Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ versus Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on July 11, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 21 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols and fragrances

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

Sunscreen Japanese Brand Japan
Sunscreen Japanese Brand Japan

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

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 (4)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

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.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

Loading ingredients...

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

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol and other additives. It has a low molecular weight and will evaporate quickly. This helps other ingredients become better absorbed and dry once applied.

Alcohol Denat. is volatile and may cause irritation. It helps draw out natural oils in skin and dry out your skin.

One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased irritation.

Alcohol is antibacterial by nature. This can help preserve products and increase their shelf life.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

Learn more about Alcohol Denat.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
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

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

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

Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.

It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.

Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.

It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Triazone

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isopropyl Palmitate is a texture enhancer and emollient. It is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

Palmitates are emollients. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier that traps moisture in.

When added to cosmetics, Isopropyl Palmitate creates a silky texture and improves spreadability.

Isopropyl Palmitate may not be fungal acne safe. It can worsen acne prone skin.

Learn more about Isopropyl Palmitate

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does:

We don't have a description for Peg-Crosspolymer.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm) and photostability.

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%.

UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. Other sources include tanning beds and welding torches. Radiation is the emission of energy. UV Rays are divided into 3 groups. UVA (320-400 nm) contains the least amount of energy. They are linked to long term skin damage such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA in skin cells. UVB causes sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer. UVC (200-280 nm) contains the highest amount of energy. Our ozone blocks UVC. UVC can also originate from welding torches, mercury lamps, and sanitizing bulbs.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

9
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

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

10
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.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 11.

11
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 16.

12
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 16.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 18.

13
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.

Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.

Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.

Learn more about Potassium Hydroxide

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

14
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Behenate is a fatty acid created from glycerin and behenic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 18.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

15
What it does: Perfuming

Heptanol is a fragrance.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 22.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

16
What it does: Emollient

We don't have a description for Sorbitan Distearate.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

17
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Stearoyl Glutamic Acid.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 24.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

18
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

19
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

EDTA is the shortened name for ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. It is a chelating agent and used to stabilize products.

Chelating Agents are used to prevent trace metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This can prevent unwanted reactions or changed efficacy of products.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

20
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

21
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.

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

36% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
39% are disliked or very disliked
14% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

Loading routine usage...
Loading routine usage...

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 28 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Expensive (1) Light Scent (1) Works Well (1)
Jetsettergirl's avatar

Jetsettergirl

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I am an spf queen living a tropical island life riding my motorbike.
This is one the few sunscreens that does not sting your eye when you sweat....

I am an spf queen living a tropical island life riding my motorbike.
This is one the few sunscreens that does not sting your eye when you sweat.
On that note, its pretty pricey for a biore, but i have tried so maaannnyy other spf that are expensive and cheaper, yet this one doesnt sting at all

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 20 ratings
Light (4) Works Well (2) Absorbs Well (2) Hydrating (1) Doesn't Work (1) Light Scent (1)
imyourdorito's avatar

imyourdorito

2 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

I'll start by saying that yes, this feels like practically nothing on the skin, and it's very similar to a primer as far as texture goes.

BUT...

I'll start by saying that yes, this feels like practically nothing on the skin, and it's very similar to a primer as far as texture goes.

BUT once applied, I didn't feel the same level of protection as with the European SPFs I used to use. I even applied half of each on my face to compare:

With the European one I experienced a cooling effect and didn't feel any heat touching my skin, it was like being hugged by icecream (a weird comparison, but it's the closest I can think of). Meanwhile, with this one, I didn't feel anything? I felt the heat touching my skin as much as on my non-protected areas, and there was no cooling effect whatsoever.

Is it cosmetically elegant? Yes. Is it cheaper than any European SPF? Yes. But I prefer not to play around with sun protection knowing the damage it can cause, and I don't feel 100% safe using this one.

JamimaShamimSoha_575's avatar

JamimaShamimSoha_575

9 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

no white cast, non comedogenic, gives a nice satin finish, ultra lightweight

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++.

See 50 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++.

See 50 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...