COSRX Sunny Snail Tone Up Cream SPF 30 PA++ Versus COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Updated on June 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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 Sunny Snail Tone Up Cream SPF 30 PA++ 41 ingredients
COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Sunny Snail Tone Up Cream SPF 30 PA++ 41 ingredients
COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Octyldodecanol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Triceteareth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingGlycol Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPalmitic Acid
Emollient
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Isohexadecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Arachidic Acid
Cleansing
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Water, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Octyldodecanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, Glycol Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-2 Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Palmitic Acid, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-6, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Lauric Acid, Oleic Acid
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tromethamine
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
Cleansing
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Aloe 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
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 WaterButylene 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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Ci 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 77891Glycerin 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 GlycerinEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
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.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about Niacinamide1,2-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
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateCetearyl 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 AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It 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.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePotassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateStearic 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 AcidPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate the skin. The emulsifying properties keep ingredients together in a product.
Palmitic Acid may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidAluminum 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 HydroxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 EDTAMyristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is naturally found in milk fat. Other sources include palm oil, coconut oil, and butter fat.
Myristic Acid is an emulsifer and cleanser. As an emulsifer, it stabilizes a product by preventing ingredients from separating. Myristic Acid helps clean your skin by acting as a surfactant. It tends to gather oil and dirt on your skin to be easily rinsed away.
One study from 2021 found Myristic Acid to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Myristic AcidLauric Acid is a fatty acid or lipid. About half of fatty acids in coconut oil is lauric acid.
This ingredient helps hydrate and sooth skin. As a humectant, it helps trap moisture. It also aids in cleaning and enhancing the texture of products.
Lauric acid may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne, safe.
Learn more about Lauric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX Sunny Snail Tone Up Cream SPF 30 PA++ 41 ingredients
COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX Sunny Snail Tone Up Cream SPF 30 PA++ 41 ingredients
COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients
love this sunscreen! its so light and moisturizing and is far from irritating. chemical sunscreens are always the way to go if you want effective and comfortable sun protection. i will say its definitely formulated for fair skin as a tone up cream, so treat it like a tinted sunscreen. leaves a crazy "white cast" when i have a tan so keep that in mind.
