Hello Naruko AMPM RX10 Peptide Total Defense Sunscreen SPF50, why must you have such an obnoxiously long name? But unlike the previous Naruko sunscreen I tried, this one works fabulously (spoiler alert) so I’ll forgive the long name annoyance.
Naruko AMPM RX10 Peptide Total Defense Sunscreen SPF50
- What is it
- A lightweight milky suncreen with SPF50, PA+++, and 10 different types of peptides. I’m pretty sure this has more anti-aging ingredients than some of my other products.
- How I use it
- Every morning on days where I know I’ll mostly be indoors.
- Best suited for
- Normal to oily skin types. Dry skin types will definitely need moisturizer underneath as this sunscreen is not hydrating by any means.
- Packaging
- A small plastic bottle that you’ll need to shake before each application
- Scent
- That traditional sunscreen smell
- Texture
- Very light and watery…reminds me a bit of whiteout (do people still use that?)
- Finish
- Velvet finish with minimal shine and stickiness
- Size & Price
- $14.99 – $22.99 for 50ml
- Where to buy
- Naruko US (free shipping + constant sales), Naruko Canada, Amazon (free prime shipping), eBay
A closer look at the ingredients (full ingredients here)
- Octinoxate 10% – Protects the skin from UVB, which can cause burning. Despite what some sites claim, this is a safe ingredient when used in sunscreen (source)
- Uvinul A Plus 3% – Very stable, and protects the skin from UVA, which causes the skin to age (think wrinkles, dark spots, and dryness).
- Titanium Dioxide – A physical ingredient that protects against UVB and UVA rays, though it does leave a slight white cast.
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 – Helps stimulate the production of collagen and minimize inflammation (source)
- Dipeptide-2 – A natural moisturizing factor that essentially helps our skin stay hydrated and prevent moisture from escaping (source)
- Syn-tacks – A combination of Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine and Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, both which are listed in the ingredients. It helps stimulate the production of collagen in our skin, which in term helps increase skin firmness and reduce wrinkles (source)
- Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15 – A peptide for sensitive skin that boosts the skin’s tolerance to environmental factors and other cosmetic ingredients (source)
- Pentapeptide-18 – Aka Leuphasyl, this peptide helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (source)
- Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) – Similar to Leuphasyl, this peptide also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (source)
- Nonapeptide-1 – Research shows that this peptide can inhibit melanin synthesis, hence decreasing skin pigmentation (source)
- Oligopeptide-68 – Another brightening peptide that is more effective than 4% hydroquinone when used with Diacetyl boldine (sadly not included in this product) (source)
- Tetradecyl aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric urea trifluoroacetate – Aka Syn-Hycan, it’s been shown to boost the production of hyauronan which helps maintain the hydration in our skin (source)
Yes that’s a lot of peptides and many of them sound promising, because who doesn’t want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles? However, many of these have just a few studies to back their claims, and applying them at the very end of my routine over my moisturizer makes me wonder how much of the peptides are actually getting absorbed into the skin. So for me personally peptides aren’t on the level of retinol or niacinamide as superstar ingredients, but it certainly doesn’t hurt having them in products. Plus, some like Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 can further minimize the irritations and inflammations that are associated with sun damage.
What’s so great about it then?
So while the inclusion of 10 peptides was the selling point of the Naruko AMPM RX10 Peptide Total Defense Sunscreen, it was the product’s elegant texture and finish that sold me. Sunscreen by itself is a proven anti-aging product, but it’s only as effective as how much and frequently you apply it, and that’s where this product shines. It’s not oily or heavy like Western sunscreens, and it doesn’t leave a shine like a lot of the hydrating Asian sunscreens. It’s easy to spread, leaves a velvet finish, doesn’t break me out, and doesn’t pill at all.
Since it does contain titanium dioxide, you’ll notice a tiny bit of white cast, or in my case, it’s more like a brightening effect! I actually like it, but if you have a darker skin tone then the white might be more noticeable.
Minor white cast issue aside, my biggest qualm with the Naruko AMPM RX10 Peptide Total Defense Sunscreen is the UVA protection level – PA+++ is so 2012, let’s keep up Naruko! But for days when you’re mostly indoors, it’s definitely enough. Plus the texture makes it so easy to reapply, so you’ll have no problem getting the adequate amount of sun protection. While I haven’t noticed any anti-aging effects since using this, I also haven’t noticed any increase in hyper-pigmentation. If anything, my dark spots seem to be getting lighter, though that’s probably a combination of using this and my Curology treatment.
Naruko AMPM RX10 Peptide Total Defense Sunscreen SPF50
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Packaging
8/10
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Ingredients
8/10
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Texture/Application
10/10
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Performance
9/10
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Price
8.5/10
Overall I'm very happy with this sunscreen, mainly due to its excellent texture and finish. Of all the Asian/Western sunscreen I've tried this definitely a top 3 (if not #1) when it comes to those factors. While the PA+++ is a shame, as an indoor sunscreen it suffices and it's done a great job of preventing any further sun damage. I highly recommend this sunscreen to normal/oily skin folks who are looking for an elegant everyday sunscreen, and will definitely be repurchasing this for myself in the future!
Hope you enjoyed this review, and let me know what your go-to sunscreen is lately, or if you’re still on the search for one that works! Have a great week ahead!
That sounds like a SPF I would really enjoy. Currently I am using a ISDIN Fotoprotector Aqua Fusion from Spain and it is amazing, but curiosity makes me wonder if there is something even better.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I’ve heard good things about ISDIN’s sunscreen and regret not buying it when I was in Spain. I’m a big fan of European sunscreens as well, e.g. La Roche-Posay, because of their high UVA protection, but they definitely feel heavier on the skin in comparison. They’re great for when i know I’ll be outdoors a lot though!
Wowowow! I’m always on the lookout for a great sunscreen to add to try out! I really like Shiseido’s offering but the price seemed ridiculous! I’m kind of sold with this one – great price, and tons of awesome ingredients!
Stephanie | theFantasia.com
Yeah Shiseido sunscreens are really pricey, and I feel like the formula isn’t as elegant as their Asian range (Anessa), which is a shame. This one is definitely worth checking out if you want something light for everyday use!
I would love to try it, I am always on a hunt for that perfect sunscreen if I am being honest. Brands seem to come up with better and better sun protection in recent years, that’s such a good trend. Thank you for sharing it Jenny! xx
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
Thanks for reading Naya! Yes, it’s so encouraging to see brands promote the importance of sunscreen and improving their formulas! :D
This sunscreen looks amazing! <3 I am currently using Lancome Bienfait UV SPF 50+ but I would love to try out new ones!! :) Thank you so much for sharing! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead Jenny!! :)
xx
Shivangi
http://www.outtoncatwalk.com
Thank you for reading and sharing your current sunscreen Shivangi! The Lancome SPF sounds lovely actually, I’d love to try it out one day!
You already know I am huge fan of this sunscreen and really need to repurchase this SPF50 version. I find my skin does look better when I apply this sunscreen everyday and no kidding about the texture, eh? It’s seriously thin and feels great on the skin.
I’m super curious about the SPF30 one too, I’m sure it’s even lighter and more elegant than this one, but the PA++ is a bit low for my preference (my skin gets dark spots really easily) :( But yes, definitely give this a try, I’d love to know how it compares with the SPF30 version!
This sounds amazing, it’s so hard to find a good sunscreen which isn’t thick and greasy.
So true! But there seems to be more options now for lighter sunscreens, especially among Asian brands!
This does sound really good, especially the finish. I’m using the Balance Me SPF lately, which also has titanium dioxide, but again I don’t really notice much of a white cash on it either xx
Velvet Blush
Thank you for reading and for sharing a new brand of SPF with me! I don’t think we have Balance Me in the US but I like the natural approach of the brand :)
Thank you for such a detailed review, Jenny. I’m a BIG proponent of wearing sunscreen every day, regardless of weather or season. I haven’t tried anything from Naruko yet, but I read some of your previous reviews. They sound like a great brand and I’d love to try some of their products. It’s never easy to find a light, non-greasy SPF and this sounds like a great option.
~ Cat L.
http://www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Instagram @DailyCatL
Thank you for reading Cat! Yes, sunscreen is a definite must-have in everyone’s skincare routine, and it’s a shame people are turned off by it due to the traditionally heavy/oily texture :( However it’s great that there are more lightweight options now, and I definitely recommend this one from Naruko!
Hahaha yes I’m still using whiteout! We call them liquid paper or blanco in Malaysia.
hehehe, even the sunscreen itself looks like whiteout!
This is my favorite daily sunscreen! It’s just so comfortable and feels like nothing on the skin. I do wish it had a PA++++ rating too, but I still reach for this almost every day. Thanks for the detailed ingredient breakdown, Jenny!
Hopefully they’ll update the formula to be PA++++ in the future without sacrificing its amazing texture! Then this would be my go-to sunscreen for all situations! :D
Great review! I’ve heard a lot about this sunscreen lately. I use the La Roche Posay one and I loooove it. I feel like sunscreen is one of those products that I don’t really change if it’s something I like, but I would definitely try this one because it has a lot of solid reviews.
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Thanks so much for reading Emily! I think if you have a sunscreen that you love and that works well, definitely stick with it, but for me, the LRP one that I adore is just a bit much for my everyday use, considering I’m indoors 99% of the time. But if you’re looking for a lighter alternative (since I know LRP ones tend to have higher protection), this one is worth trying!
And I’m so sorry about the weird bugs you experienced. I was testing out a new caching system with my blog but I guess it got too aggressive to the point where it was caching the previous commenter’s form entries! This should be fixed now!
P.S. Not sure if this is on purpose, but you have an auto fill on for Name, Email, and Website. Wonder if it’s only doing that for me? It auto fills to Camilla from Gracefulface.com. Just thought I’d let you know in case it was a bug!
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com (you’ll see what I mean by the autofill cause I’m leaving it instead of putting in my info)
I loved reading this review Jenny – your posts are always so informative and entertaining to read as you break down everything! x The finish is ideal for me – I’ve got to check out more from this brand! xx
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie xx
https://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/
Thank you so much for your kind comment Marina! Definitely recommend checking out Naruko, they have so many great products!
Huh. I might give this a try since I do suffer from the “Asian sunscreen leaves a shine” thing on my face. As someone with oily skin, I would definitely benefit this over the more hydrating ones. Thanks for introducing this! ^_^
Hope this works well for you Tara! I’ve found that the kind of sunscreen where you have to shake are actually less rich + hydrating than the traditional gel sunscreens, so if you’re not able to find the Naruko one, try to look for the ones with the shakey-bottles!
I AM looking for an every day sunscreen that I can integrate into my routine! I didn’t realize Western sunscreens are oily and heavy until you mentioned it, I just thought my very smooth Japanese sunscreen did it right. XD I’ll definitely check this one out in more detail!
I feel like Japanese sunscreens (or really Asian sunscreens) in general have a much better texture compared to their Western counterparts, probably because it’s such a necessity in their skincare routine. Sadly I feel like sunscreen is just becoming popular here, so there’s not as much pressure for Western brands to create a really great sunscreen :(
I’ve always wanted to try Asian sunscreens because I’ve read some great reviews about them. I currently use the Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreen and that’s the only one I’ve ever used. While I like it, I’m really sick of the scent now. I wish the ones like Naruko were more readily available.
I remember trying the Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreen and it definitely has a noticeable sunscreen scent, plus it did feel a bit heavy on my skin. Hopefully Naruko expands to other countries soon, but they are available on eBay if you want to search there. Thank you for reading!
I currently have an Asian sunscreen that hubby brought back from South Korea but I’ve yet to try it because I’m currently using my fave from Josie Maran. Naruko is a great brand as I am currently testing some of their skincare and this sounds like a great one. xx
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com/
Ooo just looked up the Josie Maran sunscreen and it sounds really nice, love that they included lots of antioxidants too! But yes, Naruko has some great products as well, plus they’re always expanding their product range!
This sounds like a nice daily sunscreen, especially that it has anti-aging and it doesn’t have zinc which I’m allergic to :)
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Would love to hear your thoughts if you ever try it out :) Thanks for reading!