Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ versus Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on May 24, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils 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
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 18 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 🎉
Contains Parabens
Ingredients in this product that are types of parabens:
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
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 😥
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
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 18 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient 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:
Concerns
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:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 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.
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 18 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Alcohol Denat. • Dimethicone • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Butylene Glycol • Lysine Lauroyl Glutamate • Secale Cereale Seed Extract • Beta Vulgaris Root Extract • Betula Alba Bark Extract • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Acrylates Copolymer • Carbomer • Tocopheryl Acetate • Sodium Hydroxide • BHA • Methylparaben
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 WaterNivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 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 MethoxycinnamateNivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 TriazoneNivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 BenzoateNivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 11.
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 HydroxideNivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 16.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 18 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
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 18 ingredients
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 18 ingredients
P_55
Too much alcohol. Very drying.
Applies really nicely but at the end of the day I find my skin really dry and irritated.
SupTi_59
Nivea uv super watery gel spf 50
Good for oily skin! Watery base... absorbs quickly ..... ingredients are on point! But not waterproof!
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients
imyourdorito
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...
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.
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 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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