A'PIEU Pure Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA+++
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 5 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
Anti-agingSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane + 5 moreWorks
“The clear, non-sticky formula leaves no residue and keeps skin soothed and hydrated.Infused with snow lotus flower extract, baobab seed extract and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid to moisturize and revitalize tired, dehydrated skin.”
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, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
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: dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
4 of 4 community members would buy it again.
Quiet nice for my combination skin and it doesn't feel too heavy however I wouldn't recommend it to someone with a more melanin in their skin than me and I am on the paler end of the spectrum similar to emily ratijowski skin tone so be weary 😩 like for me it doesnt show that badly but you can see it a bit
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Alcohol denat.~8–9.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.3–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctocrylene~3.3–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneButylene glycol~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolEthylhexyl salicylate~2.2–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneDipropylene glycol~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazineDimethicone~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneSodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin
More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeAdansonia digitata seed extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hexadecane~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%
Polysorbate 60~0.2–0.35%
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.15–0.3%
- 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 crosspolymerPolysorbate 80~0.15–0.25%
Parfum~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumPotassium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%
1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.15%
Bht~0.1–0.2%
Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%
Glycerin~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinCitrullus lanatus fruit extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound
More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extractPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSaussurea involucrata extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.15%
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidLimonene~0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.01–0.05%
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Butylphenyl methylpropionalIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Butylene glycol, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dipropylene glycol, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Adansonia digitata seed extract, Hexadecane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Polysorbate 80, Parfum, Potassium hydroxide, 1,2-hexanediol, Bht, Disodium edta, Glycerin, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Phenoxyethanol, Saussurea involucrata extract, Potassium sorbate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Limonene, Linalool, Butylphenyl methylpropional
Compare prices
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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.
| A'PIEUPure Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA+++YOUR PRODUCT | AYURAWater Feel UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ | White FormulaCPAQUA UV Protective Gel With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50+ PA++++ | DeoproceHyaluronic Cooling Sun Gel | Whitening & Anti-Wrinkle Sun Gel Sun Screen Sunblock UV Protection SPF50+ PA+++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 46% | 45% | 45% |
| Price | $10.08 | $45.60+$35.52 | $22.47+$12.39 | $24.49+$14.41 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 6 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Alteromonas Ferment Extract | Urea | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: The Saem Eco Earth Light Sun CreamSANA Maikohan UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ - 2 Types
Product summary
We assess that "A'PIEU - Pure Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA+++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
This product should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.20% - 1.50%, avobenzone 1.70% - 2.10%, octinoxate 4.30% - 5.20%, octisalate 2.20% - 2.60% and octocrylene 3.30% - 4.10%.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
What our users say
Based on 4 reviews 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, two out of three reviewers didn't notice clogged pores after using this sunscreen, but the third reviewer found that it clogged pores.
- As for the white cast, the majority of the reviewers (1 %) find that it leaves a noticeable white cast.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, two out of two reviewers report that the product does not pill under makeup.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, all of the reviewers (4) say that it does not sting eyes.
Price
The product retails for 1749.99KSH in Kenya and for 10.08$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5Analyzing Lycopene Content in Fruitssciencedirect.com
- 6Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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