MUJI's New Sunscreens: A Thorough Breakdown

1. Tone-Up Sunscreen Milk (Light Beige / Clear Pink)

Specs: SPF40 / PA+++, 50g (990 yen)
Ingredients: Free of UV absorbers and zinc oxide. An oil base built mainly on methylheptyl laurate, with titanium dioxide used as the UV scattering agent.
Feel and impressions: It has a low-irritation formula similar to last year's much-talked-about "Sunscreen Milk," but the addition of iron oxide is presumed to have reduced the proportion of titanium dioxide, lowering the SPF and PA values. The slipperiness typical of oil-based formulas and the difficulty getting it to blend into the skin are somewhat noticeable, and compared to last year's larger-volume, higher-spec version, the finish is likely to divide opinion.

Specs: SPF50+ / PA++++, 70mL (890 yen)
Ingredients: Contains two UV absorbers (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate). Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and mineral oil-free.
Points to note: Because it is water-based and alcohol-free, it tends to bead up on the skin, which can make even application difficult. In simple UV measurements, it tends not to deliver protection as high as its numbers suggest, so rather than relying too heavily on the labeled values, it is best used for hair or as a supplementary UV measure.

Specs: SPF50+ / PA++++, 5.5g (990 yen, puff included)
Ingredients: High silica content, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide-free, UV absorber-free. Made with only about 20 ingredients, it is one of the simplest formulas MUJI has ever produced.
Feel and impressions: It has a matte finish with no glitter or pearl, and leaves skin powerfully smooth and silky. It offers no coverage, but it is ideal for setting oil-based sunscreens that tend to feel sticky, or for reapplying UV protection over makeup. Combining low irritation, high functionality, and an affordable price, it is the standout item of this lineup.