COSRX
Ultra-Light Invisible 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 Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ gives you lightweight, hydrating sun protection with a sheer, refreshing finish. The fast-absorbing formula blends in without a white cast and features niacinamide, witch hazel, aloe leaf water, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin, and tocopherol for a comfortable, skin-friendly feel. It layers easily into your everyday routine without feeling heavy or greasy.
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen is a watery-light 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 27 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It is a chemical (organic-filter) sunscreen, using Mexoryl XL, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus and Mexoryl SX. 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 Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Diethylhexyl Succinate.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Allantoin, Niacinamide and Adenosine.
On richness alone it suits 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, microplastic-free and sulfate-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
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.
Chemical (organic) filter system · broad-spectrum through UVA I
Oil-soluble and broad-spectrum, with two absorption peaks covering UVB and UVA.
The most efficient UVB absorber available by weight, which is why high-SPF formulas reach SPF 50+ without feeling heavy. Contributes nothing to UVA.
A photostable replacement for avobenzone: it peaks at 354 nm, deep in UVA I, and does not need a stabiliser to survive the day.
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, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) succinate
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Phenol,2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-Methyl-6-(2-Methyl-3-(1,3,3,3-Tetramethyl-1-(Trimethylsilyl)Oxy)-Disiloxanyl)Propyl
6th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
Benzoic acid, 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino)tris-,tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester; octyl triazone
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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**
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
3,3'-(1,4-Phenylenedimethylene)bis[7,7-dimethyl-2-oxo-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonic acid]
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosan-1-ol
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,1,1,3,5,5,5-Heptamethyl-3-(trimethylsilyloxy)trisiloxane
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Icosan-1-ol
19th 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)
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.
Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Methyl Trimethicone
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 27 ingredients on the label.
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
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, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) succinate
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Phenol,2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-Methyl-6-(2-Methyl-3-(1,3,3,3-Tetramethyl-1-(Trimethylsilyl)Oxy)-Disiloxanyl)Propyl
6th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
Benzoic acid, 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino)tris-,tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester; octyl triazone
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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**
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
3,3'-(1,4-Phenylenedimethylene)bis[7,7-dimethyl-2-oxo-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonic acid]
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosan-1-ol
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,1,1,3,5,5,5-Heptamethyl-3-(trimethylsilyloxy)trisiloxane
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the leaves of the Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana L., Hamamelidaceae
14th 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)-
15th 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
16th 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
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Icosan-1-ol
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
19th 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)
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-glucose, 1-eicosanol ether
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium metaphosphate
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
23rd 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
24th 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
25th 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)-
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Round Lab
Shares 10 key ingredients with Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen: Water, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Niacinamide
Dr. Althea
Shares 9 key ingredients with Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen: Water, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide
Dr.Althea
Shares 9 key ingredients with Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen: Water, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide
Dr. Ceuracle
Shares 9 key ingredients with Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen: Water, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide
Dr. Ceuracle
Shares 9 key ingredients with Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen: Water, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide
Beauty of Joseon
Shares 9 key ingredients with Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen: Water, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF WATER, DIETHYLHEXYL SUCCINATE, PROPANEDIOL, WATER, DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE, ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE, NIACINAMIDE, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, TEREPHTHALYLIDENE DICAMPHOR SULFONIC ACID, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, METHYL TRIMETHICONE, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF WATER, TROMETHAMINE, SODIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ARACHIDYL GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE, ADENOSINE, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ALLANTOIN, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE.
NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID.
Apply the sunscreen before going out into the sun. Reapply regularly to keep your skin protected. Reapply especially after sweating, swimming, or drying off with a towel.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits 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.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
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 Drometrizole Trisiloxane, 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 27 ingredients, of which 7 are recorded as actives.
COSRX, a brand based in Korea.
It filters UV with Mexoryl XL (drometrizole trisiloxane), Uvinul T 150 (ethylhexyl triazone), Uvinul A Plus (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate), 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.
Unlikely. It filters with organic (chemical) filters only, which dissolve into the formula rather than sitting on the surface, so they do not leave a white cast.
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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