Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ versus Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on July 26, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing and better texture
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
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 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 🎉
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:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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:
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
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients 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 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients 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.
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Alcohol • Isononyl Isononanoate • Drometrizole • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Dimethicone • Silica • Propylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Diisopropyl Sebacate • Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Phenoxyethanol • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside • Hexylene Glycol • Chlorphenesin • Glycerin • Parfum • Carbomer • Tocopheryl Acetate • Peg-20 • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate • Disodium EDTA • Inulin Lauryl Carbamate • Menthoxypropanediol • Adenosine • Potassium Hydroxide • Xanthan Gum • Butylphenyl Methylpropional • Hyaluronic Acid • Linalool • Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract • BHA • Limonene • Butyrospermum Parkii Seedcake Extract • Benzyl Alcohol • Hexyl Cinnamal • Pelargonium Graveolens Oil • Citronellol • Eugenol
Water • Alcohol Denat. • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Isopropyl Palmitate • Peg-Crosspolymer • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Palmitic Acid • Butylene Glycol • Xylitol • Dimethicone • C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate • Glycerin • Glyceryl Stearate • Propanediol • Glyceryl Behenate • Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer • Heptanol • Agar • Sorbitan Distearate • Isoceteth-20 • Polyvinyl Alcohol • Stearoyl Glutamic Acid • Arginine • Potassium Hydroxide • Sodium Hydroxide • Royal Jelly Extract • Hyaluronic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • EDTA • BHT • Parfum
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 WaterL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ 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 MethoxycinnamateL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 TriazineL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 BenzoateL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 14.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 14.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
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.
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 15.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.
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 GlycerinL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 20.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 16.
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 ParfumL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 21.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 36.
Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 29.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid has the capacity to bind to large amounts of water. This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing,
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidL'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 32.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
I'll start by saying that yes, this feels like practically nothing on the skin, and it's very similar to a primer as far as texture goes.
BUT once applied, I didn't feel the same level of protection as with the European SPFs I used...
I'll start by saying that yes, this feels like practically nothing on the skin, and it's very similar to a primer as far as texture goes.
BUT once applied, I didn't feel the same level of protection as with the European SPFs I used to use. I even applied half of each on my face to compare:
With the European one I experienced a cooling effect and didn't feel any heat touching my skin, it was like being hugged by icecream (a weird comparison, but it's the closest I can think of). Meanwhile, with this one, I didn't feel anything? I felt the heat touching my skin as much as on my non-protected areas, and there was no cooling effect whatsoever.
Is it cosmetically elegant? Yes. Is it cheaper than any European SPF? Yes. But I prefer not to play around with sun protection knowing the damage it can cause, and I don't feel 100% safe using this one.
no white cast, non comedogenic, gives a nice satin finish, ultra lightweight
no white cast, non comedogenic, gives a nice satin finish, ultra lightweight
The best sunscreen
Really hydrating. Suitable for the climate i'm from.
The best sunscreen
Really hydrating. Suitable for the climate i'm from.
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to L'Oreal UV Perfect City Resist SPF50+ PA++++.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++.
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