Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence Waterproof Sun Gel SPF50+
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-agingCentella asiatica extract, TocopherolWorks well
“The waterproof sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection, filtering UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburn and skin damage, which can lead to premature ageing.”
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.
These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica extract.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks 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 · Dimethicone crosspolymer, Salvia hispanica seed extract + 14 moreWorks
“The multi-benefit ingredient works to hydrate and soothe the skin, creating a pleasant cooling sensation.”
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:
fructooligosaccharides, saccharide hydrolysate.
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, helianthus annuus seed oil.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
0 of 1 community members would buy it again.
It feels heavier than it should be. You need to cleanse your face and apply it underneath makeup imo
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 methoxycinnamateHomosalate~4.8–5.9%
- 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 HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate~3.7–4.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 salicylateDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~3.2–3.9%
- 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 benzoatePropanediol~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolDimethicone crosspolymer~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerPentylene glycol~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSalvia hispanica seed extract~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that typically contains linolenic and linoleic acids that help soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about Salvia hispanica seed extractCentella asiatica extract~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractHouttuynia cordata extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerFructooligosaccharides~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FructooligosaccharidesSaccharide hydrolysate~0.5–0.75%
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.5–0.75%
- 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 crosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.7%
Triethanolamine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolaminePullulan~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanOctyldodecanol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about Octyldodecanol1,2-hexanediol~0.3–0.6%
Butylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 glycolAnthemis nobilis flower extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that one one hand, can contain compounds that can help calm down skin irritation, but, on the other hand, its other compounds (especially fragrant ones) can themselves be irritating
More about Anthemis nobilis flower extractEchium plantagineum seed oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin
More about Echium plantagineum seed oilHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilPersea gratissima fruit extract~0.3–0.5%
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
More about Calendula officinalis flower extractCardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties but evidence is missing
More about Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extractDimethicone~0.35–0.6%
- 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 DimethiconeXanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearatePolysorbate 20~0.3–0.55%
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium dioxide~0.4–0.6%
- 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 dioxideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.3–0.55%
- 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 benzoateTocopherol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 TocopherolGlyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%
- 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 stearateAloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extractPeg-100 stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateAluminum stearate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation
More about Aluminum stearateOleth-10~0.25–0.45%
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidAlumina~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaIsodeceth-6~0.2–0.35%
T-butyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholSimethicone~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to create nice product texture and is used as an anti-foaming agent
More about SimethiconePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Propanediol, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Pentylene glycol, Salvia hispanica seed extract, Centella asiatica extract, Houttuynia cordata extract, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide hydrolysate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine, Pullulan, Octyldodecanol, 1,2-hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Echium plantagineum seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Persea gratissima fruit extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract, Dimethicone, Xanthan gum, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Titanium dioxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Tocopherol, Glyceryl stearate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Peg-100 stearate, Aluminum stearate, Oleth-10, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Alumina, Isodeceth-6, T-butyl alcohol, Simethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| Holika HolikaAloe Soothing Essence Waterproof Sun Gel SPF50+YOUR PRODUCT | Make P:remUV Defense Me. Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ | ISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ | OrjenaAqua UV Perfect Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 42% | 37% | 36% |
| Price | — | $31.90 | $12.06 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 14 | 4 of 14 | 2 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: innisfree Aqua Water Drop Sunscreen Spf50+ Pa++++La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Gel-Cream SPF 50+
Product summary
We believe that "Holika Holika - Aloe Soothing Essence Waterproof Sun Gel SPF50+" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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: uvinul a plus, octinoxate, octisalate and homosalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
This sunscreen contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. 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 0% recommend this product- As for the white cast, it did not leave a noticeable white residue for the reviewer.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it does not sting eyes.
Price
The product retails for 27.95£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Centella asiatica in cosmetologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6
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