IOPE
UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+
face sunscreen
IOPE
face sunscreen
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testDeveloped with protection in mind, this IOPE's UV Defense Sun Protector SPF 45 shields the skin not only from UV rays but also from fine dust and pollution that can lead to free radical damage and signs of premature aging thanks to its innovative microfilter formula. In addition to protecting the skin from sun damage and environmental agents, it strengthens the skin's barrier for even healthier skin.
UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+ is a lightweight sunscreen from IOPE, a brand based in Korea. It is rated SPF 45+. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 28 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 is a chemical (organic-filter) sunscreen, using Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate and Avobenzone. 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. The formula contains a photounstable filter alongside a stabiliser, which is the standard and effective way to keep it from degrading in sunlight.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin and Water.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Several ingredients carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive, this is one to patch test carefully or approach slowly.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, oil control, brightening and tone and soothing. 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 no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free, dye-free and oil-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
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.
Several ingredients here carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive or you have rosacea, introduce this slowly, or ask a dermatologist first.
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
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
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
Another solvent-filter: modest UVB coverage, mostly there to carry other filters.
Mostly present to stabilise avobenzone rather than for its own modest UVB coverage. Degrades slowly into benzophenone over a product's shelf life.
A weak filter used mainly as a solvent — it dissolves the crystalline filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone) so they can be formulated at all.
The workhorse UVA filter, and the fragile one: it loses a large share of its protection within an hour of sun unless the formula pairs it with a stabiliser such as octocrylene or Tinosorb S.
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
2nd 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)
3rd 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
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
2-Cyano-3,3-Diphenyl Acrylic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester
5th 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
6th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1-[4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,1,5,5,5-Hexamethyl-3-phenyl-3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]trisiloxane
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,1,1,3,5,5,5-Heptamethyl-3-octyl-trisiloxane
18th 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
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
A photounstable filter is present, paired with a stabiliser
"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.
Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal
Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal
Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone
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 28 ingredients on the label.
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Changes how the product smells or looks
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
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.
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.
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)
3rd 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
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
2-Cyano-3,3-Diphenyl Acrylic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester
5th 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
6th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1-[4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,1,5,5,5-Hexamethyl-3-phenyl-3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]trisiloxane
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,1,1,3,5,5,5-Heptamethyl-3-octyl-trisiloxane
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1-hexadecanol, phosphate, potassium salt
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
D-Glucopyranose, C16-18 alkyl glycosides
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Osmanthus Fragrans Leaf Extract is the extract of the leaves of Osmanthus fragrans, Oleaceae.
18th 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
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octanoic 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.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
21st 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)
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Methyl-4-Isopropenylcyclohexene; dipentene
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,7-Dimethyl octa-1,6-diene-3-ol
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glucose
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenylmethyleneoctanal; alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde; 2-Benzylideneoctanal; alpha-n-hexyl-beta-phenylacrolein
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Round Lab
Shares 10 key ingredients with UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate
Abib
Shares 9 key ingredients with UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+: Butyloctyl Salicylate, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol
Pyunkang Yul
Shares 8 key ingredients with UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol
La Roche-Posay
Shares 8 key ingredients with UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+: Water, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene
Aestura
Shares 8 key ingredients with UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Isntree
Shares 8 key ingredients with UV DEFENSE SUN PROTECTOR SPF 45+: Water, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol
WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HOMOSALATE, OCTOCRYLENE, GLYCERIN, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, OSMANTHUS FRAGRANS LEAF EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, DISODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, LIMONENE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, LINALOOL, GLUCOSE, CITRONELLOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, FERULIC ACID.
In the last stage of your skincare routine, take a suitable amount and spread evenly across your face. Tap lightly and let absorb.
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.
Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Caprylate, Sorbitan Isostearate. 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.
No — it contains Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone.
Yes — it contains Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal.
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 28 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.
IOPE, a brand based in Korea.
It filters UV with Homosalate (homosalate), Octocrylene (octocrylene), Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate), Avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane).
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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