Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Versus Kosé Suncut Perfect UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
Updated on December 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances, parabens and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Kosé Suncut Perfect UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Kosé Suncut Perfect UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Silica
Abrasive
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Heptanol
Perfuming
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Polysilicone-9
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientIron Hydroxide
StabilisingRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
PEG-8 Hyaluronate
EmollientTin Oxide
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Titanium Dioxide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Silica, Hydrated Silica, Mica, Dextrin Palmitate, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Heptanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 60, Polysilicone-9, Aluminum Hydroxide, Iron Hydroxide, Royal Jelly Extract, PEG-8 Hyaluronate, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, EDTA, BHT, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Isododecane
EmollientPolysilicone-15
UV FilterSilica
Abrasive
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSpiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentHypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tilia Cordata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Peat Extract
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
BHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Triethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Stearoyl Inulin
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isododecane, Polysilicone-15, Silica, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dipropylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Peat Extract, Soluble Collagen, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Squalane, Stearoyl Inulin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateButylene 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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.
Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.
Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.
The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.
Learn more about MethylparabenBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Kosé Suncut Perfect UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
it has a very shimmery effect with little glitters, and has a white cast! its not very noticable on me, (im a very fair skinned person), however it was noticeable on my tanner friends. it was irritating and caused my acne to flare up and become inflammed, along with some rosacea in my cheeks. it has a somewhat greasy texture,
not recommended for oily, acne prone skin like mine!!
Kosé Suncut Perfect UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 38 ingredients
This has become a favorite of mine. I love it for the face because it gives a natural demi-matte finish on my combo skin. The texture is like a thick gel but it spreads easily on the skin. It’s lightweight, doesn’t sting, has no whitecast, and doesn’t make me look greasy throughout the day. There’s no pilling and performs well under makeup. It’s a bit shiny when freshly applied but dries down Show more
i love this i think i’ve gone through more than 5 bottles at this point maybe more. i bring this on every overseas trip i have to take and share this with friends (who also love it). no white cast. is lightweight. such a good base for makeup. no discernible scent. does not make my skin feel dry. thank U KOSE!!! has never ever broken me out.
