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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ versus Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on March 08, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 21 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain 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 South Korean Brand South Korea
Sunscreen South Korean Brand South Korea

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 Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $14.90
Shop

Buy Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++

Starts at $24.40

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)
AHA
PHA
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (4)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (6)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (5)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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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

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

3
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

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

5
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

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

6
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Centella Asiatica Extract is derived from an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. In skincare products, Centella Asiatica Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Research shows Centella Asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.

The combination of all these properties makes Centella Asiatica Extract effective at soothing the skin.

Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.

This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Extract

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 20.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 31.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 39.

10
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.

One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.

Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

11
What it does:
Community Rating: Liked

This form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.

According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 16.

13
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.

The structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer allows it to stay in the skin's top layer for a longer period of time. This allows for even more hydration and humectant action than hyaluronic acid.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 36.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 41.

14
What it does: Humectant
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 39.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 42.

15
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 48.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 43.

16
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 49.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.

17
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.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 50.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

18
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.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 52.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 36.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 54.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

20
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 55.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

21
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 58.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

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

48% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
3% have no rating yet
56% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
26% are disliked or very disliked
2% 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

Pyunkang Yul Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ 58 ingredients

Calming Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 30 ratings
Hydrating (8) Light (8) Absorbs Well (7) No Scent (6) Great Value (5) Works Well (4)
Felixe's avatar

Felixe

3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

sosososoo good!! has so many nice ingredients that hydrate your skin and also protects it from UV rays. And i can't get over how GOOD this works...

sosososoo good!! has so many nice ingredients that hydrate your skin and also protects it from UV rays. And i can't get over how GOOD this works under makeup it's insane, no pilling no white cast, just a great subtle glow and quick drying with no fragrance.
Edit: Felt like adding something, even if this went more viral around 2021 and other more viral sunscreens have come out since then, i've still been coming back to this one because it's just so simple and yet so effective.
Great for my sensitive combo skin and for people that don't have much time in the AM since it can kind of double down as moisturiser <3

xrysa's avatar

xrysa

2 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

I really struggled finding a good sunscreen for my oily acne prone skin but this one is incredible! It leaves a shiny but not at all oily glow.

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