COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
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.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Moisturizing15 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) Helps relieve sensitive skin (dryness and acne) Protects and prevents skin damage from UV rays.”
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).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) Relieves skin damage and barrier disruption caused by missed UV rays. Helps to prevent pigmentation.”
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).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains 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.
This product can also 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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy12 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Potassium salicylate~23–34%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~3.9–5.8%
- 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 GlycerinWater~4.7–7%
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~3.8–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazineC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 benzoateMethyl trimethicone~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
More about Methyl trimethiconeNiacinamide~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideTitanium dioxide~1.9–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 dioxideCi 77891~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Diisopropyl sebacate~1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateTerephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acid1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.2%
Aloe barbadensis leaf water~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 waterHomosalate~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 HomosalateButylene glycol~0.45–1.05%
- 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 glycolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.55–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 benzoatePotassium phosphate~0.4–1%
Cetearyl alcohol~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholTromethamine~0.35–0.85%
Glyceryl stearate~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateBehenyl alcohol~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholPolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateHydrogenated lecithin~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinPoly c10-30 alkyl acrylate~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.7%
Stearic acid~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidAluminum hydroxide~0.15–0.65%
- 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 hydroxidePolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearatePalmitic acid~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidIron oxides~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxidesCi 77491~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491Disodium edta~0.1–0.4%
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.1–0.4%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIron oxides~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxidesCi 77492~0.1–0.35%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateAllantoin~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinMyristic acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidCyanocobalamin~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin
More about CyanocobalaminLauric acid~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
More about Lauric acidTocopherol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolIngredient list view
Potassium 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, Unknown, Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Homosalate, Butylene glycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Unknown, Potassium 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
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · prices updated regularly
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.
| COSRXAloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++YOUR PRODUCT | BellflowerWatermelon Fresh Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ | ManyoGalactomy Sérum Solaire SPF50+ PA++++ | JUMISOWaterfull Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 82% | 82% | 81% |
| Price | $18.00 | $8.00−$10.00 | $17.89 | $11.00−$7.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 9 | 5 of 9 | 6 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Adenosine | Pitera | Uvinul T |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "COSRX - Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "COSRX" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 18.00$ 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 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.