COSRX Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun Cream
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-agingNo 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 toneDipotassium glycyrrhizateWorks 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 · Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane + 9 moreWorks
“Harnessing the powers of Aloe, the ultra-hydrating sunscreen absorbs quickly into skin to defend against sun damage and environmental aggressors, whilst delivering long-lasting moisture and hydration to leave skin smooth, comfortable and replenished.”
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, butylene glycol.
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, cetearyl alcohol.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy10 strong irritants: Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, Parfum + 8 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
16 of 20 community members would buy it again.
Ive tried quite a few sunscreens but unfortunately all seem to sting my eyes and make my face seriously oily. This one is one of the best sunscreens i used. Doesnt sting which is an immediate win! It does leave my skin a bit shiny but nowhere near as much as others, and its fine with a bit of setting powder on top as I usually do. Its gentle on my skin and doesnt break me out.
Worked okay for me. It has fragrance but it didn't cause me any problem. I'm currently trying other sunscreens without fragrances though :)
A good basic sunscreen for me, which isn’t very expensive.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~5.4–6.6%
- 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 methoxycinnamateGlycerin~4.2–5.2%
- 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 GlycerinPropylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolCyclopentasiloxane~2.4–3%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxanePhenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ensulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulations
More about Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineDicaprylyl carbonate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateIsoamyl p-methoxycinnamate~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Amiloxate or Neo Heliopan E1000. A UV filter. It is effective against UVB and UVA II rays. Not available in the US. It can be irritating
More about Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamatePotassium cetyl phosphate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateAlcohol~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 AlcoholDimethicone~0.65–0.95%
- 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 DimethiconeButylene glycol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 glycolGlyceryl stearate~0.5–0.8%
- 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 stearateTitanium dioxide~0.55–0.85%
- 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 dioxideC14-22 alcohols~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations
More about C14-22 alcoholsPolymethyl methacrylate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateCetearyl alcohol~0.45–0.65%
- 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 alcoholPeg-100 stearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateTriethanolamine~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineSilica~0.45–0.7%
Sodium hydroxide~0.3–0.55%
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerC12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about C12-20 alkyl glucosideAluminum hydroxide~0.3–0.55%
- 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 hydroxideStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidParfum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.5%
- 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 crosspolymerAloe arborescens leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizateCarbomer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerXanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumLimonene~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneTocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Hexyl cinnamal~0.2–0.35%
Linalool~0.2–0.35%
Benzyl salicylate~0.15–0.3%
Geraniol~0.15–0.25%
Benzyl alcohol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholCitronellol~0.15–0.25%
Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Benzyl benzoateCitral~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Glyceryl stearate, Titanium dioxide, C14-22 alcohols, Polymethyl methacrylate, Cetearyl alcohol, Peg-100 stearate, Triethanolamine, Silica, Sodium hydroxide, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic acid, Parfum, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Aloe arborescens leaf extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Carbomer, Xanthan gum, Limonene, Tocopheryl acetate, Disodium edta, Hexyl cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl salicylate, Geraniol, Benzyl alcohol, Citronellol, Benzyl benzoate, Citral
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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.
| COSRXAloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun CreamYOUR PRODUCT | TIA'MMy Signature Vita Red Sunscreen | Meta Foret12PM Calming SunScreen | Farm StayAloe Vera Perfect Sun Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 48% | 47% | 45% |
| Price | $9.30 | — | — | $8.30−$1.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 9 | 9 of 9 | 6 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | — | Centella Asiatica Extract | Mineral Oil |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| 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 |
More alternatives: Foodaholic Multi Sun Cream SPF50+PA+++ Block Whitening Anti-wrinkleVichy Ideal Soleil UV Protect Anti-Dullness BB Cream
Product summary
We believe that "COSRX - Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun Cream" 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).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: tinosorb s 2.20% - 2.70%, octinoxate 5.40% - 6.60%, amiloxate 1.70% - 2.10% and ensulizole 2.60% - 3.20%.
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 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 11 reviews 82% recommend this product- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, 1 % of the reviewers found that it pills under makeup.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, 1 % of the reviewers found that it stings eyes.
- When it comes to comedogenicity, 1 % of the reviewers found that it clogs pores.
- As for the white cast, 1 % of the reviewers found that it leaves a white cast.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "COSRX" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails from 9.58£ up to 22.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 1699.99KSH in Kenya, for 14.60A$ in Australia and from 9.30$ up to 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 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
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