3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream, Is It Worth the Hype?

Back when I was a teenager, people used to mention that there are three (3) basic steps in skincare routine, which are cleanse, tone and moisturize. Little do I know that sunscreen was also one of the crucial steps in a routine, especially in the morning and evening routines.

I am guilty of not using sunscreen every single day and reapplying it every 2-3 hours. For starters, I have oily, hormonal acne prone skin. I might say it is quite difficult to find a sunscreen that my skin approves. In this article, I am sharing one of the hyped sunscreens in Malaysia, probably for its cheap price and bigger than normal sunscreen capacity.

I bet you have been seeing this product around Instagram, Hermo and other online shopping platforms. Yes! It is the Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ from the Korean brand 3W Clinic.

Description :

This soft type cream sunblock is very easy to use and spreads evenly all over the face and body. It gives a subtle smooth finish which makes it ideal as a makeup base. Its moisturizing component provides hydration to the face keeping it moist.

Brand : 3W Clinic

Features :

This is how the UVA and UVB Protection work. Photo source: Google Image

Protection Filters :

• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate

• Ethylhexyl salicylate

• Titanium Dioxide

• Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

• Zinc Oxide

• Ethylhexyl Triazone

How to use :

After your basic care routine, take a moderate amount on your finger and apply on parts of the face and body that are exposed to the sun. Start from the center then spread it towards the outer corners of the face. Reapply as needed

I use the 2 Fingers Rule to apply it into my face

Capacity : 70 ml

Skin Concern : Dryness

Notable ingredients :

• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

– soothe skin and serve as an anti-inflammatory

– has wounds healing properties

– protects the skin from UV damage

• Allantoin

– soothes and protects the skin

– ability to help heal the skin and stimulate the growth of new tissue

• Red Ginseng Extract

– It has antioxidant properties that protect your skin from free radicals and other environmental aggressors that could trigger the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and even skin cancer – Marchbein

– anti-inflammatory properties help quell redness and puffiness

• Morus alba (white mulberry) root extract

– has antioxidant properties

– calming signs of irritation

– helps to fade the look of discolorations and uneven skin tone

• Betaine

– Moisturizing

• Arbutin

– Brightening effect

Full Ingredients & CosDNA Analysis

Product Overview

Packaging :

This sunscreen comes in a silver tube with a black twist cap. A noticeable sun image is on the tube as well. The product’s descriptions in English can be found on the front of the tube and some information in Korean on the back.

The nozzle opening is of suitable size as it helps to dispense just the right amount that I need.

The manufacturing date is shown at the top, front while the expiration date is available at the top, back of the tube in the format of YYYYMMDD.

Scent :

If you are new to sunscreen, you probably should be prepared for the scent. It has a common body lotion scent, not overpowering though, that subsides as the sunscreen is fully absorbed into the skin. Do note that fragrance is listed as the last ingredient.

Color :

The sunscreen has a hint of yellow color. I believe helps to brighten up the skin

Texture:

I find the texture of this sunscreen interesting. As the scent is similar to a body lotion, its texture is also like a body lotion with a little less thick and less creamy consistency. Since this sunscreen is water-based, it somehow reminds me of Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, but it is a little more creamy than that.

My Thoughts :

This lightweight, lotion-like sunscreen spreads easily on the skin and blending it takes less than a minute. It initially leaves minimal white cast, but once it is evenly blended, it gives a natural, sheer finish. Being a lotion-like texture, it is not a surprise that this sunscreen goes well under makeup. The claim that it can be used as make-up base is something that I would agree on since it gives my skin a smooth and silky soft canvas prior to using any face makeup.

It applies smoothly and gives a sheer finish

I love how it initially feels on my skin. It is moisturising without being uncomfortable. It did not leave any film on the skin. My face would usually becomes sweaty, especially at my T-zone area if the cream is too thick or too heavy for my liking. Thankfully, I felt no tackiness or tightness after this sunscreen has fully absorbed into the skin.

I love how my skin has the healthy glow look after it has settled into my skin

“Do you need to put on sunscreen on your eye areas, specifically on the eyelids?”

– Yes, you do!

I remember coming across the above question through the Internet a few months ago. I was taken aback as I do not spread my sunscreen on my eyelids before. If you are wondering the reason I am sharing this, it is because this product from 3W Clinic is one of the sunscreens that does not irritate and sting my eyes. So, my eye area are protected from the sun rays as well!

I have to share that my face did not feel greasy within the first 2 hours. However after 3 hours, I can feel that my skin got more oily even when I am in an air conditioned room. It is normal for my skin to have this kind of situation whenever I am using creamy sunscreens, so I do not really mind that. You may use a blotting paper or put on some loose powder to absorb the excess oils as needed.

After 3 hours of application, it is obvious that it has worn off slowly but my skin still has the sheer, natural glow

Another good thing is it is easily removed by cleansing water. There is no hassle, for me, to use cleansing oil for this.

One of the turn off points is, it accentuates in the fine lines that I have on some parts of my face. I prefer to use a loose powder once the sunscreen has settled into my skin to set it.

It contains Propylparaben as preservative which might explain the long expiration of three (3) years after the manufacturing date. Do note that the Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months.

Due to its relatively low price, I do not have many complaints for this product. It is a good sunscreen that has anti-aging, anti-oxidizing, moisturizing, soothing, energizing and brightening pigmentation effects.

I did not experience any adverse reactions like itchiness, redness, dryness, etc when I am using the product. All the comments mentioned above are solely based on my experience and are only my own. Do note that it may give different result and experience as our skins vary individually.

Rating : 4/5 ⭐

Recommendation :

Dry skin, dehydrated skin, mature skin

You may give it a try since it is very affordable and gives good moisture to the skin