COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen

COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 13 more
Works
What the product description says
“DESCRIPTION Cosrx Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen helps to soothe and hydrate skin.”
Source: Lila Beauty

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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~2.1–3.2%
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~1.3–2%
Diisopropyl sebacateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish~0.55–1.35%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.55–1.25%
CyanocobalaminKey activeEffect: HighCan support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin~0.15–0.65%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.65%
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin~23–34%
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~4.4–6.6%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.5–1.1%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.5–1.15%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.45–1%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.5–1.15%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.15–0.55%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.9–1.35%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.15–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
13 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~23–34%est.
HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~4.1–6.1%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~4.1–6.1%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~1.9–2.9%est.
Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidEcamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostableMedium~0.6–1.35%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.5–1.15%est.
Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–1.15%est.
Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 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
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.2–0.75%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~0.2–0.75%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.55–1.25%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf water~23–34%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf water
Homosalate~4.1–6.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate
Butylene glycol~4.4–6.6%
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
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~4.1–6.1%
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
Ethylhexyl salicylate~3.6–5.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
Glycerin~2.1–3.2%
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
Water~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.9–2.9%
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
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.3–2%
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
Methyl trimethicone~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients

More about Methyl trimethicone
Niacinamide~0.9–1.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

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
Titanium dioxide~1–1.45%
Formula
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
Ci 77891~0.6–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Diisopropyl sebacate~0.55–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish

More about Diisopropyl sebacate
Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostable

More about Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid
1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.5–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate
Cetearyl alcohol~0.55–1.25%
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
Tromethamine~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Glyceryl stearate~0.5–1.15%
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
Behenyl alcohol~0.5–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Xanthan gum~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Stearic acid~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Aluminum hydroxide~0.45–1%
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
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Palmitic acid~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Iron oxides~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Ci 77491~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Disodium edta~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.35–0.85%
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
Iron oxides~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Ci 77492~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.65%
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
Allantoin~0.15–0.5%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces 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
Myristic acid~0.2–0.75%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Cyanocobalamin~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Can support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin

More about Cyanocobalamin
Lauric acid~0.2–0.75%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid
Tocopherol~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Homosalate, Butylene glycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Glycerin, Water, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Methyl trimethicone, Niacinamide, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891, Diisopropyl sebacate, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Cetearyl alcohol, Tromethamine, Glyceryl stearate, Behenyl alcohol, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Palmitic acid, Iron oxides, Ci 77491, Disodium edta, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Iron oxides, Ci 77492, Sodium hyaluronate, Allantoin, Myristic acid, Cyanocobalamin, Lauric acid, Tocopherol

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🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)50 ml
≈ $12.86
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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
COSRXAloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up SunscreenYOUR PRODUCTACWELLBlack Rice Moisture SunscreenCeraVeOil Control Moisturising Gel-CreamBonjourGreen Tea Water Bomb Cream
Match—82%82%81%
Price—$11.50$14.93$15.50
Shared key ingredients—7 of 104 of 104 of 10
Key difference—AdenosineCeramide NpSh-Octapeptide-4
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Low
Drying alcohol— Contains drying alcohol ——
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"COSRX - Buy Cosrx Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen Australia - K-Beauty Store" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.15% - 0.65% and glycerin 2.10% - 3.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 18.95A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

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COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen
COSRXAloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.