[ Review ] P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream

 
P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream Review

Product Description
P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF 50 PA++++ is a chemical sunscreen fitted with SPF50+ PA++++ that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with skin-brighteners like niacinamide, the formula leaves skin glowing. Other active ingredients like Water Barrier™ provide skin barrier-supporting benefits. Lightweight formula applies easily and doesn't leave a white cast. Clinically tested sun cream is hypoallergenic.

Benefits:
-A moisturizing sunscreen that protects dehydrated skin from strong sunlight.
-Formulated with SPF 50+ PA++++ UV protection.
-Brightens your skin without leaving white cast.
-Suitable for sensitive skin.

Protecting your skin from the sun is more than just avoiding a tan but more about preventing long-term damage that can be incredibly difficult to undo. Chemical sunscreens have become a top choice for daily wear because of their lightweight textures, transparent finish, and ability to protect against both UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white cast. But beyond comfort and aesthetics, there’s a deeper skincare truth: once pigmentation appears, it’s extremely stubborn to fade.

Hyperpigmentation, whether from acne scars, melasma, or sunspots develops when UV exposure triggers excess melanin production. And while brightening serums and clinical treatments can help, it may take time and is expensive. This is why dermatologists repeat one golden rule: prevention is better than correction.

By incorporating a broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen into your daily routine, you’re not only shielding your skin from sunburn as you’re actively defending against dark spots, uneven tone, and premature aging. In other words, sunscreen isn’t just a skincare step; it’s your most powerful anti-pigmentation tool.

My last 2 emptied chemical sunscreens were Foretderm Derma Relief Vegan Suncream and Cell Fusion C Laser UV Sunscreen and now I am trying out yet another new brand in my arsenal, P.Calm which I purchased in 2023. You can now purchase it on Shopee Singapore

Korean skin care brand P.CALM offers skin care products formulated to tackle a variety of skin concerns, such as damaged and problematic skin. It incorporates plant-based ingredients in efficacious formulas developed by a team of experienced medical professionals. The brand’s products are free of fragrances and colorants, and clinically tested to be safe for use. 


Packaging, Scent and Texture

P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream Texture


P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream comes in a 50ml malleable tube with a screw-on cap. making it both travel-friendly and hygienic, a plus for those who prefer controlled dispensing without product wastage.

It carries a soft, milky sunscreen scent that’s subtle and familiar, reminiscent of the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++. While still lightweight, the P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream is slightly denser in consistency, offering a cushiony, water-barrier feel that absorbs smoothly into the skin with a dewy finishing. 

This makes it ideal for daily use, especially if you enjoy a moisturizing sunscreen that layers well under makeup while still being comfortable for sensitive skin.

How To Use
After basic skin care routine, take a proper amount and spread it over your entire face.

Performance and Ingredients

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m not the biggest fan of very dewy sunscreen finishes especially living in a humid climate with combination skin. While the P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream has a beautiful lotion-like texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin, the glow can lean a bit too dewy for my preference.

Because of that, I typically reach for this sunscreen on working days, when I can easily tone down the shine using my RMS powder. The finish sits somewhere between satin and dewy, which may appeal to dry or normal skin types, but might be less ideal for oilier skin in tropical weather.

In terms of skin feel, I did experience occasional stinging on my cheeks, especially over areas with hyperpigmentation, something to note if you have a compromised skin barrier or sensitivity.

Another key point: while this sunscreen feels hydrating and soothing, it didn’t hold up well under the harsh sun rays during my Perth trip as my cheeks feel warm at the end of the day. 

P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF 50 PA++++ contains the following 5 UV filters, same filters found in Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid : A  L'Oréal-group exclusive sunscreen agent commonly called Mexoryl SX. As opposed to most sunscreen agents, it is water soluble.

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate : A new generation, chemical sunscreen agent with high UVA protection and high photostability. Also known as Uvinul A Plus.

Polysilicone-15 : A chemical sunscreen agent with UVB protection. It also help to stabilize the famously unstable UVA filter, avobenzone and works especially well with Ensulizole to achieve high SPF protection. Also known as Parsol SLX. 

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine : A broad-spectrum ( full UVA and UVB protection ) chemical sunscreen agent which is also known as Tinosorb S. Hardly deteriorates in the presence of UV.

Ethylhexyl Triazone : A new generation, chemical sunscreen that gives the highest photo-stable absorption of all available UVB filters today. Also known as Octyl Triazone and Uvinul T 150.

However, do note that it also contains Butyloctyl Salicylate, another chemical UV filter not registered as a sunscreen active yet. 

Butyloctyl Salicylate : Helps to increase the SPF rating and enhance the stability of other UV filters like Oxybenzone and Avobenzone. It is not reef-safe. Currently not registered as a sunscreen active yet. 
Said to be the modified version of the chemical UV filter Octisalate which was created intentionally by the sunscreen industry to avoid having Octislate on the ingredient listing as a declared active and used by formulators to disguise the presence of a ‘chemical’ UV filter in mineral sunscreen formulas. It is also used to reduce the amount of inorganic mineral filters needed to get a desired labelled SPF and PPD rating.  (source)

For the uninitiated, 
UVA - Long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer and causes premature skin aging, wrinkling and dark spots.
UVB - Short wave ultraviolet B (UVB) rays burn the superficial layers of the skin and is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
PA - More + signs mean longer protection against UVA
SPF - Higher numbers mean longer protection against UVB

The key ingredients are.....

Ceramide NP: This ingredient strengthens the skin barrier, promoting its overall health and resilience.

Madecassoside: Known for its soothing properties, Madecassoside protects and calms irritated and damaged skin.

Probiotics: By maintaining a healthy skin microbiome, Probiotics help shield the skin from environmental stressors and maintain its balance. 

Cape Aloe: With its soothing properties, Cape Aloe alleviates skin irritations and airs in the healing process.

Glutathione: An antioxidant powerhouse, Glutathione brightens and evens out skin toner, leading to an improved overall complexion.

Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicarnphor Sulfonic Acid, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Polyglycery1-3 Distearate, Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Heryl Benzoate, Capryly1 Methicone, Polysilicone-15, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract, Polymethylsilsesguioxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylheryloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acylate Crosspolyrner, Ethyl hexylglycerin, Ammonium AcryloyldimethyltaurateNp Copolymer, Adenosine, Polyether-1, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glutathione, Lactobacillus Ferment, Madeossoside, Ceramicle NP, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol

Where To Buy : Yesstyle | Amazon | Shopee SG

Conclusion

To conclude, P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream is a gentle, hydrating chemical sunscreen that offers a smooth application, moisturizing texture, and a skin-loving formula suited for daily wear. Its satin-dewy finish makes it a great match for those with normal to dry skin or anyone looking for a glow-enhancing SPF that layers well under makeup.

However, it may not be the sunscreen I would reach for, on harsh sun or humid, oily-skin days.


Thanks so much for reading! Is my P. Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream blog post helpful for you? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it on social media.

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