Kose Sekkisei Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Kose Sekkisei Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·4 UV filters

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 4 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 50Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octinoxate
Polysilicone-15
Tinosorb S
Uvinul A Plus
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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~4.6–5.6%
Polysilicone-15UVB Photo-stable A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light~3.1–3.8%
Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable 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).~1.8–2.2%
Uvinul A PlusDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUVA1 Photo-stable 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~2.4–2.9%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Tocopherol
Works 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.

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.45–0.7%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · No ingredient credited for this claim
Works 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).

Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Glycerin, Dimethicone + 8 more
Works
What the product description says
“Its milky gel texture supplies ample moisture for comfortable daily wear.”
Source: Yesstyle

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: glycerin, butylene glycol.

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, squalane.

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~1.2–1.4%
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~0.95–1.15%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~0.3–0.5%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%
Phytosteryl macadamiateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
Propylene glycol dicaprate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~3.1–3.8%
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~1.5–1.9%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.25–0.5%
Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethiconeEffect: LowHelp improve the product's texture~0.25–0.45%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.45–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 10 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~8.2–10%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~0.05–0.1%est.
Polysilicone-15A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA lightMedium~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~2.4–2.9%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~1.8–2.2%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.15–0.25%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
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.25–0.5%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~8.2–10%
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%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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
Propylene glycol dicaprate~3.1–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Propylene glycol dicaprate
Polysilicone-15~3.1–3.8%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light

More about Polysilicone-15
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~2.4–2.9%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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
Butylene glycol~1.5–1.9%
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
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.8–2.2%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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
Glycerin~1.2–1.4%
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
Dimethicone~0.95–1.15%
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
Saccharomyces / honeybee seed fermented liquid
Not recognized
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruit extract~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Angelica acutiloba root extract~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Tocopherol~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol
Merosria root extract
Not recognized
Bht~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Disodium edta~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Peg-30 phytosterol~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-30 phytosterol
Peg-5 phytosterol~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-5 phytosterol
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.6%
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/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
Formula
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
Carbomer~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Help improve the product's texture

More about Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone
Lysine dilauroyl glutamate
Not recognized
Squalane~0.3–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Squalane
Glyceryl stearate~0.25–0.5%
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
Cetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Zeolite~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Zeolite
Talc~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Absorbs oil and moisture helping to create a dryer product finish

More about Talc
Phytosteryl macadamiate~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Phytosteryl macadamiate
Potassium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

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

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Methylparaben~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Mica~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Propylene glycol dicaprate, Polysilicone-15, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Butylene glycol, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Unknown, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruit extract, Angelica acutiloba root extract, Tocopherol, Unknown, Bht, Disodium edta, Peg-30 phytosterol, Peg-5 phytosterol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Carbomer, Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone, Unknown, Squalane, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Zeolite, Talc, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Potassium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Parfum, Mica

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Yesstyle40 g
$14.30 Out of stock
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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
KoseSekkisei Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++YOUR PRODUCTBioreUV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++RITUALSThe Ritual of Namaste SPF 50 Daily Sun ProtectionKUMANO COSMEReihaku Hatomugi UV Milky Gel SPF 31 PA+++
Match—38%36%36%
Price—$10.89$40.02$17.10
Shared key ingredients—5 of 96 of 94 of 9
Key difference—ArgininePanthenolMineral Oil
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Medium
SPFSPF 50SPF 50SPF 50SPF 31
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol
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More alternatives: ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++Instree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel - SPF 50+

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Kose - Sekkisei Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++" can offer 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).

It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: tinosorb s 1.70% - 2.10%, uvinul a plus 2.40% - 2.90%, octinoxate 4.60% - 5.60% and polysilicone-15 3.10% - 3.80%.

Irritation risk

This sunscreen 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.

Price

The product retails from 14.30$ up to 24.30$ 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 6 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  6. 6
Kose Sekkisei Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
KoseSekkisei Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.