Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ versus Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on December 08, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 32 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 🎉
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 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
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
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 32 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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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:
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 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:
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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
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 32 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 • Diisopropyl Sebacate • Zinc Oxide • Alcohol • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Butylene Glycol • Tranexamic Acid • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Dimethicone • Hydrated Silica • Glycerin • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Phenoxyethanol • Peg-12 Dimethicone • Dimethylacrylamide • Isostearic Acid • Parfum • BHA • Succinoglycan • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether • Camellia Sinensis Extract • Leontopodium Alpinum Extract • Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate • Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate • Potentilla Erecta Root Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract • Soluble Collagen
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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel 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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.
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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 12.
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 TriazineCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 11.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 10.
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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.
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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 15.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 36.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel 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
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 32 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
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 32 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.
Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 32 ingredients
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