NIVEA × Kao / Cosmetics
NIVEA UV
Water Gel EX
Water Gel EX
80g ｜ SPF50+ / PA++++
SPF50+ PA++++ Super waterproof Removable with soap Makeup base OK For face & body use Pump version available
Product overview
NIVEA UV Water Gel EX is the latest evolution of the "Water Gel" series nurtured by NIVEA Kao since 2004, released in February 2024 as an SPF50+ / PA++++ sunscreen. The biggest feature of this product, condensed from 20 years of history, is its “overwhelmingly fresh, disappearing gel that blends in”. The fresh gel spreads all over the body and quickly blends into the skin as if disappearing.
Contains Clear Water α (Mannitol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centifolia Rose Flower Water, PG) with a 70% lotion base formula that prevents skin dryness while providing UV protection. Super waterproof, strong against sweat and water, and easy to remove with soap. Also available in a large 270g pump type for the whole family.
Contains Clear Water α (Mannitol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centifolia Rose Flower Water, PG) with a 70% lotion base formula that prevents skin dryness while providing UV protection. Super waterproof, strong against sweat and water, and easy to remove with soap. Also available in a large 270g pump type for the whole family.
5 key points
Overwhelming
Freshness
Freshness
Water Gel formula refined over 20 years. Light as water and absorbs smoothly
Top-level UV
Protection power
Protection power
SPF50+ / PA++++ strongly blocks UVA and UVB
Super
Waterproof
Waterproof
Resistant to sweat and water. Suitable for sea, pool, and sports
Moisturizing
Contains beauty ingredients
Contains beauty ingredients
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid + rose flower water for UV care while preventing dryness
With soap
Easy removal
Easy removal
No cleansing needed. Can be removed with regular face wash or body soap
White cast &
Zero stickiness
Zero stickiness
A finish like bare skin. So light you forget you applied it
Makeup base
Also great as
Also great as
Light gel doesn’t interfere with makeup. Less likely to cause clumping
Suitable for family use
Pump version available
Pump version available
Also available in a large 270g pump type. For daily full-body care
Texture and usage features
Water-like lightness
Contains Caprylyl Methicone, so despite being a gel, it spreads lightly like water. Absorbs so quickly you’ll wonder if you even applied it
Outstanding spreadability
Spreads smoothly over the whole body with a small amount. Excellent spreadability, the best in the series, for both face and body without unevenness
Subtle floral scent
Refreshing floral aroma. Easy to use even for those who dislike the strong smell typical of sunscreens
Lineup: 80g Tube & 270g Pump
80g Tube Type (JAN: 4901301432322) ─ Ideal for carrying out and for face or spot use.
270g Pump Type (JAN: 4901301462206) ─ Large capacity for daily full-body care for the whole family. Fragrance-free and easy to use for all ages and genders.
270g Pump Type (JAN: 4901301462206) ─ Large capacity for daily full-body care for the whole family. Fragrance-free and easy to use for all ages and genders.
For these concerns
Comparison with Water Essence EX
| Comparison items | Water Gel EX | Water Essence EX |
|---|---|---|
| Product photo |  |
 |
| Texture | Gel type | Essence (serum) type |
| Freshness | ★★★★★★ (top level) | ★★★★★ |
| Good spreadability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Moisturizing feeling | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ (somewhat high) |
| Beauty ingredients | Hydrolyzed HA | Hydrolyzed HA + Rose flower water |
| Smooth feeling | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| SPF / PA | SPF50+ / PA++++ | SPF50+ / PA++++ |
| Waterproof | Super WP | Super WP |
| Removable with soap | ◎ | ◎ |
| Makeup base | ◎ | ◎ |
| Net content | 80g / 270g (pump) | 80g |
| Pump version | Available (270g, fragrance-free) | None |
| Recommended for | Simply smooth For those who want to apply it with a fresh feeling |
While also moisturizing For those who want UV protection |
Which one will you choose?
💦 Water Gel EX is recommended
・For those who prioritize a smooth, fresh feeling above all else
・For use in hot summer sun or heavy sweating situations
・For those who want to care for the whole body daily with a large pump bottle
・For those who prefer a light, water-like gel texture
・For use in hot summer sun or heavy sweating situations
・For those who want to care for the whole body daily with a large pump bottle
・For those who prefer a light, water-like gel texture
🌸 Water Essence EX is recommended
・For those who want to combine UV protection with moisturizing
・For those who want to use it year-round, even in dry seasons
・For those who prefer sunscreen that feels like skincare
・For those who want skincare benefits with rose flower water
・For those who want to use it year-round, even in dry seasons
・For those who prefer sunscreen that feels like skincare
・For those who want skincare benefits with rose flower water
How to use
1
After skincare
Or before going out
Or before going out
2
Appropriate amount (1.5cm for face)
Take on hand
Take on hand
3
For face and body
Spread evenly without streaks
Spread evenly without streaks
4
For long outings
Reapplication recommended
Reapplication recommended
Usage precautions
⚠️ When to discontinue use
If redness, swelling, itching, irritation, discoloration (white spots, etc.), or darkening occurs during or after use, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.⚠️ In case of eye contact
Avoid contact with eyes. If it gets into eyes, rinse immediately with water.ℹ️ How to remove with soap
Lather soap well with lukewarm water and gently wash off. Do not rub harshly; wash by enveloping with foam.ℹ️ Storage and handling
Avoid direct sunlight, high temperature, and humidity. Keep out of reach of infants and young children.Full ingredients
📋 NIVEA UV Water Gel EX Full Ingredients (as of February 2024)
Water, ethanol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, PG, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, caprylyl methicone, diisopropyl sebacate, isopropyl palmitate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, trehalose, mannitol, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, centifolia rose flower water, BG, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, (acrylates/acrylic acid alkyl (C10-30)) crosspolymer, carbomer, phenoxyethanol, sodium hydroxide, BHT, fragrance*Bold = UV absorbers or beauty/moisturizing ingredients *Main differences from Water Essence EX: this product contains "Caprylyl Methicone" and "Carbomer" but does not contain "Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether"
Product specifications
| Product name | NIVEA UV Water Gel EX |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NIVEA Kao Corporation |
| Type | Cosmetics (sunscreen) |
| Net content | 80g (tube) / 270g (pump) |
| SPF / PA | SPF50+ / PA++++ |
| Water resistance | UV water resistance (super waterproof) |
| Applicable areas | Face and body (whole body) |
| Makeup base | ◎ (Can be used as a base before foundation) |
| Cleansing | No removal needed (can be washed off with soap or facial cleanser) |
| Key ingredients | Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Centifolia rose flower water |
| Free formula | Free of zinc oxide, mineral Oil, synthetic dyes, parabens, and powder |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference from Water Essence EX?
The biggest difference is the texture. Water Gel EX is a gel type, featuring the highest level of freshness and smoothness in the series. It spreads excellently and covers the whole body quickly with a small amount. For more moisturizing feel, Essence EX is recommended; for an ultra-light, water-like feel, Gel EX is best.
What is the difference from the pump type?
The ingredients, SPF, PA, and waterproof performance are the same, but the pump type (270g) is a large size and fragrance-free. The pump version is economical for daily full-body use by the whole family. The 80g tube is convenient for carrying out or using small amounts.
Can it be used as a makeup base?
Yes, it can be used. Its light gel texture leaves no film, so it is well-liked for not causing flaking even when foundation is applied on top. Simply apply this product after skincare and proceed with makeup.
Is cleansing required?
No removal is necessary. Even though it is super waterproof, it can be washed off with soap, facial cleanser, or body soap. Avoid scrubbing; gently lather with soap and rinse off.
Does it last at the beach or pool?
Thanks to its super waterproof formula, it is designed to resist sweat and water. However, effectiveness may decrease during long outings or leisure activities, so reapplication every 2 to 3 hours is recommended.
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Formulated with consideration for the skin: free of zinc oxide, mineral Oil, synthetic dyes, and parabens, but contains UV absorbers and ethanol. If you have sensitive skin that reacts to absorbers or alcohol, please perform a patch test before use. Allergy tested (does not guarantee no allergic reactions for everyone).
Related categories
Ingredients / Components