Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ versus Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender .

Last updated on January 31, 2024. Published on March 25, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, scar healing and better texture

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols 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 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

Shop

Buy UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $8.99
Shop

Buy Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $8.59

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
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

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

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Exfoliators (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating (3)
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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender 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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender 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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does:

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

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

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 17.

5
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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 14.

7
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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 11.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 4.

8
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Polyvinyl Alcohol.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 22.

9
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid has the capacity to bind to large amounts of water. This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.

Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing,

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 8.

10
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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 23.

11
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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender contains this as ingredient number 26.

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

29% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet
16% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
55% are disliked or very disliked
19% 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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 20 reviews
imyourdorito's Avatar'
Mar 11, 2024

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...

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.

Light
Doesn't Work
JamimaShamimSoha_575's Avatar'
Aug 28, 2023

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

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

ZAHIRAHRIDWANA_559's Avatar'
May 4, 2023

The best sunscreen
Really hydrating. Suitable for the climate i'm from.

The best sunscreen
Really hydrating. Suitable for the climate i'm from.

Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 31 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 review
glasscasita's Avatar'
Nov 17, 2023

Good sunscreen
It offers good UV protection but left a white caste / pilled when reapplied.

Good sunscreen
It offers good UV protection but left a white caste / pilled when reapplied.

Color: Lavender
wqdjc's Avatar'
Mar 19, 2024

It gave me tiny bumps of a broken skin barrier, dried out my cheeks completely, had to focus on barrier health.
One of the first ingredients is alcohol, RUN!
SO IRRITATING
However it doesn't leave a white cast and does color correct...

It gave me tiny bumps of a broken skin barrier, dried out my cheeks completely, had to focus on barrier health.
One of the first ingredients is alcohol, RUN!
SO IRRITATING
However it doesn't leave a white cast and does color correct skin.

Drying
Broke Me Out
Irritating
Sticky
Pilling
Light Scent
Color: Lavender

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

Our Dupe Finder has found 36 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Lavender.

See 36 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...