COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ Versus ERHA Acneact Acne Protection Sunscreen SPF 45 PA+++
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any oils 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
ERHA Acneact Acne Protection Sunscreen SPF 45 PA+++ 49 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
ERHA Acneact Acne Protection Sunscreen SPF 45 PA+++ 49 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientIsoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Triethanolamine
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAloe Arborescens Leaf Extract
MoisturisingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLimonene
Perfuming
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Citral
Perfuming
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
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Propanediol
Solvent
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Triethanolamine
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV Absorber
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingDimethicone
Emollient
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-21
CleansingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
PCA
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylparaben
Preservative
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingBHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Propylparaben
Preservative
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octocrylene, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol, Diisopropyl Adipate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Triethanolamine, Niacinamide, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Steareth-2, Dimethicone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Zinc Gluconate, Steareth-21, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Myristyl Alcohol, PCA, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methylparaben, Decyl Glucoside, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamatePropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneThis ingredient is more commonly known as Ensulizole, a chemical sunscreen ingredient.
Ensulizole mainly protects UV-B (290-340 nm) but offers a little UV-A (320-400 nm) protection. It is often paired with less photo-stable sunscreen ingredients due to its photo-stability.
Due to it being water-soluble, Ensulizole helps give sunscreens a light and non-oily texture.
Ensulizole is approved worldwide:
Learn more about Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Polymethyl Methacrylate yet.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholTriethanolamine 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 TriethanolaminePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumDisodium 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 EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
ERHA Acneact Acne Protection Sunscreen SPF 45 PA+++ 49 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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.
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.
ERHA Acneact Acne Protection Sunscreen SPF 45 PA+++ 49 ingredients
This sunscreen makes my headscarf turn yellow. If used on the eye area, it will sting. Not suitable for oily skin.
