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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ versus Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ .

Published on July 25, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 16 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, 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 Japanese Brand Japan
Sunscreen Japanese Brand Japan

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

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter (2)
Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cyclomethicone is a class of silicones used to improve the texture of products.

Their cyclic or circular structure decreases stability. This causes quick evaporation when applied to skin. Cyclomethicones are often used as a carrier for other ingredients. Once it evaporates, it leaves a silky barrier on the skin.

The most popular types of cyclomethicones include D5 and D6.

Learn more about Cyclomethicone

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 31.

3
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.

Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.

Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.

Learn more about Zinc Oxide

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol and other additives. It has a low molecular weight and will evaporate quickly. This helps other ingredients become better absorbed and dry once applied.

Alcohol Denat. is volatile and may cause irritation. It helps draw out natural oils in skin and dry out your skin.

One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased irritation.

Alcohol is antibacterial by nature. This can help preserve products and increase their shelf life.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

Learn more about Alcohol Denat.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

5
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Methoxycinnamate

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

6
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.

Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.

Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.

Learn more about Isododecane

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does:

We don't have a description for Peg-Crosspolymer.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

8
What it does: UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm) and photostability.

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%.

UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. Other sources include tanning beds and welding torches. Radiation is the emission of energy. UV Rays are divided into 3 groups. UVA (320-400 nm) contains the least amount of energy. They are linked to long term skin damage such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA in skin cells. UVB causes sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer. UVC (200-280 nm) contains the highest amount of energy. Our ozone blocks UVC. UVC can also originate from welding torches, mercury lamps, and sanitizing bulbs.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 Triazine

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 11.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract comes from the Lotus Flower, Nelumbiumspeciosum.

Lotus flower extract has antioxidant properties from compounds such as flavonoids. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.

In traditional Asian medicine, Lotus flower seeds were used to help treat inflammation.

Learn more about Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

11
What it does: Astringent, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Prunus Avium Fruit Juice.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

12
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 20.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

13
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 22.

14
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

15
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

16
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Parfum

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 45.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

36% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
39% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet
18% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
49% are disliked or very disliked
20% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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