Biore

Biore UV AQUA RICH LIGHT UP ESSENCE SPF 50+ PA++++

Name: Biore - UV AQUA RICH LIGHT UP ESSENCE SPF 50+ PA++++
Brand: Biore

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·5 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 5 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersTinted

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octinoxate

Uvinul T

Titanium Dioxide

Tinosorb S

Uvinul A Plus

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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~6.3–7.7%

Uvinul TEthylhexyl TriazoneUVB Photo-stable 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~2–2.4%

Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin~2.6–3.1%

Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable 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).~2.2–2.7%

Uvinul A PlusDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUVA1 Photo-stable 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~0.8–1.2%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

Works 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 tone

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

Works 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).

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol + 6 more

Works

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: sodium hyaluronate, royal jelly extract.

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, cetyl alcohol.

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~1.3–1.6%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.4–0.6%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

Royal jelly extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumA compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee products~0.2–0.4%

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~3.2–3.9%

Isopropyl palmitate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~2.4–3%

Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.75–1.15%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.4–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum

Medium risk

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

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. 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 irritatingHigh~6.3–7.7%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~4.5–5.6%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2.4–3%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. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.Medium~2.2–2.7%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~2–2.4%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~0.8–1.2%est.

Dextrin palmitateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Royal jelly extractA compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee productsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

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

1 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

Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency3/5~2.4–3%est.

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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

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~6.3–7.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

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 methoxycinnamate

Alcohol~4.5–5.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Butylene glycol~3.2–3.9%

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

Isopropyl palmitate~2.4–3%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Isopropyl palmitate

Titanium dioxide~2.6–3.1%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2.2–2.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine

Ethylhexyl triazone~2–2.4%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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

Dimethicone~1.3–1.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer

Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.75–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.8–1.2%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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

Silica~0.9–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Hydrated silica~0.75–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

More about Hydrated silica

Mica~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Dextrin palmitate~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Dextrin palmitate

Dipentaerythrityl tri-polyhydroxystearate~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dipentaerythrityl tri-polyhydroxystearate

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–0.65%

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

Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Cetyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Glyceryl stearate~0.4–0.6%

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

Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Polysorbate 60~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Polysilicone-9~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polysilicone-9

Aluminum hydroxide~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)

More about Aluminum hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide

Royal jelly extract~0.2–0.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee products

More about Royal jelly extract

Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Tin oxide~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Methylparaben~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Bht~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Parfum~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Butylene glycol, Isopropyl palmitate, Titanium dioxide, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Ethylhexyl triazone, Dimethicone, Lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Silica, Hydrated silica, Mica, Dextrin palmitate, Dipentaerythrityl tri-polyhydroxystearate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 60, Polysilicone-9, Aluminum hydroxide, Potassium hydroxide, Royal jelly extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Tin oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Disodium edta, Bht, Parfum

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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
	BioreUV AQUA RICH LIGHT UP ESSENCE SPF 50+ PA++++YOUR PRODUCT	KaoBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Botanical Peony Edition	Kao BioreUV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++	TAISHOCoppertone Secret Change UV Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ Marshmallow White
Match	—	40%	40%	40%
Price	$8.99	$10.56+$1.57	—	$21.38+$12.39
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 8	6 of 8	5 of 8
Key difference	—	Oatmeal Extract	Oatmeal Extract	Ascorbyl Glucoside
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low
SPF	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

We assess that "Biore - UV AQUA RICH LIGHT UP ESSENCE SPF 50+ 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).

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, octinoxate and uvinul t. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the 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.