I have been on a hunt to find a sunscreen that I can integrate into my rotation…don’t get me wrong, I adore Sunday Riley Cashmere SPF 30, but since it is quite an investment, I thought that having an equally effective physical sunscreen alternative for less sun-intensive days of the week would be prudent. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Koh Gen Do UV Care Milk SPF. Retailing for $42 for .85 ounces, this opaque sunscreen has been a delight to use for the past seven days.
In light of the fact that I apply sunscreen everyday without fail, regardless of whether or not I actually make it outside, I prefer to use a physical sunscreen instead of a chemical one. I know that the research on the negative effects of chemical sunscreens is largely inconclusive, however, if there is even a perceived risk (as opposed to “no risk” with the physical versions), it is not a chance I want to take for the long term.
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| Koh Gen Do UV Care Milk comes in a small, shakable plastic bottle with a nozzle tip that neatly and effortlessly dispenses the product. |
According to the Koh Gen Do website, the UV Care Milk contains ingredients that…
Prevents skin aging and repairs damage with anti-aging botanical ingredients:
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Inflammation – Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
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Dullness – Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract and Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract
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Dryness – Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) and Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil
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Discoloration – Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower
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Slackness – Lactobacillus/Soybean Extract Ferment Filtrate and Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Soft focus function creates a makeup effect
Sweat- and oil-proof for long-lasting protection
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| A single swatch of the Koh Gen Do UV Care Milk. |
After a week of daily use, I can attest to the fact that this sunscreen has not caused any breakouts, keeps oil at bay (no more or no less than Cashmere SPF 30) and looks great in pictures (no flashback!). While I prefer to test drive skincare products for at least three weeks before weighing in with an informed opinion, sunscreen is the exception. Within a week, I know whether or not a product will interfere with my sensitive skin and since it is sunscreen, as long as my facial skin is protected (e.g., not getting darker when in the sun), I know it is doing its job!
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| The section of my hand directly to the left of the opaque sunscreen swatch reflects UV Care Milk that has been completely rubbed in…this is a very white product but, when well-blended, it becomes completely transparent, rather than leaving behind an obvious white cast. |
Bottom Line: I am so pleased that this sunscreen, which also boasts skincare benefits, was released this month…it is difficult to find a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast (in person or in photos!) while still being purely physical and high in SPF. I have been beyond pleased with the majority of the Koh Gen Do line and this is no exception…highly recommended!
Comments (14)
Hi,
Since this post & now that you have had this product for a little longer are you still liking the UV Care Milk? Do you prefer it more than SR Cashmere? I currently use the SR Cashmere, but it is quite pricey & was thinking of trying this UV Milk (not to say this one is cheap either! lol) along with the KGD Spa Cleansing Water & possibly the KGD moisturizer or the aqua foundation based on your reviews. I want to pre-sale these items in time for Barneys Bag Event. Maybe you already know, but I was told the GWP of $125 of KGD products you'll receive a cosmetic bag with a mini version of the UV Care Milk & a mini foundation illuminator so I thought it would be a great time to try some Koh Gen Do products based on your lovely reviews 😉
x Naomi
Hello Naomi,
Good to hear from you! In response to your question, I really do like the KGD UV Care MIlk still. I love SR Cashmere and used it faithfully all spring and summer (which, like many, is my peak sunning time!). A single bottle has lasted me about 6 months and, now that I am mostly indoors during the day, I thought I might pursue a less expensive option for my less sun-intensive time of the year. I know that the KGD is still an investment, but compared to $125, it is a steal, especially because it is purely physical sunscreen and is kind to my sensitive skin. I like the texture and finish, although there is a bit more of a white cast initially after application (which I have never experienced with Cashmere). I don't notice it being a problem as the day wears on and I also haven't seen any form of distracting flashback in photos, which is good. At this point, I highly recommend it as another great physical option (with Cashmere as the gold standard in this department!) and have worn it every day since I purchased it.
I am indeed aware of the Barneys Bag Event…always a good time to stock up or try new products…and agree that if you are looking to try some new KGD, this might be the time to do it! I have used the Spa Water daily for almost a year and absolutely adore this product…I enjoy the Aqua Foundation, but because I am a bit of a foundation fanatic, I definitely have others in my rotation that I like just as much (By Terry, Le Metier de Beaute, GA Maestro etc.).
Cannot wait to hear what you decide…do keep me posted and happy shopping ; )
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello Beauty Professor 🙂
Thank you for your response. I went ahead and placed my order for the KGD UV Milk, the large Spa Water that comes with a pump, the Aqua Foundation & SR Good Genes. Yesterday I had used a sample of the KGD Aqua Foundation and really liked how it felt like nothing on my skin and it looked very natural. I would looove to try the GA Maestro foundation based on how you are liking it so far, but unfortunately for me I must avoid it due to the chemical sunscreen in it. I am allergic to them 🙁 This is why I'm always on the search for a good physical sunscreen and greatly appreciate your reviews for exposing me to such brands as Sunday Riley & Koh Gen Do. Also you as well exposed me to Barneys! Lol, I've never walked into the Beverly Hills one until I read yours & Lolas Secret Beauty to check out these brands in person. Yikes! It's a very dangerous place for my wallet! Lol
Can't wait to see what you may review if you do partake in this months Bag Event. Keep up the great postings! I'm loving your blog & beautiful photos. Plus it's always cheerful to see the occasionally pics of your cutie Jethro! Thanks again 🙂
xo Naomi
Hello Naomi,
I am glad my response was helpful and am excited about your purchases…all three are some of my favorite products ever! It is unfortunate that you are allergic to the sunscreen in the Maestro…if it were up to me, it wouldn't be included because I'd much rather add my own physical sunscreen than have to contend with the existence of a chemical one in my foundation. I have been using the Maestro for over a week and have been carefully monitoring my skin to chart any unpleasant reactions. So far, I don't think it has been irritating my skin, but sometimes it can take a couple of weeks to surface!
Yes, you are right…Barneys is a magical place indeed…I didn't know you were local! What part of LA do you live in? I could spend an entire day on the first floor exploring, swatching, and (unfortunately!) buying cosmetics there. It is a true wonderland!
I am not getting anything for the Bag event this time around, just because I have a bought a lot lately and also have plethora of products that have been sent to me for review…with my current insane teaching schedule, I must be prudent with the limited time I do have! I did, however, stock up on another LMdB Peau Vierge (I still need to properly review this…but I am on my second bottle so it is clear that I love it!) and a Tom Ford gloss in Naked for the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event last week.
Thanks so much for your encouragement and consistent readership…I am thrilled to know you enjoy the blog and I will continue to strive to provide solid reviews, pictures and images of Jethro as often as I can!!
Take care, keep in touch and have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
hi can u tell me where i use this cream in face or in my hand,,thnx
Hi Anon,
I suggest using this for your face!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Great review! I found your site when I was looking for reviews of KGD Aqua foundation, which I ended up LOVING and it's been my favorite foundation for over a year now. I am really intrigued by the KGD sunscreen. I love that it is unfragranced and is a purely physical sunscreen. I was wondering if you have tried Josie Maran's SPF 40 sunscreen and had any thoughts on how that compares with the KGD? Thanks 🙂
Thank you so much, Stormy Mittens! I am thrilled that you found your way here ; I have not tried the Josie Maran version, so unfortunately I cannot delineate a comparison. I can say, however, that I love the KGD sunscreen so much that I am about to pick up my second bottle! Purely physical sunscreen that photographs well is definitely hard to come by!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I have been on the hunt for a reasonably-priced chemical-free sunscreen for a while now–since my dermatologist told me that even though the sunscreen I was using was blocking the sun's rays, it could still cause skin cancer. Yikes!
Throughout my search, I've struggled to find anything with a texture that is soothing to my skin, while not having a negative skin reaction (sensitive skin). Most I try are thicker, not easy to rub in, and almost feel as if I'm pulling my skin while I'm applying. I realize that this is an attribute of physical sunscreen, but have been hoping to still find the PERFECT option.
Can you verify that your recommendation is easy to rub in, almost soothing to my face, instead of almost painful to rub in?
Thanks! I've enjoyed your blog.
Allison
Hi Allison,
Thanks for your question…I can completely empathize with your plight! I am happy to report that this physical sunscreen applies the most smoothly of all that I've tried. It is fluid and milky in texture and reminds me a great deal of the Chanel and Clarins sunscreen (in little bottles) except this one is purely physical, whilst the other two mentioned contain chemical SPF.
On a whim, I recently tried a facial SPF 50 physical sunscreen by Cerave (bought from a drugstore while on vacation) and was instantly reminded why I like the Koh Gen Do so much…the Cerave was thick and very white and was extremely difficult to rub into my face. With physical sunscreens like that, I understand why consumer are so smitten by the fluid and effortless chemical ones!
That being said, I highly recommend the Koh Gen Do and am off next week to buy a second bottle!
Take care and hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Ever since you have recommended this, I have been using it religiously as my facial sunscreen and loved it so much. However I noticed that Koh Gen Do has discontinued it. Do you have another recommendation for a physical sunscreen that is good for sensitive skins? Thanks. Cassie
So happy to hear this has been working for you, Cassie. It's terrible that KGD decided to discontinue it…it is the most amazing physical sunscreen! I am going to have to go back to the drawing board to find a new physical sunscreen for sensitive skin before the arrival of summer and will definitely write about that I find on the blog!!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Have you tried Jan Marini's physical protectant? It's my favorite physical sunscreen so far.. Feels very nice to apply and doesn't leave a white cast
Xx
Hi Aisha…I have not! But based on your description, I think I will have to try it!
Thanks…xx,
–The Beauty Professor