Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen

Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen

Efficacy37/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Dimethicone, Glycerin + 8 more
Works
What the product description says
“Absorbs quickly, has a velvet touch finish, and is infused with moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract.”
Source: Lila Beauty

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.

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.5–0.75%
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~0.45–0.65%
C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances 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~0.45–0.7%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.3–0.5%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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~0.05–0.1%
Isopropyl palmitate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~2.3–2.8%
Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~1.6–1.9%
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~0.65–1%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.45–0.7%
AgarEffect: LowPolysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
Evens skin tone
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen provides a smooth finish for foundation and prevents dark spots and freckles.”
Source: Lila Beauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Alcohol
Medium risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~8.3–10.1%est.
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. 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 irritatingHigh~4.7–5.8%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~3.6–4.5%est.
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2.3–2.8%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~2–2.5%est.
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb 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).Medium~1.6–1.9%est.
Dextrin palmitateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.95–1.15%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Glyceryl behenateUsed to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
AgarPolysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Isoceteth-20Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Polyvinyl alcoholHelps improve the product textureMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency3/5~2.3–2.8%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Alcohol~8.3–10.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

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 Alcohol
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.7–5.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

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 methoxycinnamate
Ethylhexyl triazone~3.6–4.5%
Irritant · 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
Isopropyl palmitate~2.3–2.8%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Isopropyl palmitate
Lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer~2–2.4%
Formula
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~2–2.5%
Irritant · 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~1.6–1.9%
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
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.6–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 triazine
Dextrin palmitate~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Dextrin palmitate
Butylene glycol~0.65–1%
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
Xylitol~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitol
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
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 crosspolymer
Dimethicone~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 benzoate
Glycerin~0.45–0.65%
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
Glyceryl stearate~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Propanediol~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Glyceryl behenate~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl behenate
Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
Formula
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 crosspolymer
Cetyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Agar~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Agar
Sorbitan distearate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Isoceteth-20~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Isoceteth-20
Polyvinyl alcohol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps improve the product texture

More about Polyvinyl alcohol
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Arginine~0.05–0.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Arginine
Ingredient 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

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🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)70 g
≈ $11.25
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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
KaoBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SunscreenYOUR PRODUCTISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun SerumnumbuzinNo.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence - Korean SkincareKose CosmeportSuncut UV Perfect Sun Essence
Match—34%33%33%
Price—$14.78$15.08$13.08
Shared key ingredients—4 of 74 of 75 of 7
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideHydrolyzed Collagen
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol —— Contains drying alcohol
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Product summary

"Kao - Buy Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen Australia - Korean Skin Care" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (glycerin 0.30% - 0.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 17.95A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen
KaoBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.