As temperatures rise, sun protection takes centre stage as various beauty brands introduce their innovations to help consumers gear up for summer weather.
SK-II GenOptics Airy UV Cream & CC Primer
Luxury skin care brand SK-II has unveiled the latest member of its popular GenOptics brightening series called the Airy UV Cream & CC Primer, which comes in an all-new packaging design inspired by the light bulb.
This five-in-one product offers moisturising, brightening, and firming effects, as well as protection against UV rays and primer function.
Apart from SK-II’s “miracle” ingredient PITERA, crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process that minimises oxidative stress and strengthens the skin barrier, the formula is further enhanced with niacinamide to improve skin tone and increase brightness, and bisabolol to soothe skin and reduce redness after UV exposure.
The upgraded formulation is expected to bring “instant radiance”, “all-day glow” that stays for up to eight hours, and “aura skin that shines from within” after 28 days of consistent use.
The product is available in three shades — Airy UV Cream (Untinted) for people who simply seek UV protection, CC Primer BEIGE for those who prefer a more natural coverage, have yellow undertones, or spot concerns, and CC Primer ROSY for individuals who wish to brighten up their natural skin tone or have blue undertones and double it as a highlighter.
Eau Thermale Avène Ultra Fluid SPF 50
Engineered for modern consumers’ dynamic lifestyles and environmental challenges, the Ultra Fluid sunscreen claims to block the entire light spectrum, setting a new benchmark in dermatological sun defense.
The product comes in three variants — Invisible, Perfector, and Oil Control — which cater to different needs. For instance, Invisible is a daily essential sunscreen with ultra-light texture that delivers a matte finish with bare-skin feel, making it ideal as a makeup base.
Another variant that is suitable for all skin types is Perfector, said to be an “everyday go-to but elevated to multitask”. The tinted formula evens out skin tone and reinforces protection against hyperpigmentation.
The Oil Control variant is recommended for oily and acne-prone skin, as it contains monolaurin to regulate sebum secretion. Its mattifying effect has been tested to last up to 14 hours.
Importantly, Ultra Fluid offers broad-spectrum protection up to 450nm, including High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light, which penetrates deeper into the skin, contributing significantly to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and collagen degradation.
The sunscreen contains Avène’s patented TriAsorB filter, backed by 75 patents and 20 years of research, that not just protects against harmful rays, but also helps reduce up to 95% of cellular damage, said to be the highest in the market.
Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturizer
Japanese brand Tatcha has added a new product to its Dewy collection — Dewy Milk Moisturizer, a liquid moisturiser formulated with key ingredients including antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice, zinc hyaluronate to minimise moisture loss, and prebiotic green tea to nourish the microbiome and enhance radiance from within.
Its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture is claimed to “melt like butter” onto skin instantaneously while locking in intense moisture that visibly boosts elasticity and glow.
Said to offer dewier, bouncier skin and balanced hydration, it is especially suited for combination to oily skin types.
dearcloud’s line of Korean sun care
As one of the first Korean sun care brands for both face and body to be certified by the US FDA, dearcloud aims to bring the best of K-beauty technology to US consumers “at a time when Korean sunscreens have never been more in demand”.
One of its highlight products is the UV Block Hydrogel Sun Patches, which are designed for delicate areas like the cheeks and under-eye area. Made with aloe and collagen, they also deliver depuffing and cooling effects.
According to the brand, sun patches provide 99% protection from UVB rays, and can be worn on clean skin or over makeup for up to five hours. Not only does it remove the need for reapplication, it also makes for a cute selfie moment.
In addition, other products, such as Tone Blur Essence Sunscreen, Sunny Defense Sunscreen Stick, and Dear Sun Perfecting SPF Cushion, are available in special packaging featuring Keith Haring’s artwork, and Miffy and Paul Frank characters.
