Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV Ratzilla

Vitamin C is one of the few skincare ingredients with a decent amount of independent research to back up its properties, like its brightening and anti-wrinkle benefits.

But those of you who are vitamin C enthusiasts may have noticed that with some vitamin C serums that contain ascorbic acid, you end up with slightly darkened skin after a few days of use. The stained skin looks red or orange-brown, sort of like fake tan. It can happen on your face, as well as your hands and fingernails. It can even stain your hair orange!

I’ve often wondered why this happens, but I didn’t really dig into it past a quick Google search (which found nothing), so I just put it off as a weird side effect of vitamin C oxidising.

But recently, I came across a diagram in a peer-reviewed paper on a completely different topic that accidentally told me exactly why vitamin C does this: ascorbic acid eventually oxidises to erythrulose!

As you may already know, vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid (specifically L-ascorbic acid) oxidises easily. This is when it decomposes and turns into a number of other substances that likely have much less benefits for skin, and it gradually darkens in colour during this process.

Ascorbic acid oxidises in products, especially when it’s in the presence of water, as well as on your skin. Oxygen and light exposure will also speed up the oxidation reaction.

The first step in the oxidation process is when the ascorbic acid is converted to dehydroascorbic acid. This reaction is reversible, so you can get back the ascorbic acid if you have the right antioxidants in the formula.

Skin Type: Sensitive!Dry, Dehydrated and prone to redness.(Currently extremely sensitive, with some products instantly triggering a burning sensation.)

I've previously tried sunscreens from Biore , La Roche Posay, Heliocare etc. I was using the Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel, which I found good. However, I read that this Canmake one is alcohol free and good for sensitive skin, so decided to try it out:

*It doesn't irritate or dry my skin out.
* The texture isn't greasy, too matte, or too heavy. It absorbs well into the skin, and works well under make up.
*I was initially concerned about the small size of the tube, but a little goes a long way.

In search of a high protection, modern filtered, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, cosmetically elegant sunscreen, I stumbled across Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++. My friend brought me back a tube from Japan when he came back to visit, and I have repurchased it multiple times ever since!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdQ0kxlQN48&w=560&h=315]

INFORMATION ON CANMAKE MERMAID SKIN GEL UV SPF50+ PA++++

“Powerful, yet delectably moist
● SPF 50+ / PA++++
● Smooth gel without that roughness or stickiness characteristic of most sunscreens. Recommended for those who prefer a light, refreshing sunscreen.
Splash it on like a facial lotion – also serves as a make-up base
● Gel breaks down into a watery texture as you smooth it over your skin. After using face wash, this is all you need for complete skincare and UV protection.
*Can also be used after your usual facial lotion and other skincare products.
● Serves as a moisturizing make-up base with UV protection. Infuses your skin with moisture, helping your foundation to sit better and last longer.
● Use it on your body, as well as your face.
Skincare gel with 85% beautifying ingredients
● This pleasant watery gel contains 85% beautifying ingredients.
Easily portable tube format
● Sunscreen is most effective when reapplied frequently. Comes in an easily portable tube that makes it simple to adjust the amount you apply, so it’s perfect for reapplying sunscreen when you’re out and about.”

– Ratzilla

Price: 700yen = ~$6.22 USD / ~$8.09 CAD (I got it for this price because my friend bought it for me in store)
Amount: 40g
Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 50+ PA++++

UV FILTERS:
Type: Hybrid
Chemical: Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S
Physical: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

INGREDIENTS:
There’s no English on the packaging, so I looked at the following websites:
Ratzilla
COSDNA

EXPERIENCE WITH THE CANMAKE MERMAID SKIN GEL UV SPF50+ PA++++

CONSISTENCY: Light gel-cream.

APPLICATION: Spreads easily like a light gel and and dries down quickly.

FINISH: There is a very light, shimmery sheen to this product.

FEEL: Light, slightly tacky. Also slightly drying if you do not prep your skin well.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST? It looks like there is a bit of a cast at first, but it matches my skin tone quickly.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Based on their ingredients list, they have sodium hyaluronate, phytic acid, alpha glucan, ceramide, and a bunch of plant extracts near the end of the list. The first set of ingredients are nice and offer some moisturizing properties, but not enough on its own for my drier skin type.

UNDER MAKEUP:
I’m surprised how it is under my It Cosmetics CC Cream. I thought it wouldn’t do much since the CC Cream has a glow on its own. In light applications of the CC Cream, this sunscreen/primer’s finish is actually what dominates as the base. It’s as if I have the coverage of the CC Cream, but the finish is that of the primer. I likey likey likey.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON CANMAKE MERMAID SKIN GEL UV SPF50+ PA++++

CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ surprised me. Not for the UV protection, but how great of a primer it is! The fact it took away the It Cosmetics CC Cream shine and used it’s own… Well, damn! As a sunscreen, it’s light and creates a grease-free surface, but somewhat drying on my normal to dry skin if I don’t moisturize my skin properly before hand. The tube is pretty small to last primarily as a sunscreen, so I only use it as a primer on top of a different sunscreen I have – it’s as if it helps to layer your sunscreen protection more elegantly, rather than gooping the original SPF you have on your face! I definitely recommend trying it out if you can. Unfortunately online options can be more expensive than in store, so if you are ever in Japan and are eyeing it, get it!

WHERE TO BUY:
YesStyle *
DokoDemo *

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Is Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV physical or chemical?

Is Canmake Mermaid skin Gel waterproof?

Is Canmake sunscreen a chemical or mineral?

Is Canmake sunscreen good for sensitive skin?