Versus

COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ Versus MSTR The Shield Mist SPF 30

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on August 06, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 6 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Smoothing

Niacinamide 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 Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

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 preservatives 
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

When to use

1,938 Routines
96% use in am
3% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
5 Routines
80% use in am
40% use in pm
120% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ 28 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 65 ratings
Light (47) Works Well (41) No Scent (41)
thisisthatcutiedoggo's avatar

thisisthatcutiedoggo

6 months ago
Review

Wow holy grail end game status achieved!
DO NOT REFORMULATE this, Cosrx, i swear!!!
Suuuper lightweight. Does exactly as named “light” & “invisible” which are two very important things for me as someone with oily acne prone skin in a humid climate.
Oh and did i mention it makes your makeup glide on top perfectly???!! Looove how this susncreen makes my foundation & concealer glide on so Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
JohnnyLeeZongHeng_352's avatar

JohnnyLeeZongHeng_352

11 months ago
Review

This sunscreen is so light and easy to spread, I love it! The ingredients look really good too, there's no alcohol, fragrance, or oil, and it doesn't have any ingredients that trigger fungal acne.
It also makes my skin look dewy and it lasts for a long time.
Edit - I've been using it for two months now and I've already bought two more bottles because this is definitely my favorite sunscreen. The Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#no scent

MSTR The Shield Mist SPF 30 27 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Light (1) Light Scent (1)
nicole24's avatar

Nicole

1 month ago
Review

The spray nozzle on this product absolutely sucks. Leaves blotchy dots of sunscreen all over my face. I also have to spray quite a few sprays to feel like I’m getting even enough coverage to rub in; despite the instructions saying 2-4 sprays should suffice.

Despite the issues I take with the spraying; the product itself is good, it feels & looks weightless, rubs in easily and doesn’t make me Show more

#light
#absorbs well
#light scent
#works well