Kose Elsia Tone-up UV Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
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.
Evens skin toneAscorbic acid, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateStrong evidence
“Elsia Tone-up UV Milk SPF 50+ PA++++”
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).
MoisturizingCeramide ng, Cyclomethicone + 18 moreStrong evidence
“The Sekkisei brightening skin care series uses a Japanese herbal extract that gently moisturizes and protects skin while brightening the complexion.”
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:
cyclomethicone, 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: dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ng
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate + 2 moreStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (ubiquinone) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Ubiquinone, Tocopherol + 2 moreStrong evidence
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: AlcoholMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Cyclomethicone~5.3–6.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeAlcohol~4.5–5.5%
- 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~3.6–4.4%
- 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 methoxycinnamateIsotridecyl isononanoate~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dipropylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~2.1–2.6%
- 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 benzoatePropylene glycol~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolPeg-9 dimethicone~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl dimethicone~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice, light product texture
More about Cetyl dimethiconeBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineCetyl ethylhexanoate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoateGlycerin~0.55–0.8%
- 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 GlycerinAscorbic acid~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidOlea europaea fruit oil~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
More about Olea europaea fruit oilAscorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateTocopherol~0.4–0.65%
- 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 TocopherolHoney~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
More about HoneySodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateUbiquinone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Coenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen
More about UbiquinoneRoyal jelly extract~0.25–0.5%
- 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 extractHydrolyzed collagen~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed collagenSoluble collagen~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Soluble collagenButylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 glycolBht~0.25–0.45%
Acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate/dimethicone methacrylate copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
Palmitic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidDextrin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about DextrinPolybutene~0.25–0.5%
Glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium citrate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateSilica~0.4–0.6%
Dimethicone~0.3–0.55%
- 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 DimethiconeSorbitan sesquiisostearate~0.25–0.5%
Ceramide ng~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide ngTalc~0.35–0.65%
Isopropyl titanium triisostearate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Isopropyl titanium triisostearateTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.25–0.45%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTrimethylsiloxysilicate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a nice product consistency and support the delivery of other ingredients
More about TrimethylsiloxysilicateHydrogen dimethicone~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation
More about Hydrogen dimethiconePhenyl trimethicone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
More about Phenyl trimethiconeButyl polydimethylsiloxy ethoxypropyl phosphate~0.25–0.45%
Gold~0.25–0.45%
Mica~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaPotassium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolMethylparaben~0.15–0.25%
Mica~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaTitanium dioxide~0.25–0.5%
- 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 dioxideZinc oxide~0.2–0.4%
- 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 oxidePotassium oxide~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Water, Cyclomethicone, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Isotridecyl isononanoate, Dipropylene glycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Propylene glycol, Peg-9 dimethicone, Cetyl dimethicone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Ascorbic acid, Olea europaea fruit oil, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Honey, Sodium hyaluronate, Ubiquinone, Royal jelly extract, Hydrolyzed collagen, Soluble collagen, Butylene glycol, Bht, Acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate/dimethicone methacrylate copolymer, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Palmitic acid, Dextrin, Polybutene, Glycol, Unknown, Sodium citrate, Silica, Dimethicone, Sorbitan sesquiisostearate, Ceramide ng, Talc, Isopropyl titanium triisostearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogen dimethicone, Phenyl trimethicone, Butyl polydimethylsiloxy ethoxypropyl phosphate, Unknown, Gold, Mica, Unknown, Potassium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Mica, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Unknown, Potassium oxide
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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.
| KoseElsia Tone-up UV Milk SPF 50+ PA++++YOUR PRODUCT | Solar SenseSPF50 Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Stick | ReplenixUltra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50 Plus | CinsayLiving Active Sunny Day Living SPF30 Sunscreen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 61% | 56% | 52% |
| Price | $17.32 | — | $40.00+$22.68 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 16 | 3 of 16 | 4 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Retinyl Palmitate | Retinyl Palmitate | Retinyl Palmitate |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | High | High |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Kose - Elsia Tone-up UV Milk SPF 50+ PA++++" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 1.10% - 1.40%, uvinul a plus 2.10% - 2.60% and octinoxate 3.60% - 4.40%.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 17.32$ 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 23 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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