. 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.
Myristic Acid is a fatty acid. It works as an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Lauric Acid is a fatty acid, it has antibacterial properties. It works as an emulsifier and cleansing agent. 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 Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is related to sodium hyaluronate. It's a good moisturizer. Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient loved by everyone! Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin. It's a glycosaminoglycan or GAG. What does that mean? It's a long polysaccharide - nothing else than sugar, and we all know what sugars do in the skin. It's not different from Hyaluronic Acid - it acts like a humectant. One HA molecule is supposed to hold up to 1000x heavier molecules than this one single HA molecule. Hyaluronic acid can have different molecular weights - smaller molecules are usually more hydrating than bigger ones.
Caprylyl Glycol is an oily emollient and humectant. It leaves a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin. 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. Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Flower Extract is an antioxidant. It promotes collagen synthesis, hydrates the skin and boosts the healing process. It's a good ingredient to use on acne-prone skin. Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 has moisturizing properties. 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).
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a synthetic peptide (sometimes called neuropeptide or biomimetic peptide). Lots of brands and media did a great job marketing this substance. You can spot it with names such as Botox-like peptides or treatments. It won't give you the same effects as Botox, but there are some similarities. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can help with wrinkles by decreasing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines created by repetitive movements of muscles. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 inhibits SNARE complex and catecholamine release. It can stimulate collagen synthesis, and it has powerful, water-binding properties. That's why acetyl hexapeptide-8 might increase the moisture of the skin. It's better to use this peptide near the eye area to prevent fine lines in the eye area. Unless you have drooping eyelids, then the use of acetyl hexapeptide-8 is not recommended for you. If you have muscle problems, it's better to consult with your doctor or PT first, before adding acetyl hexapeptide-8 to your routine. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can hide under the name Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3.
Sodium Hydroxide is a pH adjuster. Hexapeptide-9 stimulates the synthesis of collagen types I and III. It helps with wrinkles. Acetyl Octapeptide-3 or SNAP-8 is a synthetic peptide with a botox-like effect. It's supposed to work even stronger than Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. It helps with wrinkles and fine lines created by repetitive movements of muscles.
How does Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence work?
Let's start with a rant related to availability. Can you imagine how long it took me to get this product? I ordered it from YesStyle and waited over a month to get it shipped and then I waited another 2-3 weeks to get it. Since Laneige is available at Amore Mall*, I thought that at least we would get this product, but no. And yes, it's no longer available on YesStyle*, but don't worry I'll tell you where to get it, but before that, we should talk a bit about this product to see if it's worth a try.
The first thing we focused on was 5D UV-Shield Pro X - 5 ingredients to provide high UV protection. Since Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence is one of the products from the Perfect Renew line, it must have some solutions to target aging. Laneige used two technologies in this sunscreen. Triple Pro-collagen Peptide is supposed to tighten pores to make them less visible.
Another technology is patented RE.D Flavonoid. According to Laneige, it's a reverse-aging technology that removes aged skin cells and replaces them with young and healthy cells. By the way, RE.D Flavonoid is derived from camellia seeds. There's also a big focus on hydration - 5D Hyaluronic Acid and it's supposed to be a sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin.
Back to my experience. I do enjoy this sunscreen because it gives that dewy finish that many people enjoy and an additional layer of moisture. It doesn't look like chalk under makeup, it doesn't dry the skin. Lots of sunscreen has alcohol denat in the formula but not Laneige. Point for Laneige, because usually, alcohol denat formulas like La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF50+ that are supposed to be protective are useless for me because they make me cry.
Read more about: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF50+
The formula is lovely, it's a lotion, it blends easily and it looks dewy, but it's not sticky. It works well with makeup, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It's a formula that I can't compare to any product.
I can't say if it makes wrinkles less visible because that's not the topic I'm focused on, but it is hydrating. After all, don't expect that sunscreen is going to magically fix wrinkles, but it's good to use sunscreen to prevent the skin from photoaging.
What we should keep in mind, Amorepacific has its R&D (Research & Development) centre. I believe R&D at Amorepacific is called the R&I (Research & Innovation) centre, but still, the idea is similar. Sometimes we get this feeling like some sunscreens are almost the same because different brands go to the same manufacturer and get very similar formulas with some minor changes. Is it bad? No, because sometimes minor change makes products more suitable for people with certain skin sensitivities. You won't get this feeling with Laneige since this product is fully developed by Amorepacific Group - Laneige's parent company.
One of the sunscreens created with Amorepacific's R&I is By Wishtrend UV Defense Moist Cream 50+ PA++++. No, By Wishtrend sunscreen isn't similar to Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence.
Read more about: By Wishtrend UV Defense Moist Cream 50+ PA++++
Overall, Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence is not a typical Korean sunscreen, it's a solution that people with dry skin might enjoy. It's not a product for people who like unscented products and I'm surprised Laneige didn't promote this product more.
Where to find Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence and how much does it cost?
Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence is available at Korean Amore Mall and it costs ₩42,000 (around $31) regularly, but now you can get it for ₩33,600 (around $25).
If you're living outside Korea, don't worry. You can get Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence at Beauty Box Korea for $26.94 ($41.98 in regular price) for 50 ml. I'm not sure if I should promote Stylevana since currently I'm waiting 2nd month for a package, but Laneige Perfect Renew 5D Sun Protector Essence costs there $41.39.
It's a great sunscreen, but low availability and almost no online presence are not helping it.
Have you ever tried Laneige sunscreens before?
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