Sekkisei Skincare UV Defense Essence Gel SPF 50+ Versus Kosé Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++
Updated on February 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances, oils 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
Sekkisei Skincare UV Defense Essence Gel SPF 50+ 43 ingredients
Kosé Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++ 37 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Sekkisei Skincare UV Defense Essence Gel SPF 50+ 43 ingredients
Kosé Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++ 37 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterDipropylene Glycol
MaskingIsododecane
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Water
Skin ConditioningMelothria Heterophylla Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingPolygonum Tinctorium Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningRhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantSaccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientPEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Squalane
Emollient
Stearoyl Inulin
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Talc
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Water, Zinc Oxide, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Polysilicone-15, Dipropylene Glycol, Isododecane, Silica, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Water, Melothria Heterophylla Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Polygonum Tinctorium Leaf/Stem Extract, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitan Isostearate, Squalane, Stearoyl Inulin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Mica
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.48%
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Isododecane
EmollientPolysilicone-15 3%
UV FilterDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 2.31%
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 1.5%
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Hedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialHypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentTilia Cordata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMethylparaben
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.48%, Alcohol, Isododecane, Polysilicone-15 3%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 2.31%, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 1.5%, Silica, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, BHT, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAlcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholYou 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 TriazinePolysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays. It is a photostable ingredient often used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
Polysilicone-15 is not water-soluble.
Learn more about Polysilicone-15Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.
Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneSilica 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 SilicaButylene 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.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoatePEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Sekkisei Skincare UV Defense Essence Gel SPF 50+ 43 ingredients
Kosé Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++ 37 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Sekkisei Skincare UV Defense Essence Gel SPF 50+ 43 ingredients
This sunscreen is very underrated, but I love love love this product!! It's so smooth and leaves no white overcast. It's feels great to wear under makeup without feeling like I put so much product on my face. I wish Sekkisei US sold this product in their catalogs, but this product in particular is found in Japan only.
Kosé Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++ 37 ingredients
really good Japanese alcohol denat sunscreen. i don’t think i can use it around my eyes, but it’s otherwise great. it absorbs really fast due to the alcohol in the formula, and it doesn’t leave any white cast on my skin (however, i’m fair-skinned, look up Rare Beauty 170W or MAC NC13 for an idea of my skin color) so it might not be the same for people of color.
also, this can pill a bit when you Show more
