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Kosé Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Ingredients Explained

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Published on March 27, 2023

A friendly reminder from SkinSort: all skin tones are lovely!

Overview

What it is

Sunscreen with 46 ingredients that contains exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

It has ingredients that are good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, dark spots and better texture

Free From

It doesn't contain any common allergens or parabens

Fun facts

Kosé is from Japan.

We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.

You should know

Here's our breakdown of the notable ingredients, benefits, and concerns we determined from the ingredients in this product. Click any item to learn more.

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

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

Ingredients Overview

Here's our quick-to-read summary of the ingredients in this product. Keep scrolling if you'd like to learn more about what each ingredient does!
Ingredient
Features
1
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
Good for Dark Spots Icon
2
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
3
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
4
Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
1 / 0
Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconHelps fight Acne Icon
5
Masking, Solvent
6
7
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
8
Emollient
9
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0
May worsen Eczema Icon
10
Emollient
Silicon Icon
11
Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
12
Preservative
Preservative Icon
13
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
14
Silicon Icon
15
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
0 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
16
17
Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconSulfate IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon
18
Humectant
19
Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon
20
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Helps reduce irritation Icon
21
Emollient
22
Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
23
Skin Conditioning
24
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Hyaluronic Acid Icon
25
Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
26
Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
27
Skin Conditioning
28
Abrasive, Skin Conditioning
Exfoliant Icon
29
Masking, Skin Conditioning
May cause irritation Icon
30
Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning
31
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance Icon
32
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1 / 0
33
Emulsion Stabilising
34
Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
35
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
36
Emulsifying
37
Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon
38
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
2 / 2
Fatty Alcohol Icon
39
Sulfate Icon
40
Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Fatty Alcohol Icon
41
Emollient
42
Buffering
43
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
44
Emulsifying
3 / 0
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
45
46
Preservative
Preservative Icon

Ingredients Explained

This product contains 46 ingredients. Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
1
What it does: Astringent, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Tranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.

Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.

Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.

This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.

Learn more about Tranexamic Acid
2
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
3
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
4
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.

Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.

Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.

Learn more about Zinc Oxide
5
What it does: Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Dipropylene 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 Glycol
6
What it does:

We don't have a description for Ethyl Polysilicate.

7
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.
8
What it does: Emollient

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is an emollient and emulsifier. It is created from a mixture of fatty acids.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol
10
What it does: Emollient

Polydiethylsiloxane is a type of silicone.

11

2,4,6-Trimethyl-4-Phenyl-1,3-Dioxane is a fragrance.

12
What it does: Preservative

4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid is a preservative.

13
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Hydrogenated Castor Oil is created by adding hydrogen to castor oil. This helps stabilize the castor oil and raises the melting point. At room temperature, hydrogenated castor oil is solid.

Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.

As a wax-like substance, Hydrogenated Castor Oil acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin stay soft and smooth by creating a barrier. This barrier helps trap moisture.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Methyl/Phenyl Polysilsesquioxane is a type of silicone.

15
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
16
What it does:

We don't have a description for Succinic Anhydride.

17
What it does: Antioxidant

Disodium Ascorbyl Sulfate is a form of Vitamin C, is an antioxidant, and is a type of sulfate. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, and reduce the visibility of dark spots.

18
What it does: Humectant

We don't have a description for Eel Extract.

19
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.

Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.

The term '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.

Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
20
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Chamomilla Recutita Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.

Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.

Antioxidant components in chamomile help fight free-radical molecules. These unstable molecules may damage your skin cells. By stabilizing them, antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.

Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help with stomach issues.

Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Extract
21
What it does: Emollient

We don't have a description for Shale Extract.

22
What it does: Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.

Similar to hyaluronic acid, sugarcane can attract moisture to your skin.

Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane. While glycolic acid is an AHA with exfoliating properties, sugarcane is not an AHA.

A study from 2021 found the compounds in sugarcane extract to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. The study also suggests these compounds can inhibit skin ageing enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.

Learn more about Saccharum Officinarum Extract
23
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tuna Extract.

24
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
25
What it does: Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Humulus Lupulus Extract.

26
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract is an antioxidant.

27
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Yogurt Extract.

28
What it does: Abrasive, Skin Conditioning

Yokuinin is an exfoliant.

29
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citrus Limon Fruit Extract comes from lemons. While lemon extract is exfoliating and antimicrobial, it can also cause skin sensitivity.

Lemons contains antioxidants, which may help with anti-aging. They are also rich in citric acid, an AHA.

And of course, lemons are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with skin-brightening and increasing collagen production.

The acidity of lemons may work as an astringent for acne.

However, lemons can also cause skin sensitivity due to its limonene content. It can also increase photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun.

This ingredient is also used to add a lemon scent to products.

Learn more about Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
30
What it does: Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, this component is usually removed in the leaf extract.

Rosemary Leaf Extract can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
31
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract is from the Roman Chamomile flower.

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract helps soothe the skin and contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells

32
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.

33
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

This long ingredient is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers.

It is used to help stabilize other ingredients and create a thicker gel-like texture.

Emulsifiers prevent oils and waters from separating.

Learn more about Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
34
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying

Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

35
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan 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 Gum
36
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester.

37
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.

38
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.

Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

Learn more about Stearyl Alcohol
39
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sodium Sulfate is a type of sulfate.

40
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.

Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.

In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.

Learn more about Behenyl Alcohol
41
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether.

42
What it does: Buffering

We don't have a description for Phosphoric Acid.

43
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate.

44
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

Emulsifiers help keep ingredients together, such as oils and water.

Sorbitan Oleate may not be fungal acne safe. It can also worsen oily skin.

Learn more about Sorbitan Oleate

We don't have a description for 2-(2-Aminoethoxy)Ethanol.

46
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.

Embed Ingredients

Here's what our community thinks of the 46 ingredients in this product ✨

20% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
41% have no rating yet
Verified by SkinSort

We're dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and science-backed ingredient info out there.

The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.

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Compared With

Here are some products that Kosé Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is often compared with.

Want to compare it with a different product? Head on over to our comparisons tool and you can!