Kao Corporation will launch newly formulated versions of its two water-based sunscreens on February 9th, 2019 — and it’s team developed “the world’s first ‘micro defense’ formula,” the company says. 

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence and Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, shown above, combine strong UV protection with a light-to-the-touch texture.

Kao’s Micro Defense formula uses a capsule packed with a UV protection agent. When applied to a cream, it covers the whole body like a layer of skin. The formula evens the application of sunscreen by forming a fine veil on the skin and spreading into micro crevices. A light application will protect the skin against UV effects. 

The new sunscreens are positioned in the Bioré UV range, the top-selling sun protection line for twelve years, according to Intage SRI. Packaged in blue, they are shown above. 

Also on February 9th, Kao will launch Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence and Skin Protect Milk — the most advanced sunscreens in Kao’s Bioré UV series, and formulated to stay on evenly in severely hot and humid weather. Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence is shown above, in red packaging, on the far right. 

More Details About Kao’s Micro Defense Formula

Kao’s Micro Defense formula ensures a full, even coverage — “down to micro level crevices invisible to the naked eye,” the company states.

Kao’s water-based sunscreens, a favorite among consumers for their fresh textures, “do not volatilize their oil phase including the UV protection ingredients, but plenty of the aqueous phase,” the brand explains. Kao states, “This can result in the formation of crevices on the skin. When using a water-soluble UV protection agent in the aqueous phase, the UV protection effect likely comes off with perspiration and sebum on account of it being soluble in water.”

Kao researchers solved this problem — by developing a submicron-scale capsule, packed with an oil-soluble UV protection agent. It is composed of an amphiphilic ingredient with affinity for both water and oil. When these water and perspiration resistant capsules are scattered throughout aqueous phase, they stay on the skin surface.

Kao’s water-based sunscreens feel as light as water on the skin. The airy, vibrant sensation never disappears, no matter how often the sunscreens are reapplied. They evenly cover the body with a fine veil just like a second skin and prevent uneven spreading on the micro level. 

Kao’s ‘Tough Boost’ Technology 

Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence and Skin Protect Milk are formulated wth Kao’s unique “tough boost” technology to enhance the durability of fine, even UV-blocking films. 

The sunscreens stay firmly in place when the skin perspires under very hot and humid weather conditions, shielding out ultraviolet rays for hours on end. A fine UV-blocking film functions as a “durable outer skin” that naturally adheres to the body just like a second layer.

Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence is a a water-based, freshly textured product with a moist touch that leaves the skin with a “smooth sensation.”

Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milk is an oil-based product with a silky touch that glides on the skin with a light-weight sensation. Both products are waterproof, and ideal for the face and body.

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