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Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Klairs

Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++

SPF 50Efficacy60/100IrritancyMedium·2 UV filters·100% recommend (2 reviews)
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 2 UV filters · Broad spectrum
Weak protectionLow filter dose
SPF 50Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Uvinul T
Uvinul A Plus
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
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~1.5–1.8%
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~3.3–4%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Evens skin tone
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide
Works well
What the product description says
“Formulated to protect sensitive skin from harmful UV rays while moisturizing, soothing and brightening skin tone.”
Source: Yesstyle

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.

This product can also help with skin tone because it offers sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

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~1.2–1.5%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Panthenol + 13 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This travel-sized version of Dear, Klairs’s flagship sun cream comes in a nourishing vegan formulation and is fitted wth SPF50+ PA++++ for full protection against UV rays.”
Source: Yesstyle

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, 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~1.2–1.5%
PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.3–0.6%
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~0.6–0.9%
Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.45–0.7%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.3–0.5%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
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)~0.2–0.4%
Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~5.1–6.2%
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~4.3–5.2%
Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~3.3–4.1%
Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~2.1–2.6%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.35%
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~0.15–0.25%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Citrus junos fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Medium risk
We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus junos fruit extractContains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Anthemis nobilis flower oilAn essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skinHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.05–0.15%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~3.3–4%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.95–1.15%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~1.5–1.8%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.7–1.1%est.
Methyl glucose sesquistearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.7%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%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
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.6–0.9%est.
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.45–0.7%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Centella Soothing Sun Essence
Barr Centella Soothing Sun Essence
Higher efficacy · 90/10094% match
$18.43
Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
SCINIC Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Higher efficacy · 100/10093% match
$9.14
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

2 of 2 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't
  • peyton· Aug 2023Recommends

    Loved it! Still upset they discontinued it.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Dicaprylyl carbonate~5.1–6.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate
Butylene glycol~4.3–5.2%
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
Dibutyl adipate~3.3–4.1%
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
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~3.3–4%
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
Hydrogenated polyisobutene~2.1–2.6%
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
1,2-hexanediol~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
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~1.2–1.5%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

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
Ethylhexyl triazone~1.5–1.8%
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
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.7–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Silica~0.95–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Cetearyl olivate~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate
Cetearyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
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
Sorbitan olivate~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate
Glyceryl stearate se~0.45–0.7%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se
Methyl glucose sesquistearate~0.5–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Methyl glucose sesquistearate
Sorbitan stearate~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate
Panthenol~0.3–0.6%
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
Beta-glucan~0.3–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Citrus junos fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Contains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus junos fruit extract
Adenosine~0.2–0.4%
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
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
Anthemis nobilis flower oil~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

An essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Anthemis nobilis flower oil
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Tocopherol~0.15–0.25%
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
Allantoin~0.1–0.15%
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
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Ingredient list view

Water, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Butylene glycol, Dibutyl adipate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, 1,2-hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl triazone, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Silica, Cetearyl olivate, Cetearyl alcohol, Sorbitan olivate, Glyceryl stearate se, Methyl glucose sesquistearate, Sorbitan stearate, Panthenol, Beta-glucan, Disodium edta, Citrus junos fruit extract, Adenosine, Sodium hyaluronate, Anthemis nobilis flower oil, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil

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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
KlairsSoft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++YOUR PRODUCTBarrCentella Soothing Sun EssenceSCINICEnjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++the Torriden StoreDive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Watery Sun Serum PA++++ SPF50+
Match—94%93%92%
Price—$18.43$9.14$23.15
Shared key ingredients—7 of 87 of 87 of 8
Key difference—PhytosphingosineCentella Asiatica ExtractBiosaccharide Gum-1
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
SPFSPF 50SPF 50SPF 50SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
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More alternatives: SKIN 1004. Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule PA++++ SPF50+innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Hydrating Sun Serum SPF50 Sérum Solaire

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Product summary

"Klairs - Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++" is using UV filters in a relatively low concentration. Because of this, it might not be able to provide reliable sun protection.

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: uvinul a plus 3.30% - 4.00% and uvinul t 1.50% - 1.80%.

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product 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 1 review 100% recommend this product
  • As for the white cast, it did not leave a noticeable white residue for the reviewer.
  • As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it does not sting eyes.
Our users describe the finish of this product as dewy - shiny.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 26 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final report of the cosmetic ingredient review expert panel on the safety assessment of Polyisobutene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene as used in cosmeticssemanticscholar.org
  2. 2
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++
KlairsSoft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++
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