Kose SUNCUT WATER IN UV PROTECT ESSENCE SPF 50+ PA++++
Works for
2 of 2 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.
Anti-agingNo ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“This lightweight sunscreen is fortified with SPF 50+ PA ++++ for protection against UV rays that cause skin darkening and premature aging.”
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 toneNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
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).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
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: phytosterols, cetearyl alcohol.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Alcohol, Citrus aurantium dulcis flower water + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~6.1–7.5%
- 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~4.3–5.3%
- 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 AlcoholDipropylene glycol~3–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolButylene glycol~2.4–2.9%
- 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 glycolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~2.6–3.1%
- 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 benzoateIsotridecyl isononanoate~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylene 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 glycolPolysilicone-15~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays, but does not protect against the most aging UVA light
More about Polysilicone-15Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineCitrus aurantium dulcis flower water~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
Vitis vinifera leaf extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus limon fruit extractRosmarinus officinalis extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Water~0.3–0.6%
Bht~0.3–0.6%
Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%
Peg-30 phytosterol~0.3–0.6%
Phytosterols~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
More about PhytosterolsAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- 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 crosspolymerCarbomer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerGlycerin~0.25–0.45%
- 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 GlycerinSilica~0.3–0.55%
Glyceryl stearate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateCetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholPotassium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Phenol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EU
More about PhenolAlcohol~0.1–0.2%
- 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 AlcoholMethylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Titanium dioxide~0.1–0.15%
- 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 dioxideIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Dipropylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Isotridecyl isononanoate, Unknown, Propylene glycol, Polysilicone-15, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Unknown, Citrus aurantium dulcis flower water, Unknown, Vitis vinifera leaf extract, Unknown, Citrus limon fruit extract, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, Water, Bht, Disodium edta, Peg-30 phytosterol, Unknown, Phytosterols, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Carbomer, Glycerin, Silica, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Potassium hydroxide, Phenol, Alcohol, Methylparaben, Titanium dioxide
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Product summary
The ingredient list suggests that "Kose - SUNCUT WATER IN UV PROTECT ESSENCE 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).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. 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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: tinosorb s 1.40% - 1.70%, uvinul a plus 2.60% - 3.10%, octinoxate 6.10% - 7.50% and polysilicone-15 1.60% - 2.00%.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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 1999.99KSH in Kenya and for 16.20$ 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 5 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
- 5
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