Chanel
28 April 2025
Back with another sunscreen review and this time, by popular demand from my patients, it is: Chanel’s UV Essentiel Global Protection SPF 50/PA ++++. This is a sunscreen loved by many beauty aficionados for its lightweight feel and glowy finish. As a fan of Chanel’s fragrance and makeup, I’m excited to evaluate Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection sunscreen.
Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection sunscreen was released in 2023, after a reformulation of the original released in 2016. This new formulation contains blue ginger extract, which Chanel markets as a “skin strengthening complex” against environmental aggressors that cause premature ageing of the skin.
Chanel Beauty, the beauty arm of the iconic French fashion house, launched its first product- the Chanel No. 5 perfume in 1921. This was followed by its skincare range in 1927. Today, Chanel Beauty products are recognised for their quality and elegant finishes. I have to share that my favourite fragrances from Chanel Beauty are Comete and Beige for their powdery afternotes. Some of my favourite makeup products are from Chanel Beauty’s Le Blanc range, which is exclusive to the Asian market… the blushers are a work of art for their intricate embossed details.
Related blogposts:
Skincare & Makeup Recommendations to Buy in Japan
• SPF 50
• PA ++++
• Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano): Tinosorb M, nano-sized for better texture.
• Ethylhexyl salicylate: Octisalate
• Homosalate
• Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine : Tinosorb S
• Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate: Uvinul A Plus
Organic/ chemical sunscreen
• Faex (yeast extract): Yeast are essentially fungi, or probiotics. Probiotics can be found in skin soothing and acne skincare. Yeasts are also rich sources of beta-glucan, an ingredient that repairs the skin barrier and reduces inflammation. For a deep dive on these ingredients, please read Probiotics in Skincare and Supplements: Do They Work? and Beta Glucan Skincare: New Hero for the Skin Barrier?
• Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract: A flower extract containing antioxidant. Also used for its fragrance in cosmetics.
• Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract: Contains gingerol, a compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract: Licorice extract lightens hyperpigmentation and reduces inflammation.
• Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil: Contains fatty acids and antioxidants that support the skin’s moisture barrier.
Related blogposts:
How to Lighten Pigmentation and Dark Spots with Skin Care
Hyperpigmentation Disorders: Causes, Types, Treatments
How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection sunscreen can be purchased at the CHANEL Beauty Boutique in ION Orchard Singapore and Chanel Beauty counters in major departmental stores in Singapore.
Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection Sunscreen costs SGD$97 for a 30ml tube ~$3.23 MY REVIEW OF Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection sunscreen
• This sunscreen contains a mix of traditional and new generation UV filters like Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S. To learn about this new, photostable UV filters, please check out my explanation here.
• Antioxidant support in the ingredients
• The sunscreen also left my skin feeling sufficiently moisturised; without feeling occlusive • Cream that dries quickly to leave a lightweight feel. No tackiness.
• Finish is very glowy with no color coverage
• Adheres well to my skin without transferring or slipping
• No pilling or patchiness
• No white cast
•I love the floral scent- it’s a distinct, elegant Chanel scent. Floral, light and complex.
• Fragrance- you either like it or you don’t
• The glowy finish borders on looking shiny on my skin; but a little loose powder fixes this. If you have oily skin, this sunscreen may look too shiny for you. More tips on managing oily sunscreen finishes here.
• Not water resistant
Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection Sunscreen feels like a signature extension of Chanel beauty products for its light floral scent and elegant texture. If you’re already a fan of Chanel skincare and fragrances, the sunscreen is up your alley. Overall, the Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection Sunscreen is a luxury sunscreen with glowy finish and layers well with other products. Those with normal and dry skin are likely to appreciate the finish; but if you have oily skin you might need a little loose powder to mattify the shine. It is relatively pricey; and sunscreen doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. However, if you appreciate elevated sensorial experiences, Chanel UV Essentiel Global Protection Sunscreen hits the mark for me.
