Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ versus 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ .
Last updated on January 13, 2024. Published on April 10, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
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 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
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:
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients 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:
Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients 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:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
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
Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Glycerin • Ethylhexyl Salicylate • Paraffinum Liquidum • Titanium Dioxide • Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Cetyl Alcohol • Zinc Oxide • Stearic Acid • Glyceryl Stearate • Polysorbate 60 • Beeswax • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Peg-100 Stearate • Butylene Glycol • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract • Morus Alba Bark Extract • Panax Ginseng Extract • Phenoxyethanol • Betaine • Dimethicone • Carbomer • Triethanolamine • Disodium EDTA • CI 19140 • CI 15985 • Parfum
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 WaterCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ 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 MethoxycinnamateCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 GlycerinCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Amiloxate is a chemical sunscreen absorber. It mainly protects against UV-B rays (290-320 nm) but offers a bit of UV-A protection (320-340 nm).
This ingredient is available in the EU (up to 10%) and Asia. However, it has not yet been approved in the US or Canada.
It is created from isoamyl alcohol and methoxycinnamic acid.
Studies show the structural similarities between this ingredient and cinnamic acid give it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In fact, it is believed amiloxate works by scavenging free-radical molecules from UV.
One animal study found this ingredient was not absorbed or able to penetrate through skin.
Learn more about Isoamyl P-MethoxycinnamateCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 9.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 23.
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.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 13.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 17.
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 StearateCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 14.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 15.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 19.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 16.
Triethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 20.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 25.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 11.
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 ParfumCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 27.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 29.
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.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 29.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 21.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 33.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 24.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTACOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 37.
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
mooj
sword
Broke Me Out Horrifically
I used to use this when I was in school and had awful acne, so I didn't notice it caused me to break out until I decided...
Broke Me Out Horrifically
I used to use this when I was in school and had awful acne, so I didn't notice it caused me to break out until I decided to try it again recently. It gave me an awful break out all over my cheeks, and flared up my rosacea. It took a few days to recover. Also this has a white cast, so beware if that's something you typically avoid.
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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++.
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