Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Botanical Peony Edition
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 4 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.
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).
Anti-agingSide benefit · No 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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Dimethicone, Glycerin + 10 moreWorks
“It contains hydrating agents, including hyaluronic acid and royal jelly, to keep skin in tip-top condition.”
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:
arginine, glycerin.
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: arginine, dimethicone.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol, ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Alcohol~8.2–10%
- 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 AlcoholEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.6–5.7%
- 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 methoxycinnamateEthylhexyl triazone~3.6–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazoneIsopropyl palmitate~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateLauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~2–2.4%
- 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 benzoateHydrogenated polyisobutene~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobuteneBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.5–1.9%
- 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 triazineDextrin palmitate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Dextrin palmitateButylene glycol~0.65–1%
- 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 glycolXylitol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.5–0.8%
- 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 crosspolymerDimethicone~0.5–0.75%
- 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 DimethiconeC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.45–0.65%
- 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 benzoateGlycerin~0.45–0.65%
- 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 GlycerinGlyceryl stearate~0.45–0.7%
- 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 stearatePropanediol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolGlyceryl behenate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl behenateVinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerCetyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholAgar~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Polysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about AgarSorbitan distearate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isoceteth-20~0.25–0.45%
Polyvinyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateArginine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArgininePotassium hydroxide~0.25–0.4%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Royal jelly extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee products
More about Royal jelly extractSodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolDisodium edta~0.1–0.2%
Bht~0.05–0.15%
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Isopropyl palmitate, Lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Dextrin palmitate, Butylene glycol, Xylitol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Dimethicone, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl behenate, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Cetyl alcohol, Agar, Sorbitan distearate, Isoceteth-20, Polyvinyl alcohol, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Arginine, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium hydroxide, Royal jelly extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium edta, Bht, Parfum
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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.
| KaoBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Botanical Peony EditionYOUR PRODUCT | Kao BioreUV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++ | BioreUV Watery Gel | RilastilWATER TOUCH FLUID SPF 50+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 47% | 46% | 43% |
| Price | — | — | — | $23.99 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 6 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | — | — | Allantoin |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Daylong Kids Sun Suncreen Lotion SPF 50Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF 50 ++++
Product summary
We assess that "Kao - Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Botanical Peony Edition" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.50% - 1.80%, uvinul a plus 2.00% - 2.40%, octinoxate 4.60% - 5.60% and uvinul t 3.50% - 4.30%.
Irritation risk
This product contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 10.56$ 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 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 6
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