Kose Suncut Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 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.
Anti-agingSide benefit · ASCORBIC ACIDWorks 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit the brand mentions · ASCORBIC ACIDWorks well
“Suncut Tone Up UV Essence 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).
MoisturizingSide benefit · Dimethicone, Glycerin + 7 moreWorks
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone 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 methoxycinnamate~5.1–6.2%
- 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 methoxycinnamateAlcohol~4.7–5.7%
- 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 AlcoholZinc oxide~4.2–5.1%
- 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 oxidePropylene glycol dicaprate~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Propylene glycol dicaprateCetyl ethylhexanoate~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoateDimethicone~2–2.5%
- 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 DimethiconeButylene glycol~1.7–2%
- 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 glycolDipropylene glycol~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolGlycerin~1–1.3%
- 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 GlycerinSodium hyaluronate~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateBht~0.55–0.85%
Peg-10 hydrogenated castor oil~0.6–0.85%
Peg-80 hydrogenated castor oil~0.5–0.75%
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Parfum~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumMica~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaCi 42090~0.4–0.6%
Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCi 19140~0.3–0.6%
Disodium ascorbyl sulfate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus junos fruit extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Contains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus junos fruit extractEthylhexyl triazone~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazoneSilica~0.45–0.7%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oilPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidAluminum hydroxide~0.35–0.6%
- 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 hydroxideTitanium dioxide~0.4–0.65%
- 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 dioxideCi 17200~0.3–0.55%
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerCyclopentasiloxane~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 benzoateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazineCitrus junos fruit extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Contains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus junos fruit extractDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.5–0.75%
- 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 benzoateSodium hydroxide~0.3–0.55%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 benzoateTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.3–0.55%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneCitrus aurantifolia juice~0.35–0.65%
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazineSilica~0.45–0.7%
Aluminum hydroxide~0.35–0.6%
- 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 hydroxideXanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCitrus aurantifolia juice~0.35–0.65%
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.3–0.55%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerAcrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.5–0.75%
- 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 benzoatePhenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCitrus limon fruit extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus limon fruit extractWater~0.3–0.55%
Sodium oxide~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hydroxide~0.3–0.55%
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazineCitrus limon fruit extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus limon fruit extractEthylhexyl triazone~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triazoneAcrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.35–0.65%
- 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 benzoateDisodium ascorbyl sulfate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium 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 dioxideSimmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oilPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidCyclopentasiloxane~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Zinc oxide, Propylene glycol dicaprate, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Sodium hyaluronate, Bht, Peg-10 hydrogenated castor oil, Peg-80 hydrogenated castor oil, Methylparaben, Parfum, Mica, Ci 42090, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 19140, Disodium ascorbyl sulfate, Citrus junos fruit extract, Ethylhexyl triazone, Silica, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Titanium dioxide, Ci 17200, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Citrus junos fruit extract, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Sodium hydroxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Citrus aurantifolia juice, Xanthan gum, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Silica, Aluminum hydroxide, Xanthan gum, Citrus aurantifolia juice, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, Unknown, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus limon fruit extract, Water, Sodium oxide, Acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, Unknown, Sodium hydroxide, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Citrus limon fruit extract, Ethylhexyl triazone, Acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Disodium ascorbyl sulfate, Titanium dioxide, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Cyclopentasiloxane
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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.
| KoseSuncut Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++YOUR PRODUCT | BioreUV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ | Skin LaneSunny More UV Sunscreen Silky Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ | KaoBiore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 42% | 40% | 40% |
| Price | $11.23 | $10.89 | $36.80+$25.57 | $25.69+$14.46 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 11 | 8 of 11 | 8 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Arginine | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Methicone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Kanebo Global Skin Protector SPF 50+ PA++++Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++
Product summary
We believe that "Kose - Suncut Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: tinosorb s, uvinul a plus, octinoxate and polysilicone-15. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This product contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 19.88£ in the United Kingdom and for 13.90$ 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 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
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- 6
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