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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ versus Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ .

Published on October 14, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, 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 or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances, parabens 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 German Brand Germany
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

Shop

Buy UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $8.39
Shop

Buy SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $21.70

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 (4)
Mineral UV Filter
Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (4)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Reduces Irritation
Brightening

Concerns

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

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
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.

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

4
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

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

5
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

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

6
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 31.

8
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 42.

9
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

10
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 40.

11
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.

Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.

Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.

The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.

Learn more about Methylparaben

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 41.

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

24% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
36% are disliked or very disliked
30% have no rating yet
14% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
36% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 33 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 review

Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 42 ingredients

SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ hasn't been rated yet.
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Alternatives

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Our Dupe Finder has found 31 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Kosé SUNCUT Aqualy UV Protect Gel SPF 50+ PA++++.

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