Active Nine

Active Nine Intensive UV Shield Airy Sun Soothing Essence

Name: Active Nine - Intensive UV Shield Airy Sun Soothing Essence
Brand: Active Nine

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Adenosine

Works well

What the product description says

“It also contains patented ingredients, such as Soothing Cooler* that prevents skin aging from heat, and Derma-Clera* that strengthens the skin barrier.”

Source: N/A

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.2–1.4%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.45%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Panthenol + 15 more

Works well

What the product description says

“- This lightweight sunscreen feels and moisturizes like an essence.”

Source: Coréelle

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, butylene glycol.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: ceramide np, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide, panthenol

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.2–1.4%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.25–0.45%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~4.5–5.5%

Polyglyceryl-6 stearateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.8–2.1%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.5–1.9%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.5–0.75%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.45%

Laminaria japonica extractKey activeEffect: HighSeaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~0.15–0.25%

Ulmus davidiana root extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant root extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might have an anti-inflammatory effect and could help neturalize free radicals in skin~0.1–0.15%

Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~6.2–7.6%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.45–0.65%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.25–0.45%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.2–0.4%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.4%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Allantoin

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.4%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.2–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

14 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.

Ulmus davidiana root extractA plant root extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might have an anti-inflammatory effect and could help neturalize free radicals in skinHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateUvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~3.6–4.4%est.

Polysilicone-15A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA lightMedium~3.3–4%est.

Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolTinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~1–1.3%est.

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).Medium~0.8–1.2%est.

Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Polyglyceryl-6 behenateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Laminaria japonica extractSeaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties3/5~0.15–0.25%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.5–0.75%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun

Closest match90% match

$19.18

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Dibutyl adipate~6.2–7.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Dibutyl adipate

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.5–5.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~3.6–4.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate

Polysilicone-15~3.3–4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light

More about Polysilicone-15

Silica~2.2–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Polyglyceryl-6 stearate~1.8–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-6 stearate

Glycerin~1.5–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Niacinamide~1.2–1.4%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Synthetic fluorphlogopite~1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products

More about Synthetic fluorphlogopite

Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~1–1.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Tinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.8–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine

Ethylhexyl triazone~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Ethylhexyl triazone

Polyglyceryl-6 behenate~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 behenate

Cetearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Panthenol~0.45–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Dipropylene glycol~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Glyceryl stearate~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Tromethamine~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Decyl glucoside~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside

Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Allantoin~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Adenosine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Butylene glycol~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Ceramide np~0.25–0.45%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract

Dioscorea japonica root extract~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dioscorea japonica root extract

Laminaria japonica extract~0.15–0.25%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Seaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Laminaria japonica extract

Viola mandshurica flower extract~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Viola mandshurica flower extract

Ulmus davidiana root extract~0.1–0.15%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant root extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might have an anti-inflammatory effect and could help neturalize free radicals in skin

More about Ulmus davidiana root extract

Cynanchum atratum extract~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cynanchum atratum extract

Ingredient list view

Water, Dibutyl adipate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Silica, Polyglyceryl-6 stearate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Ethylhexyl triazone, Polyglyceryl-6 behenate, Cetearyl alcohol, Panthenol, Dipropylene glycol, Glyceryl stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Decyl glucoside, Caprylyl glycol, Allantoin, Adenosine, Disodium edta, Xanthan gum, Butylene glycol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Ceramide np, 1,2-hexanediol, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Dioscorea japonica root extract, Laminaria japonica extract, Viola mandshurica flower extract, Ulmus davidiana root extract, Cynanchum atratum extract

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Active NineIntensive UV Shield Airy Sun Soothing EssenceYOUR PRODUCT	VT CosmeticsCica Essence Sun	ARZTINA-Cera Barrier Ampoule Toner	Paula's choicePore-Reducing Toner
Match	—	90%	85%	85%
Price	—	$19.18	$6.96	$21.28
Shared key ingredients	—	12 of 13	5 of 13	5 of 13
Key difference	—	Copper Tripeptide-1	Phytosphingosine	Phytosphingosine
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Active Nine - Intensive UV Shield Airy Sun Soothing Essence" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Anti-aging, Anti-blemish and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

Ceramides (ceramide np 0.25% - 0.45%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
Adenosine 0.25% - 0.45%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Humectants (panthenol 0.45% - 0.65% and glycerin 1.50% - 1.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.