My Experience with Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen

How many of you actively defend your skin against the sun? It's crucial to acknowledge that indoor lighting, as well as the light from laptops and smartphones, emits rays that can harm your skin. Today, I want to focus specifically on facial skin.

Neglecting to shield your skin from sun exposure and indoor light sources can lead to several adverse consequences:

Accelerated Skin Aging
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Increased Risk of Skin Cancers
UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, raising the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.

Skin Inflammation
The blue light emitted from electronic devices is linked to various skin issues, potentially causing inflammation and contributing to conditions like acne and pigmentation disorders.

What’s in My Latest UV Defense Beauty Arsenal?
In my quest to protect my skin from harmful UV rays, I recently added the Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen Serum SPF 35 PA+++ (40ml) to my beauty arsenal. I purchased this sunscreen from Aeon Big in Bukit Rimau, drawn by my appreciation for halal products tailored to my skin in my 60s. Wardah, an Indonesian brand, emphasizes safe and natural ingredients in its formulations, making it an appealing choice.

Key Benefits of the Sunscreen
This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, providing 30 times optimal defense against UVA and UVB rays, as well as excess blue light radiation. Given my long hours spent working on laptops and smartphones, a reliable sunscreen is essential.

One standout feature of this product is its 0% alcohol content, which is vital for my dehydrated skin. Alcohol can strip away natural oils, and at my age, I prefer formulations that help retain moisture. The serum is enriched with Vitamin E and Pro Vitamin B5, which nourish the skin and protect against free radicals.

Packaging and Key Features
Most of this information is conveniently displayed on the plastic tube packaging - there's no outer box, just a protective cover on the flip-top. The packaging highlights several key features, including:

Glow finish
Fresh, lightweight texture
No white cast
Dermatologically tested

While the packaging includes essential details in English, much of the information is presented in Bahasa Malaysia, which may pose a challenge for non-Malay speakers.

Affordable Pricing
At around RM14.00, this sunscreen is truly affordable for me.

What’s in the Mix? Sunscreen Ingredients Explained
I often wonder why brands use scientific names for ingredients. While deciphering them can be challenging, understanding what they are can help us make informed choices. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, along with their common names and functions:

Aqua: Water; a common base for many cosmetic products.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: A UV filter that protects the skin from sunburn by absorbing UVB rays.
Propylene Glycol: A humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin.
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor: A UV filter that provides additional protection against UV rays.
Acrylates Copolymer: A thickening agent that stabilizes and improves product texture.
Polyacrylamide: A thickening agent that enhances the feel and spreadability of the product.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient protects against UVA rays.
Dimethicone: A silicone that provides a smooth application and helps lock in moisture.
Panthenol: Known as provitamin B5, it hydrates and soothes the skin.
Cyclopentasiloxane: A lightweight silicone that gives a silky feel and aids in spreadability.
Triethanolamine: A pH balancer that helps stabilize the formula.
Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.
C13-14 Isoparaffin: A synthetic oil used for texture and emollience.
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract: Renowned for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Laureth-7: An emulsifier that helps mix oil and water.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer: A silicone that enhances the texture and feel of the product.
Carbomer: A thickening agent that stabilizes and maintains product consistency.
Tocopheryl Acetate: A form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin.
Disodium EDTA: A chelating agent that stabilizes the formula and improves efficacy.
Triethylene Glycol: A humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer: A silicone blend that enhances texture and smoothness.
Dimethiconol: A silicone that provides a silky feel and aids in moisture retention.
Potassium Sorbate: A mild preservative that helps prevent mold and yeast growth.
Sodium Benzoate: A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth.

These ingredients work synergistically to provide sun protection, hydration, and a smooth texture.

Application Steps
To begin my morning skincare routine, I cleanse my face, then apply eye cream and moisturizer before using the The design of the flip-top cover allows the serum to dispense easily into my palm. True to the brand's claims, this product has a lightweight texture and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue. I apply it by dotting it on my face (avoiding the eye area) and gently blending it in.

To further enhance my sun protection, I layer a light application of face powder containing sunscreen, applying it with a sponge. Even while at home, I prioritize sun protection. Given my susceptibility to pigmentation and my thin skin, I feel it is essential to protect myself from indoor light as well.

The serum effectively leaves no oily surface, and after three months of use, I have not experienced any breakouts. It integrates seamlessly into my routine, and I find that a small amount is sufficient for my smaller facial area.

Zen Style Ingredient Insights
While I initially believed the Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 PA+++ to be a natural product, I later discovered that it contains a blend of both natural and synthetic ingredients. It features beneficial components like Aloe Vera extract and Panthenol for moisture and soothing benefits, yet around 88% of its formulation is synthetic. Although it provides effective UV protection, some ingredients, such as silicones and triethanolamine, may clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. I've experienced some congestion around my nose, a common issue with other products, so I accept that with Wardah.

The packaging is modest at 40ml, indicating that with daily use, I might need to replenish it every four months.

Will I Buy Again?
There are other UV shield products from Wardah that I’m eager to try!

Would you consider buying the Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen Serum SPF 35 PA+++?

(Ms. Nava is a Zen entrepreneur who founded Nava's Zen at 58 and is now in her 60s. She is a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. With over 22 years of lecturing experience, including 13 years in the Curtin University Australia Degree Twinning Program, she shares her passion for Zenfulness through the small steps we take towards aging gracefully and fostering personal growth).