COSRX
Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen
face sunscreen
COSRX
face sunscreen
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testThe COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen is a protective shield against harmful UV rays, infused with 54.2% aloe barbadensis leaf water that not only defends the skin but also offers a soothing touch. This sunscreen, acting as a brightening sun cream, brings forth a gentle and non-greasy formulation that safeguards the skin while providing a healthy, radiant glow. Infused with Vitamin B12, it addresses sensitive skin concerns, dryness, and acne, shielding against UV-induced damage while maintaining the skin's moisture and elasticity. The incorporation of Vitamin B3 aids in relieving skin damage from UV rays and combating pigmentation issues, while hyaluronic acid and allantoin work synergistically to keep the skin hydrated, plump, and free from irritation, offering a sun protection solution that doubles as a light moisturizer for a nourished, dewy appearance.
Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen is a lightweight sunscreen from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 40 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Glycerin and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It uses a hybrid filter system — Homosalate, Uvinul A Plus, Octisalate, Tinosorb S, Titanium Dioxide and Mexoryl SX — combining mineral and organic filters. Between them those filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so the formula is broad-spectrum in the meaningful sense: it reaches past 340 nm, where the ageing wavelengths sit. Every filter in the formula is photostable, so its protection does not fall away over the first hour in the sun — reapplication is still about sweat, water and rubbing rather than degradation.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Allantoin and Niacinamide.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, sulfate-free and oil-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Use it in the morning. In a routine it goes final morning step, before makeup. Apply about two finger-lengths for the face and neck — under-application is the single most common reason sunscreen underperforms. Reapply every two hours of sun exposure, and after swimming or towelling off. Let it set for a couple of minutes before makeup so it does not pill.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Hybrid mineral and organic filter system · broad-spectrum through UVA I
Another solvent-filter: modest UVB coverage, mostly there to carry other filters.
A photostable replacement for avobenzone: it peaks at 354 nm, deep in UVA I, and does not need a stabiliser to survive the day.
A weak filter used mainly as a solvent — it dissolves the crystalline filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone) so they can be formulated at all.
One of the most photostable filters in use, and it stabilises avobenzone and octinoxate alongside it. Oil-soluble, cosmetically light, no white cast.
Strong UVB and short-UVA protection, but it stops before UVA I — a mineral formula leaning on titanium dioxide alone needs zinc oxide beside it for deep UVA.
Water-soluble UVA filter, which is unusual — most UVA filters are oil-soluble.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list. Regulation caps it at 7.34%, so it is present at roughly 3.67–7.34%.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
5th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2,2'-[6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl]bis[5-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-phenol]
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,1,1,3,5,5,5-Heptamethyl-3-(trimethylsilyloxy)trisiloxane
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Diisopropyl sebacate
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
3,3'-(1,4-Phenylenedimethylene)bis[7,7-dimethyl-2-oxo-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonic acid]
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Every filter in this formula is photostable
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Methyl Trimethicone
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Protect" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 40 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Dissolves and carries everything else
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Changes how the product smells or looks
Forms a film that slows water loss
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
2nd on the list. Regulation caps it at 7.34%, so it is present at roughly 3.67–7.34%.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
5th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2,2'-[6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl]bis[5-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-phenol]
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,1,1,3,5,5,5-Heptamethyl-3-(trimethylsilyloxy)trisiloxane
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
CI 77891 is classed chemically as an inorganic colour (see also INCI: Titanium dioxide). It conforms to the formula
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Diisopropyl sebacate
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
3,3'-(1,4-Phenylenedimethylene)bis[7,7-dimethyl-2-oxo-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonic acid]
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-hexadecanol, phosphate, potassium salt
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosan-1-ol
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate, dimethylacrylamide, lauryl methacrylate and laureth-4 methacrylate, crosslinked with trimethylolpropane triacrylate
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,2-Dimethyl-2-(2'-propenamido)ethanesulfonic acid, sodium salt, homopolymer
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Polymer of acrylic acid ester and C10-30 alcohol
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Stearic acid
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aluminium hydroxide
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methyl-D-glucopyranoside, ethers with 1,2,3-propanetriol homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:1:2) (3 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecanoic acid
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Diiron trioxide; Ferric oxide
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silane, triethoxyoctyl-
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Iron oxide
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tetradecanoic acid
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cyanocobalamin; Vitamine B12
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dodecanoic acid
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Round Lab
Shares 10 key ingredients with Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen: Water, Butylene Glycol, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide
Isntree
Shares 10 key ingredients with Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 9 key ingredients with Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen: Water, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glycerin, Niacinamide
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 9 key ingredients with Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen: Water, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glycerin, Niacinamide
Aestura
Shares 9 key ingredients with Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Homosalate
Isntree
Shares 9 key ingredients with Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen: Water, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Niacinamide
ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF WATER, HOMOSALATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, GLYCERIN, WATER, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, METHYL TRIMETHICONE, NIACINAMIDE, CI 77891, DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE, TEREPHTHALYLIDENE DICAMPHOR SULFONIC ACID, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, TROMETHAMINE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, POLY C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, STEARIC ACID, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, PALMITIC ACID, CI 77491, DISODIUM EDTA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CI 77492, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ALLANTOIN, MYRISTIC ACID, CYANOCOBALAMIN, LAURIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL.
NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE.
Apply generously at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Methyl Trimethicone.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it in the morning, final morning step, before makeup.
It lists 40 ingredients, of which 7 are recorded as actives.
COSRX, a brand based in Korea.
It filters UV with Homosalate (homosalate), Uvinul A Plus (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate), Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate), Tinosorb S (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine), Titanium Dioxide (titanium dioxide), Mexoryl SX (terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid).
Yes. Its filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so protection reaches past 340 nm into the deep-UVA range associated with ageing and pigmentation.
It may leave a slight cast. The formula mixes mineral and organic filters, so any cast is usually lighter than a fully mineral sunscreen's.
It contains none of the filters named in the Hawaii and Key West reef legislation (oxybenzone and octinoxate). "Reef safe" is not a regulated term, so treat that as a fact about the filter list rather than a certification.
Yes. Let it set for a couple of minutes before foundation so it does not pill, and reapply over makeup with a stick or powder rather than rubbing more in.
Every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily or towelling off.
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