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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ versus COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on July 23, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen South Korean Brand South Korea
Sunscreen South Korean Brand South Korea

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++

Starts at $10.40
Shop

Buy Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++

Starts at $8.99

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Hyaluronic Acid

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Dark Spots
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (5)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.

Bemotrizinol has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. Skin exposed to UV causes free-radical molecules to form. This ingredient works by preventing the UV from reaching your skin.

It is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.

Bemotrizinol is not approved in the US but is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia.

In fact, it is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted by in the EU.

It is oil-soluble.

Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

6
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 24.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

8
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

9
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

10
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

11
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

12
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 31.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 39.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

22% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
63% are disliked or very disliked
3% have no rating yet
16% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
64% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ 32 ingredients

Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++ hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 23 ratings
Irritating (6) Doesn't Work (4) Broke Me Out (4) Light Scent (3) Pilling (3) Heavy (2)
mooj's avatar

mooj

5 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

this sunscreen stung my eyes super bad. even when i took care to avoid my eye area, it still burnt. left my skin red and irritated looking.

sword's avatar

sword

11 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Broke Me Out Horrifically
I used to use this when I was in school and had awful acne, so I didn't notice it caused me to break out until I decided...

Broke Me Out Horrifically
I used to use this when I was in school and had awful acne, so I didn't notice it caused me to break out until I decided to try it again recently. It gave me an awful break out all over my cheeks, and flared up my rosacea. It took a few days to recover. Also this has a white cast, so beware if that's something you typically avoid.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to A'Pieu Gel Solar Pure Block Aqua SPF50+ PA+++.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++.

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