NIVEA
NIVEA UV Water Gel EX SPF50, 80g
NIVEA UV Water Gel EX SPF50, 80g
Rated 5.4 out of 7.0 on @cosme, Japan's largest beauty review site
SPF50+ PA++++ in a gel that vanishes as it absorbs. Kao makes this one for the Japanese market, and it is not the same product as the NIVEA sunscreens sold in the West.
✓ 100% authentic, bought in Japan
✓ Ships from Tokyo in 3 business days
✓ Duties prepaid for US orders
✓ Tracked delivery via Japan Post
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What it is
NIVEA UV Water Gel EX is a Japanese-market sunscreen gel rated SPF50+ PA++++ with a water resistance rating of two stars, in an 80g tube. The gel spreads across face and body and absorbs to nothing, leaving no white cast or tackiness. It is super waterproof and removes with ordinary soap.
Why it's different
Made by Kao for the Japanese market under licence, so the formula and the SPF and PA labelling are Japanese, not the same as NIVEA sunscreens sold in Europe or the US.
SPF50+ PA++++ with a UV water resistance rating of two stars, which is the higher of the two grades used on Japanese labels.
Not to be confused with NIVEA UV Super Water Gel, a different product in the same range rated SPF50 PA+++.
Key ingredients
How to use
1. Apply as the final step of your morning routine.
2. Spread evenly across face and body. Applying too thinly will not achieve SPF50+.
3. Build a second layer to avoid patchy coverage.
4. Reapply every two to three hours outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towelling.
5. Remove with ordinary soap or facial cleanser.
NIVEA UV Water Gel EX SPF50, 80g
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this authentic?
Yes. We only buy from official retailers and directly from the brands here in Japan. Never resellers, never grey market stock.
We are beauty lovers too, so we know the worry, especially with something you are putting on your face. Authenticity is 100% guaranteed by us.
Is this the same as the NIVEA sunscreen sold in the US or Europe?
No. NIVEA sunscreens for the Japanese market are made under licence by Kao and are formulated to Japanese standards, including the PA rating system that Western labels do not use. The ingredient lists and UV filters differ from Western NIVEA sun products, because Japan approves filters that are not approved in the United States.
What does PA++++ actually mean?
PA is the Japanese measure of UVA protection, running from PA+ to PA++++. Four pluses is the highest grade. SPF measures UVB, which causes burning, while PA measures UVA, which is more associated with long-term ageing and pigmentation. A high SPF with a low PA rating leaves a real gap, which is why both figures matter.
How is this different from NIVEA UV Super Water Gel?
They are different products despite the similar names. Water Gel EX is SPF50+ PA++++ with a two-star water resistance rating. Super Water Gel is SPF50 PA+++, a lower rating on both scales. If you are choosing on protection alone, the EX is the stronger of the two.
Does it work under makeup?
Yes. The gel absorbs quickly and leaves very little on the surface, which is why it sits well under a base. Allow two or three minutes before foundation. It is designed for face and body, so the quantity is generous enough to use on both.
We ship internationally from Japan!
International Delivery Rates
What are your shipping rates?
On orders under US$75, shipping is a flat US$20 to the United States and US$10 to all other countries.
Orders of US$75 or more ship free, applied automatically at checkout. Your exact shipping cost is shown before you pay.
How long does international shipping take?
These estimates are for International Airmail (Tracked) and include 3 to 5 business days of processing in Japan. As of 22 July 2026:
- United States: 12 to 15 business days
- Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany: 9 to 12 business days
- Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland: 10 to 13 business days
- China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam: 8 to 10 business days
- Rest of the world: 11 to 18 business days
These are estimates only. Actual delivery can be affected by customs clearance, seasonal congestion, or carrier delays in the destination country, all of which are outside our control.
Do you offer express shipping?
Yes. We offer International Express Mail through Japan Post. The cost is based on order weight and is calculated automatically at checkout.
Will I have to pay customs or import fees?
US orders: No. As of July 1, 2026, all US orders ship DDP (duties delivered prepaid), meaning we prepay all import duties on our end. Nothing is due at your door.
Orders outside the US: Possibly. Duties and import taxes are set by your local customs authority and are not collected at checkout, so any charges on delivery are your responsibility.
We're working on rolling out prepaid duties for more countries soon.
It's moist and not sticky and doesn't burn. I use it with my kids.
It was good that it wasn't sticky.
It's a refreshing water-gel type sunscreen that dissolves quickly into the skin, leaving no sticky feeling, and is easy to reapply! It doesn't feel rough or leave a white cast, so it's very easy to use. It was incredibly useful in the summer.
The refreshing gel spreads easily and blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a light, comfortable feel. It's convenient to use as part of your daily skincare routine, without the heavy, gritty feeling that sunscreens often have. It doesn't leave a sticky residue, so it's easy to use before getting ready in the morning or on your body. While frequent reapplication is essential for UV protection, it's easy to incorporate into your routine for those who prioritize comfort!
It's easy to use, with a light, easy-to-apply texture and no squeaky feeling or typical sunscreen scent. It has SPF50+ and PA++++, but it's not strong enough for midsummer, so I've been using it again as a winter sunscreen! It's easy to layer, so I love it.