Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Dimethicone, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“Protects and hydrates skin”
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, glutamic acid.

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~1.9–2.4%
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~1.5–1.9%
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~0.3–0.6%
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%
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.25–0.45%
Glutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
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~0.2–0.4%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
Royal jelly extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumA 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~0.15–0.3%
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~0.5–0.7%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.3–0.55%
AgarEffect: LowPolysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.4%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.35–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 18 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~7.6–9.3%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~4.6–5.6%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.25%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~3.1–3.8%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~1.4–1.7%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~1.3–1.5%est.
Dextrin palmitateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Glyceryl behenateUsed to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
AgarPolysaccharide derived from seaweed. Used to create a thicker product consistency and might help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Polyvinyl alcoholHelps improve the product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Isoceteth-20Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Ceratonia siliqua gumUsed to stabilize product formulations and create thicker consistencyMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Royal jelly extractA compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee productsMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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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~7.6–9.3%
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~4.6–5.6%
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
Lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer~3.1–3.8%
Formula
Ethylhexyl triazone~3.1–3.8%
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
Dimethicone~1.9–2.4%
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~1.5–1.9%
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
Titanium dioxide~1.8–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~1.4–1.7%
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
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.3–1.5%
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
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Butylene glycol~0.5–0.7%
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~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Xylitol
Dextrin palmitate~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Dextrin palmitate
Dipropylene glycol~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol
Hydrated silica~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying
More about Hydrated silica
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Glycerin~0.3–0.6%
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~0.3–0.55%
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
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
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
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
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Propanediol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
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
Glyceryl behenate~0.3–0.5%
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
Polysorbate 60~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Aluminum hydroxide~0.25–0.5%
Formula
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 hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Stearic acid~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Stearyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Sorbitan distearate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Agar~0.25–0.4%
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
Polyvinyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps improve the product texture

More about Polyvinyl alcohol
Isoceteth-20~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Isoceteth-20
Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate
Stearoyl glutamic acid~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Stearoyl glutamic acid
Aminomethyl propanol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the pH in formulations

More about Aminomethyl propanol
Sodium stearoxy pg-hydroxyethylcellulose sulfonate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Arginine~0.2–0.4%
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
Bht~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Glutamic acid~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid
Ceratonia siliqua gum~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulations and create thicker consistency

More about Ceratonia siliqua gum
Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Parfum~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Maltose~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Maltose
Royal jelly extract~0.15–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.25%
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
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Methylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben
Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl triazone, Dimethicone, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Titanium dioxide, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Butylene glycol, Xylitol, Dextrin palmitate, Dipropylene glycol, Hydrated silica, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propanediol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Glyceryl behenate, Polysorbate 60, Aluminum hydroxide, Potassium hydroxide, Stearic acid, Stearyl alcohol, Sorbitan distearate, Agar, Polyvinyl alcohol, Isoceteth-20, Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, Stearoyl glutamic acid, Aminomethyl propanol, Sodium stearoxy pg-hydroxyethylcellulose sulfonate, Arginine, Bht, Glutamic acid, Ceratonia siliqua gum, Disodium edta, Parfum, Maltose, Royal jelly extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben

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🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)70 ml
≈ $9.47
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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 GelYOUR PRODUCTISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun SerumBeplainSunmuse Moisture SunscreenDr. CeuraclePro Balance Biotics Clear Up Sun
Match—29%29%28%
Price—$14.78$16.93$18.60
Shared key ingredients—6 of 124 of 127 of 12
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideBifida Ferment Lysate
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Product summary

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

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.15% - 0.25%, glutamic acid 0.20% - 0.40%, arginine 0.20% - 0.40% and 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 17.50A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel
KaoBiore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.