Versus

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++ Versus COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on December 21, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, 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 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Alcohol Denat.

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Octocrylene

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Helichrysum Arenarium Extract

Antiseborrhoeic

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Althaea Rosea Root Extract

Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Nylon-12

Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Limonia Acidissima Extract

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Disodium EDTA

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Rosa Davurica Bud Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Japonica Flower Extract

Emollient

Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer

Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract

Astringent

Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Emollient
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Mume Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Salvia Officinalis Water

Skin Conditioning

Calendula Officinalis Flower Water

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water

Astringent

Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract

Emollient

Morus Alba Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract

Skin Protecting

Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

Humectant

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

Masking
May worsen Eczema Icon

Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Caprylyl Methicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream 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
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

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
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.

This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.

On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.

Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.

Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.

This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.

Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica
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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

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 EDTA
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.

Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

When to use

97 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
912 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++ 55 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 6 ratings
Strong Scent (2) Hydrating (2) Irritating (1)
BrittBrine's avatar

BrittBrine

1 year ago
Review

I want to love this, as the finish is really nice and it seems to do well at preventing sunburns. The fragrance is just too strong and it's not reef-safe. It has helped clear up my fungal acne though.

#hydrating
#strong scent
ofeezyy's avatar

ofeezyy

2 years ago
Review

pass
soft finish but also kinda drying, reeks of like Axe spray ? def better out there

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ 45 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 44 ratings
Irritating (13) Light Scent (11) Broke Me Out (11)
mooj's avatar

mooj

1 year ago
Review

this sunscreen stung my eyes super bad. even when i took care to avoid my eye area, it still burnt. left my skin red and irritated looking.

#irritating
#strong scent
#doesn't work
sword's avatar

sword

2 years ago
Review

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.