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Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel
Sunplay Skin Aqua

Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane + 13 more
Works
What the product description says
“UV Brightening Moisture Gel”
From product name

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, carnosine.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~3.2–4%
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~2–2.4%
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~0.5–0.75%
EctoinKey activeEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
Theobroma grandiflorum seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layer~0.25–0.5%
Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.25–0.5%
SericinKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.45%
CarnosineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.2–0.4%
Hydrolyzed alginKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumDerived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
Hexyl laurate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~2.4–3%
Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.65–0.95%
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~0.55–0.8%
Ethylhexyl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.25–0.45%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Carnosine, Sericin + 2 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (carnosine) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

CarnosineKey activeEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.2–0.4%
SericinEffect: Low~0.25–0.45%
Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.15–0.3%
BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.25–0.45%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · Carnosine, Sericin
May help

This product contains carnosine. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

CarnosineKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.2–0.4%
SericinEffect: Low~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Zingiber officinale root extract
Medium risk
We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
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~5.4–6.6%est.
Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.65%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Helichrysum italicum extractA plant extract used to conceal the smell of other ingredients in a product. Has anti-microbial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~4.5–5.5%est.
Hexyl laurateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistencyMedium~2.4–3%est.
EthoxydiglycolHelps to improve the product consistencyMedium~1.6–2%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~2–2.4%est.
Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul 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) yetMedium~1.7–2%est.
Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolTinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~1.3–1.6%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.75–1.1%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. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.Medium~0.55–0.8%est.
Diethylhexyl butamido triazoneUvasorb HEB. A UV filter. Is effective against UVB and UVA II rays (but not UVA I). It is photostable. Unfortunately, is not approved by FDA (US) yetMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Theobroma grandiflorum seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layerMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Sericin—Medium~0.25–0.45%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Hydrolyzed alginDerived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.15–0.3%est.
Theobroma cacao seed extract—3/5~0.1–0.25%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
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~5.4–6.6%
Irritant · 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
Methylpropanediol~4.5–5.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol
Cyclopentasiloxane~3.2–4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Hexyl laurate~2.4–3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Hexyl laurate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~2–2.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Ethoxydiglycol~1.6–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to improve the product consistency

More about Ethoxydiglycol
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~2–2.4%
Irritant · 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
Ethylhexyl triazone~1.7–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 triazone
Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~1.3–1.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Tinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol
Polysorbate 60~0.75–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene
Butylene glycol~0.55–0.8%
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
Silica~0.75–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Phenoxyethanol~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium polyacrylate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate
Glycerin~0.5–0.75%
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
Trimethylsiloxysilicate~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps create a nice product consistency and support the delivery of other ingredients

More about Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · 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. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine
Ethylhexyl stearate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Ethylhexyl stearate
Decyl glucoside~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Inonotus obliquus extract~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Inonotus obliquus extract
Diethylhexyl butamido triazone~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Uvasorb HEB. A UV filter. Is effective against UVB and UVA II rays (but not UVA I). It is photostable. Unfortunately, is not approved by FDA (US) yet

More about Diethylhexyl butamido triazone
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Bisabolol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Trideceth-6~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Trideceth-6
Glycine max seed extract~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glycine max seed extract
Theobroma grandiflorum seed butter~0.25–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layer

More about Theobroma grandiflorum seed butter
Disodium edta~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Citric acid~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium citrate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Yeast polysaccharides~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Yeast polysaccharides
Ectoin~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Ectoin
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1
Sericin~0.25–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation
More about Sericin
Propylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Diglucosyl gallic acid~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Diglucosyl gallic acid
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Carnosine~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage

More about Carnosine
Zingiber officinale root extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract
Hydrolyzed algin~0.15–0.3%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Derived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed algin
Helichrysum italicum extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract used to conceal the smell of other ingredients in a product. Has anti-microbial properties. Can be irritating

More about Helichrysum italicum extract
1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Biosaccharide gum-4~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps improve the product texture

More about Biosaccharide gum-4
Theobroma cacao seed extract~0.1–0.25%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Theobroma cacao seed extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Methylpropanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hexyl laurate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethoxydiglycol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Polysorbate 60, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Butylene glycol, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium polyacrylate, Glycerin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Ethylhexyl stearate, Decyl glucoside, Inonotus obliquus extract, Diethylhexyl butamido triazone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bisabolol, Trideceth-6, Glycine max seed extract, Theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, Disodium edta, Xanthan gum, Citric acid, Sodium citrate, Yeast polysaccharides, Ectoin, Biosaccharide gum-1, Sericin, Propylene glycol, Diglucosyl gallic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Carnosine, Zingiber officinale root extract, Hydrolyzed algin, Helichrysum italicum extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Biosaccharide gum-4, Theobroma cacao seed extract

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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
Sunplay Skin AquaUV Brightening Moisture GelYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeOil Control Moisturising Gel-CreamREVOLUTION SKINCARERevolution Man Mattifying Gel MoisturiserIndeed LabsHydraluron Moisture Jelly
Match—33%32%32%
Price—$13.73—$23.06
Shared key ingredients—4 of 163 of 163 of 16
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideUrea
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final report of the cosmetic ingredient review expert panel on the safety assessment of Polyisobutene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene as used in cosmeticssemanticscholar.org
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Ecofriendly surfactant is allergen of the yearmdedge.com
  4. 4
    α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
  5. 5
    Advanced Skin Care – A Novel Ingredientncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel
Sunplay Skin AquaUV Brightening Moisture Gel
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