Shiseido • Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream For Face SPF38 • Sunscreen

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sitknee on 5/20/2013 4:25:00 AM more reviews by sitknee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is a nice sunscreen for those with drier skin. It feels a little greasy at first but the feeling goes away almost immediately. Although it may be mattifying at first, it doesn't do much for oil in the long-run. I can't use it on my oily skin because it doesn't do anything for it, but other skin types may like it.

Oil-free? Yes. Finish? Semi-matte. White cast? Yes, but it can be less of an issue if you let the sunscreen sink in. Flash photography? Not with this on. Removal? Oil is a must.

For more info on my experiences with Shisiedo sunscreens:

As of now, the following Shisiedo sunscreens are available in the US (these are the basic sunscreens, not including anything like lip protection, tinted products, etc.):

Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream/Lotion N SPF 38 (PA+++/PA++)*
Ultimate Sun Protection Cream/Lotion+ SPF 50+ (Broad spectrum)
Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40 (Broad spectrum)
Urban Environment Oil-free UV Protector SPF 42 (Broad spectrum)

*Being discontinued, it seems.

Although only the last product claims to be oil-free, from what I can tell looking at ingredient lists, none of these sunscreens contain oil. (But check anyway if that's important to you).

According to Shisiedo, Extra smooth is best for drier skin types, ultimate is for activities that involve lots of sun exposure, and urban enviro is for everyday (though the oil-free version is targeted for oilier skin types).

Most of the formulas sink into the skin very well and leave a semi-matte finish. The extra smooth formulas can feel a little greasy initially, but this feeling goes away very quickly. The ultimate formulas, however, are a bit different. The greasy feeling does go away, but they seem to leave a bit of a shine.
Although all of the sunscreens have some form of alcohol, I don't think they would be considered drying for most. That is, except the urban enviro oil-free lotion, which my dehydrated oily skin cannot handle due to the high alcohol-content. (Interestingly, even when I was very oily, I could not use this lotion, but for a different reason: no oil-control. So either I find it too drying initially, or not mattifying enough later.)

I found all three cream formulas a bit too rich for my oily skin. The extra smooth and urban enviro were mattifying in the beginning, but I did see oil later.
In the past, the ultimate cream was a favorite for the oily-skinned because of its mattifying abilities. But I can't say the same for this new ultimate cream formula. It leaves a shine after application (rather than a semi-matte finish) and it does not control oil.

The extra smooth lotion is a nice option for oily skin because it isn't drying or too rich. As previously mentioned, there is an initial greasy feeling, but it goes away quickly to leave a semi-matte finish. The ultimate lotion is quite different. The greasy feeling goes away, but there is a shiny finish. It also has absolutely no oil control!

As for a white cast, I see one with every sunscreen, though it's less evident if you let it sink in for several minutes. In terms of photos, however, there is a ghostly face effect.

One thing to keep in mind with these sunscreens is that you really need to remove them properly -- preferably with an oil. They are known for their tenacity so if you experience any breakouts, consider your removal methods too.

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rch117570 on 4/25/2013 1:22:00 AM more reviews by rch117570

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This was the best spf I ever had. I have very sensitive acne prone skin and this DID NOT break me out. Not only did it protect my skin and not cause me acne but it served as one of the best primers I have ever owned. I have VERY oily skin and I've used expensive primers and my makeup slid right off by a couple of hours. But this would keep my makeup on for most of the day it was very mattifying. Sadly they have changed the product and it no longer works the same. :( I will not be repurchasing and I will have to start my search for a new spf and perhaps a primer as well...

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*TOP REVIEWER* lemonz4us on 4/24/2013 4:20:00 AM more reviews by lemonz4us

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I'm actually pleasantly surprised by this sunscreen. I put a "no" for repurchase because it's discontinued and reformulated .
I found this at Marshall's for 20$
It goes on smoothly like the name states , doesn't leave a white cast(nano zinc) like the 55 cream did and kept me matte all day. It's a little tough to spread on the neck though.
To remove this, like any silicone water -resistant sunscreen , an oil cleanser must be used or expect breakouts .
Even discounted at 20$ this is very pricey...


Edit: I'm lowering this down to a 3 . It leaves a white cast in my stubble (especially moustache and goatee area --after about 4 days of not shaving)i usually have this problem with thick sunscreens. I don't think the liquid would settle in this manner. Eh

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geethanh on 4/11/2013 12:01:00 PM more reviews by geethanh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I bought this sunscreen after much deliberation because of the hefty price tag, and after 6 months of almost daily usage, I still have a third left. Overall, I liked it. It does NOT break me out, and I have a *very* acne-prone skin. However, because it is water resistant, it does need to be taken off with a cleansing oil (or through double cleansing). It is not greasy, and while it does initially leave a white cast, I've found that that often goes away -- unless I've slathered on too much of it.

That said, I will not be repurchasing. I've acquired a bit of a deeper tan since using this. Since tanning is what I'm trying to prevent, this is not the best product for me. While 9.3% is a decent amount of Zinc Oxide in a sunscreen, I believe I'll have to look elsewhere for something with a higher ZnO concentration. If you're prone to sunburns, however, this is good because it has 5.9% Octinoxate, which is good against UVB rays.

Overall, a good daily sunscreen for those looking for a cosmetically elegant sunscreen.

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zoolosophy on 6/22/2012 7:47:00 AM more reviews by zoolosophy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This is a very good sunsreen but.....
It gave me a white cast and if I tried to reapply it after towel drying my face after swimming my face had white streaks....
On the good side it sets well over moisturizer and makeup on top , definitely can't put it on with not at least some powder because it makes me look like a ghost.
Funny thing is that after a few hours the whitness appears itsself through my makeup, and I do not like that at all.
It didn't break me out after one month use, most sunscreen does break me out.
I guess its great sunscreen for city use only and for very very very fair ladies.
Won't be buying this again.

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Maite5468 on 3/25/2012 11:33:00 AM more reviews by Maite5468

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this product. I've been using it for about 3 weeks and I haven't had any breakouts (well I have but not because of this product). It has been so hard for me to find a good quality, physical SPF that doesn't break me out......I've tried so many natural ones that were either too greasy or they clogged my pores. This one may not be 100% natural but it works for me and from my experience with trying out so many different products is that when u find something that works, stick with it! It's oil-free, PABA free, paraben free AND it leaves my skin matte which I I love.....it goes on so smooth, my makeup goes on very well over it. It's very water resistant so u have to make sure to have good night time cleansing routine to get it all off....that's not a problem for me, between my OCM and the clarisonic I always go to bed with a super clean face! It doesn't feel heavy at all, the packaging is nice, it provides UVA and UVB protection, and it says it provides some anti-aging (antioxidants) properties which is a nice plus. I use about a dime size amount for my face/neck so I think it'll last me a good 3 months...... $32 (for 2 oz) I think this product is well worth it. This is not a moisturizer, don't expect it to do that (even though it does say it quenches dry skin.... it doesn't) but If you're oily/acne-prone and have not been able to find a good quality SPF to use under you're moisturizer then give this one a try!

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*TOP REVIEWER* avironneur on 11/22/2011 10:05:00 PM more reviews by avironneur

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

WHAT IS IT? Very water-resistant silicone-based sunscreen
INGREDIENTS:-Octinoxate (7.4%) and Zinc Oxide (9.6%) Water, Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Talc, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated C6-14 Olefin Polymers, Xylitol, Glutathione, Sodium Glutamate, Zinc Myristate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Thiotaurine, Ectoin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, Ononis Spinosa Root Extract, Dextrin Palmitate, Isostearic Acid, PEG-15, Calcium Stearate, Aluminum Distearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alcohol, Silica, Trisodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.
HOW DOES IT PERFORM? This product does indeed serve its intended purpose, which is to provide sun protection with both nano zinc oxide and octinoxate. My low rating for this product is based on the following: a) this is extremely water-resistant and difficult to remove even with a cleansing oil followed by a foaming cleanser on my skin - extensive cleansing like this disrupts my skin barrier and leads to b) severe acne breakouts both caused by the occlusive nature of the film formers which render this product water-resistant and aforementioned removal methods. Finally c) this product is very strongly fragranced and this fragrance lingers for hours and causes my eyes to water. People have asked if I am wearing cologne while wearing this product.
WOULD YOU BUY AGAIN? Never
PRICE: $45 CAD for 50ml

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*TOP REVIEWER* joy2uandme on 11/21/2011 10:25:00 AM more reviews by joy2uandme

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I'm not wowed by this sunscreen. In the past I've used Shiseido's lotion spf 55 and in my opinion that was better. I don't get a white cast from this and I don't find it drying at all. But I don't like the scent which while light seems to linger and after a while seems to bother me and the sunscreen seems to make my face itch. It does hold up well to everyday wear but I thought it would be more matte than it is. I can feel it on my face and by the end of the day my face feels slicker that I want. Makeup works okay over it but I find if I rub my face or scratch the sunscreen will roll up into shards or strings. So in the end it's okay but not great. Still searching for a sunscreen containing zinc oxide that I can wear daily and love.

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dietgrrl on 11/19/2011 4:15:00 PM more reviews by dietgrrl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This sunscreen, along with the Shiseido Ultimate Protection SP55, are the two best sunscreens I've found to date. Extra Smooth SPF 38 has a matte finish and, after being massaged into my skin, leaves a slight white cast on my medium-dark Indian skin. A white cast is part for the course in high SPF physical sunscreens, so this doesn't bother me, and it disappears completely once I dust mineral makeup powder on top. I find the SPF 55 to be more drying than the SPF 38, and the 55 also leaves a much more visible white cast. For those reasons, I prefer the Extra Smooth SPF 38 for daily use under makeup, although I'll break out the 55 on occasions where I need a lot of protection (for example, if I were going to the beach).

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polly2990 on 11/16/2011 2:29:00 PM more reviews by polly2990

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

This is the only sunscreen that would not leave an oily shine on my face after applying. It also controls the oil on my face through out the day because I can get really oily at the end of the day. Best sunscreen I have used by far. The sunscreen tends to be a bit oily as the day progresses probably due to my own oil secretion also.

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*TOP REVIEWER* cerulfox on 10/29/2011 1:46:00 AM more reviews by cerulfox

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Pretty good sunscreen. It *is* a bit drying, so I wear a light moisturizer underneath. My skin is oily so I'm happy for the dryness; my foundation adheres to my face longer, my face takes much longer to get oily enough for me to blot/re-powder, and when I do I don't look greasy but just a bit dewier than my liking. Yes there is a slight whitish cast in flash photos, but every sunscreen does that and I'd rather look a little ghostly in photos than get skin cancer/premature aging. As this stuff is tenacious you'll need an oil cleanser to fully remove it. I like that it comes in a squeeze-tube package so I don't have to worry about broken glass when traveling with it, and it doesn't have a sunscreen smell to it but the scent isn't overpowering. Though I'm acne-prone I don't break out with this. The only reason this isn't getting an HG rating from me as it's a bit expensive for what you get and I'd like a creamier texture on application but have it still have the mattifying properties.

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susan717 on 10/23/2011 6:42:00 PM more reviews by susan717

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This new version SPF 38 is not the same as the old version SPF 36. The SPF 38 irritates my skin a little. I wish they bring back the SPF 36 version.

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lightsout91 on 5/22/2011 8:01:00 PM more reviews by lightsout91

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I LOVE this. The texture is so smooth, it applies like a dream into your skin without having a "burning" or tingling sensation like a lot of chemical sunscreens. It doesn't have a whitecast (unless youre getting photographed!) and it smells great, a little 'fresh.' AND it keeps me matte all day (a HUGE plus for me) so it's an excellent primer for oily skinned people.

BUT I think it's contributing to my acne. I'm not 100% sure but to be safe I stopped using it. I had a ton of clogs along my jaw and some on my temples before I started using this cream, and I think it definitely contributes to aggravating them. I want to use this everyday because I actually love using it. I'm still using it as a sunscreen for my eye area but I think I'm gonna stop applying it on my face until my skin clears up completely. By the way, TJ Maxx usually has this for sale for about $20, which IMO is a great deal for Shiseido!

This is by far one of the best sunscreens I've ever used, I would give it 5 stars if I knew I wasn't sensitive to it. For everyone who isn't acne-prone, I highly suggest trying it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* KBaylie on 5/6/2011 4:37:00 AM more reviews by KBaylie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Broke me out and caused tiny little bumps under my eyes.

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*TOP REVIEWER* definesinister on 3/30/2011 12:48:00 PM more reviews by definesinister

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I actually found this at TJ Maxx for $19.99. I can not live without putting on sunscreen in the morning. Even when I go out and I forget to put it on, I notice my skin feels hotter without it. Anything is with an SPF of 30 or higher is fine, since I'm using retinoids at night. I never tried the cream version of SPF 55 so I can't compare, but I do have the lotion SPF 55. Based on the packaging inserts, SPF 38 is more nourishing and for anti-aging. It still broad spectrum, has the physical and chemical sunscreens as the SPF 55, but this one has Rose Apple Leaf extracts for antioxidant effects. So yes, it does leave the skin a little more moisturized but still matte. At night when I remove, I use the Ultimate Cleansing Oil by Shiseido. It truly delivers to get rid of all traces of dirt and sunscreen, I've had debris coming out my pores a few times. Will I repurchase again? Yes, but not sure if I would pay retail prices. Sometimes you can pick this up at TJ's, sometimes you can't. So I'll be on the hunt for a backup.

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ashley1227 on 1/5/2011 1:55:00 PM more reviews by ashley1227

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Wow, I love this stuff! I'll admit I bought this because I heard it's very good at controlling oily skin (which it does), not for use as a sunscreen. I'm 22 and never think about things like skin cancer, wrinkles, etc. however it doesn't hurt to have some protection on my face :) I haven't used in summer yet so I'm not sure how it performs as a sunscreen, however like I said before it is FANTASTIC for oil control. I have tried countless products to try and control my oil but this is the ONLY thing that has ever worked for me.

Oily-skinned ladies...do yourselves a favor and try this stuff, you won't be disappointed!!

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Toro on 12/16/2010 7:34:00 PM more reviews by Toro

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I am a very pale Asian (nc15), so I get the worst from the sun - prone to tan/burn/freckles/skin cancer. So I must use high protection sunscreen especially during sunny days all year round regardless of the season. What I look for in a quality sunscreen is - at least spf30, no white caste, non-greasy, non-drying, and I hate the "sunscreen" smell. This one doesn't have any of that, it's easy to spread (hence the name), moisturizing enough for the Canadian winter, doesn't cause breakouts, leaves a dewy finish that's not shiny looking, smells great...BUT it's also rather expensive, however for for what it does I will continue to purchase until I can find a cheaper alternative. In the summer I switch to Anessa spf32 milky sunscreen for town use.

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celinei on 12/12/2010 10:44:00 AM more reviews by celinei

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I love this sunscreen! nice consistency, no problem to putting make up on it, not greasy, no white residue. It seems expensive but lasts a long time and a little goes a long way.. so very worth it!

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*TOP REVIEWER* colourfulapple on 8/12/2010 2:38:00 AM more reviews by colourfulapple

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

- Love the sweet fresh scent
- Blends easily
- No greasy feeling
- Does not cause me to breakout
- Has antioxidants ingredients
- Supposedly sweat-proof and water-resistant
- Expensive

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oshinsr on 7/28/2010 4:19:00 AM more reviews by oshinsr

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Smells nice. Applies beautifully. Does not ruin the make-up. Not Greasy though creamy. Does not leave a film. Goes on very nicely on top of other skin care products. In my opinion, it is worth the price and I will re-purchase.

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