Dr.Althea
Aqua Glowing Sunscreen
face sunscreen
Dr.Althea
face sunscreen
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testDr. Althea Aqua Glowing Sunscreen is a lightweight chemical sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and PA++++ protection. Its cream texture applies smoothly, hydrates the skin, and leaves a radiantly dewy finish while remaining non-sticky and comfortable. Enriched with skin barrier-supporting ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol, ceramide NP, sodium hyaluronate, and Caulerpa lentillifera extract, it helps calm and moisturize dry or unbalanced skin while delivering essential UV protection.
Aqua Glowing Sunscreen is a lightweight sunscreen from Dr.Althea. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 39 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 Propanediol, Panthenol and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It is a chemical (organic-filter) sunscreen, using Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus, Mexoryl XL and Tinosorb M. 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, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Glycerin.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Isononyl Isononanoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Panthenol 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 dye-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
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.
Oil-soluble and broad-spectrum, with two absorption peaks covering UVB and UVA.
A hybrid: it absorbs like an organic filter and scatters like a mineral one, because it is dispersed as microfine particles rather than dissolved.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester
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
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dibutyl adipate
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
10th 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**
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% 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
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2,2'-Methylene-bis-(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol)
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
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 39 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Dissolves and carries everything else
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Forms a film that slows water loss
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
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.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Bambusa Vulgaris Water is an aqueous solution of the stem of distillate obtained from the Bamboo, Bambusa vulgaris, Poaceaea
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
3,5,5-Trimethylhexyl 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester
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.
Polymer formed by hydrolysis and condensation of methyltrimethoxysilane
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dibutyl adipate
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
10th 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**
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% 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
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2,2'-Methylene-bis-(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol)
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
15th 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)
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosan-1-ol
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucoside, Decyl
21st 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-octyl-trisiloxane
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic acid Copolymer is the Copolymer formed by the reaction of Hydrogenated Castor Oil with Sebacic acid
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
C10-30 alkyl propenoate, polymer with propenoic acid, butenoic acidand/or alkyl propenoates, product with propenyl sucrose ether or propenyl 2,2-dihydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
diester of hexaglycerol and stearic acid
26th 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
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silica, reaction products with trimethylsilane
28th 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)
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is a product obtained by the transesterification of Polyglycerin-3 and Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, and Jojoba Wax and Rice Bran Wax
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydrogen N-(1-oxooctadecyl)-L-glutamate
31st 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
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
33rd 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
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
36th 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
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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)
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract is the extract of the alga, Caulerpa lentillifera
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Deoxyribonucleic acid, sodium salts
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Dr. Althea
Shares 14 key ingredients with Aqua Glowing Sunscreen: Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dibutyl Adipate
Torriden
Shares 12 key ingredients with Aqua Glowing Sunscreen: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone
Barr Cosmetics
Shares 11 key ingredients with Aqua Glowing Sunscreen: Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone
Pyunkang Yul
Shares 11 key ingredients with Aqua Glowing Sunscreen: Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Anua
Shares 11 key ingredients with Aqua Glowing Sunscreen: Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone
Benton
Shares 10 key ingredients with Aqua Glowing Sunscreen: Water, Propanediol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone
WATER, BAMBUSA VULGARIS WATER, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, PROPANEDIOL, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, DIBUTYL ADIPATE, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, NIACINAMIDE, DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE, METHYLENE BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRAMETHYLBUTYLPHENOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, GLYCERETH-26, PANTHENOL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, TROMETHAMINE, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL/SEBACIC ACID COPOLYMER, CARBOMER, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYGLYCERYL-6 DISTEARATE, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CANDELILLA/JOJOBA/RICE BRAN POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, ADENOSINE, GLYCERIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, XANTHAN GUM, CERAMIDE NP, TOCOPHEROL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CAULERPA LENTILLIFERA EXTRACT, SODIUM DNA.
NIACINAMIDE, PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CERAMIDE NP.
Apply at the last step of skin care, 15 minutes before sun exposure. Apply a finger-sized amount in 2 to 3 doses. Reapply frequently as needed.
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: Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyglyceryl-6 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 Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate.
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 39 ingredients, of which 8 are recorded as actives.
Dr.Althea.
It filters UV with Uvinul T 150 (ethylhexyl triazone), Uvinul A Plus (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate), Mexoryl XL (drometrizole trisiloxane), Tinosorb M (methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol).
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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