Hi everyone,

Here I am with a new review of a product from the Korean brand Benton. I reviewed in July their new Cacao Moist and Mild Cream (here) and today it's all about their new sunscreen: the Papaya-S Sun Cream SPF50/ PA++++. For information, last month Benton released another sunscreen: the Papaya-D Sun Cream SPF38 / PA+++.  The "D" sunscreen is for "daily" use while the "S" sunscreen is best suited for outdoor activities ("S" stands for Sport).

What we can see immediately is that it has a SPF50 and PA++++. SPF50/PA++++ is the maximal rating you can get for a sunscreen, which means it will offer a good sun protection for UVB (cf SPF) and UVA (cf PA).

Note that if you want to get that high protection, you will need to apply enough sunscreen, i.e. 2 mg/cm² of skin, and you shouldn't rub it but rather pat it in. The best is to apply a first layer let it dry and then apply a second layer. 

CLAIMS

"Benton’s Papaya-S Sun Cream is Benton’s second physical & chemical suncream designed for outdoor activities. Papaya-S Sun Cream has the highest sun protection factor available in Korea, SPF50+ / PA++++. Mixed with chemical and physical sunscreen agents, the suncream effectively blocks both UVA and UVB, and helps to protect skin from external stressors. Also, niacinamide and adenosine in the formula help to achieve a bright and smooth complexion."

HOW IT LOOKS / FEELS / SMELLS

Name	Protection	Max conc.
Titanium Dioxide	UVB                + UVA2	25%
Zinc Oxide	UVB + UVA1 + UVA2	25%
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate	UVB	7.5%
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (aka Uvinul A Plus or DHHB)	UVA2	10%
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (aka Tinosorb S)	UVB + UVA1 + UVA2	10%

Interestingly you can notice the presence of Tinosorb S. This UV filter is excellent as it protects from UVB, UVA1, UVA2. There aren't that many UVA filters that's why Tinosorb is interesting. By the way Tinosorb is approved in Europe and in Korea but not in the USA. VanityRex has written something about it if you want to know more (click here).

In addition to the UV filters, the Papaya-S Sun Cream contains Papaya Fruit Water (43%), papaya seed oil (5000ppm), papain (100 ppm), and papaya fruit extract (750ppm).
Papaya is a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), β-carotene and licopene, 2 antioxidants (1). I've seen a few articles that talked about the effects papaya has on skin. In this article (2) was discussed the use of papaya in the treatment of chronic ulcers (healing promotion) and here (3) you can learn about the traditional use of papaya in Papua New Guinea to treat skin problems such as rashes or sun burns. It is also believed to decrease age spots.
Papya contains also an important enzyme, papain (it's a proteolytic enzyme). Note that papain is extracted from the latex of the papaya tree and fruit and allergies are possible (4). Papayin also has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties and has been shown to heal minor injuries faster (5). Papain is also effective in exfoliating the skin.

The papaya seed oil and sunflower seed oil as well as the beewax and shea butter make this sunscreen pretty emollient. Morever Octyldodecanol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate and C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate are also emollients.

You can also note the presence of niacinamide. Nacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, enhance its barrier function, stimulate microcirculation, help erase discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture. It is also able to treat an uneven skin tone and to mitigate acne and the red marks it leaves behind.



THOUGHTS / SUMMARY

Purchase Info

• Benton website
• Jolse
• W2beauty: Use my code "193008208" to get $5 off your order.
• Koreadepart
• Testerkorea