COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ Versus heimish Bulgarian Rose Tinted Tone-Up Sunscreen SPF 50+
This chemical sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
This hybrid sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingHomosalate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Homosalate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Water, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Niacinamide, CI 77891, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, CI 77491, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77492, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Myristic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Lauric Acid, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberIsododecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientMethyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
PerfumingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingMagnesium Sulfate
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrogen Dimethicone
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPropylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveTin Oxide
AbrasiveCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLactobionic Acid
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingTartaric Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat., Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Isododecane, Niacinamide, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Tromethamine, Magnesium Sulfate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Boron Nitride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Alumina, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Potassium Sorbate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77491, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Adenosine, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Tin Oxide, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Parfum, CI 77492, Lactobionic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMethyl Trimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a solvent and emulsifier.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Methyl Trimethicone does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Methyl TrimethiconeNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate is a synthetic polymer. It's a long chain built from acrylic acid units and each unit carries a fatty "tail" derived form a C10-30 alcohol.
Those oil-loving tails allow this ingredient to thicken oil phases, hold emulsions together, and cuts the tacky/greasy feel of heavy formulas.
Typical use levels sit around 0.1-3%, with 0.3-3% more common in leave-on emulsions.
This ingredient was reviewed as part of a group of 126 acrylates and concluded to be safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.
Though acrylate contact allergy is real and well-documented, allergy risk is quite low. The cases of documented contact allergy are caused by unreacted monomers (more commonly found in gel nails, dental resins, and adhesives).
Learn more about Poly C10-30 Alkyl AcrylateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTromethamine (aka THAM) is a synthetic amino acid that shows up in skincare as a helper ingredient.
It functions as a pH adjuster to help neutralize acidic ingredients and set a formula's pH to the right spot.
This matters a lot because a lot of actives (like vitamin C) needs a specific pH to work well and feel comfortable on skin.
Concentration use ranges from 0.1-1.0% depending on the formula.
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water