Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ versus COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on June 22, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, 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
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
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
Water • Alcohol Denat. • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Isopropyl Palmitate • Peg-Crosspolymer • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Palmitic Acid • Butylene Glycol • Xylitol • Dimethicone • C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate • Glycerin • Glyceryl Stearate • Propanediol • Glyceryl Behenate • Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer • Heptanol • Agar • Sorbitan Distearate • Isoceteth-20 • Polyvinyl Alcohol • Stearoyl Glutamic Acid • Arginine • Potassium Hydroxide • Sodium Hydroxide • Royal Jelly Extract • Hyaluronic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • EDTA • BHT • Parfum
Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Glycerin • Propylene Glycol • Cyclopentasiloxane • Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Alcohol • Dimethicone • Butylene Glycol • Glyceryl Stearate • Titanium Dioxide • C14-22 Alcohols • Polymethyl Methacrylate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Peg-100 Stearate • Triethanolamine • Silica • Sodium Hydroxide • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside • Aluminum Hydroxide • Stearic Acid • Parfum • Caprylyl Glycol • Phenoxyethanol • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Carbomer • Xanthan Gum • Limonene • Tocopheryl Acetate • Disodium EDTA • Hexyl Cinnamal • Linalool • Benzyl Salicylate • Geraniol • Benzyl Alcohol • Citronellol • Benzyl Benzoate • Citral
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 MethoxycinnamateBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 TriazineBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 13.
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.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 14.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.
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 GlycerinBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 16.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 14.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 22.
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 Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 29.
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 ParfumBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 36.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 27.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
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.
no white cast, non comedogenic, gives a nice satin finish, ultra lightweight
no white cast, non comedogenic, gives a nice satin finish, ultra lightweight
The best sunscreen
Really hydrating. Suitable for the climate i'm from.
The best sunscreen
Really hydrating. Suitable for the climate i'm from.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
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.
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.
Worst product from COSRX
Not suitable for oily skin because the amount of silicone in it causes a lot of pilling and it's horrible to use with other products. Not suitable for sensitive skin, it triggered irritation and redness on my...
Worst product from COSRX
Not suitable for oily skin because the amount of silicone in it causes a lot of pilling and it's horrible to use with other products. Not suitable for sensitive skin, it triggered irritation and redness on my face after one week of using it.
Gave me a lot of texture. Pills. Has somewhat of a scent. Stings my eyes. Simply did not enjoy this product!
Gave me a lot of texture. Pills. Has somewhat of a scent. Stings my eyes. Simply did not enjoy this product!
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 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++.
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