Kosas Revealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF 25
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 25 · 2 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 + 14 moreWorks well
“- Peptides & Hyaluronic Acid plump and hydrate”
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:
galactoarabinan, 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, panthenol
Evens skin toneNiacinamideWorks well
“- Niacinamide & Caffeine brighten and smooth”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
This product can also help with skin tone because it offers sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tripeptide-5.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Arnica montana flower extractMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl olivate~5.7–6.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl olivateOctyldodecanol~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolUndecane~3.3–4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin
More about UndecanePolyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate~2.5–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearateGlycerin~2.2–2.7%
- 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 GlycerinMica~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaCalcium sodium borosilicate~1.5–1.8%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideNiacinamide~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamidePolyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateGalactoarabinan~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about GalactoarabinanTridecane~0.5–0.75%
Propanediol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolCetyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 alcoholGlyceryl oleate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Glyceryl oleateSodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePalmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Panthenol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSqualane~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneCaffeine~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineArnica montana flower extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can be irritating. It can have some anti-bacterial properties, but there are no evidence of a beneficial effect for skin
More about Arnica montana flower extractArtemisia capillaris flower extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethyl ferulate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium gluconate~0.25–0.45%
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidMaltodextrin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinPentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolLecithin~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinHydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinTocopherol~0.2–0.35%
- 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 TocopherolTitanium dioxide~0.2–0.4%
- 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 dioxideIron oxides~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesZinc oxide7.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl olivate, Octyldodecanol, Undecane, Polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, Glycerin, Mica, Calcium sodium borosilicate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Galactoarabinan, Tridecane, Propanediol, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl oleate, Sodium hyaluronate, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Panthenol, Squalane, Caffeine, Arnica montana flower extract, Artemisia capillaris flower extract, Ethyl ferulate, Sodium gluconate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Maltodextrin, Pentylene glycol, Lecithin, Hydrogenated lecithin, Tocopherol, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Zinc oxide
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.
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.
| KosasRevealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF 25YOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeMineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 | KnoursKoolsol Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | innisfreeGreen Tea Hyaluronic Hydrating Sun Serum SPF50 Sérum Solaire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 70% | 68% | 68% |
| Price | — | $19.99 | — | $24.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 14 | 4 of 14 | 5 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Phytosphingosine | Madecassoside | Madecassoside |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 25 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: NEEDLY Mild non-nano sun milk SPF 50+ PA++++AXIS Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ / PA ++++
Product summary
"Kosas - Revealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF 25" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this product is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.
Sunscreen filters
This product is a mineral sunscreen. It uses zinc oxide for sun protection. Zinc oxide almost never irritates the skin or stings eyes, but it can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
This product contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Kosas" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 42.00$ in the United States and for 35.00£ 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 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.