Happy 2024 everyone!ย I can’t believe it is a new year already and yes, I do acknowledge I haven’t been on here for a while.ย Life has been busy and a mess all at the same time.ย So let’s get back into the wonderful world of skincare to keep everyone’s mind off of things haha.ย After the sunscreen craze two years ago, the trend has continued, for me at least.ย The mission to find the best Korean sunscreen continues.ย One of my top favorites which I used daily was also from Cosrx, so when they came out with a new one called Cosrx Aloe 54.2 aqua tone-up sunscreen, I knew I had to try it.ย Although I’m not a huge fan of tone-up sunscreens, I have had the thought of trying it as a brightening base.ย With that mindset, would things change?ย We’ll just have to see.
Full name of product:
Cosrx Aloe 54.2 aqua tone-up sunscreen
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“Infused with aloe barbadensis leaf water, the lightweight sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays and soothes sunburn while providing a soft, non-greasy appearance all day.
BENEFITS
โข SPF 50+/ PA++++ UV protection
โข Light-weight texture
โข Fast absorbing
โข Non-greasy, soft, and airy finish formula
โข Tone-correction
TARGETS
โข For those who don’t want a greasy and sticky finish.
โข For those who want naturally tinted skin tone without makeup.
โข For those who want to brighten up skin tone and texture naturally.
โข For those who with dehydrated and rough skin. “
Sunscreen:
SPF 50+ PA++++
Price:
$18.00 USD
Amount of product:
50 mL/ 1.69 fl. oz
Duration before expiration:
12 months after opening
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Where to buy:
Jolse
Ingredients:
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, Titanium Dioxide (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, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Myristic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Lauric Acid, Tocopherol
Sunscreen filters: Homosalate,ย Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate,ย Ethylhexyl Salicylate,ย Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine,ย Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
Chemical/ physical sunscreen?:ย chemical sunscreen
โข 54.2% of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water :
Helps soothe sunburn and UV-induced skin damage.
Boosts moisture in the skin.
โขย ย Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) :
Helps relieve sensitive skin (dryness and acne)
Protects and prevents skin damage from UV rays.
โขย ย Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) :
Relieves skin damage and barrier disruption caused by missed UV rays.
Helps to prevent pigmentation.
โขย ย Hyaluronic acid :
Prevents drynessย
Increases skin elasticityย
โขย ย Allantoin :
Soothes irritation.
Helps moisture stay within the skin.
How to use:
Apply generously at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours.
*Can be used alone or under makeup.
Product packaging:
To my surprise, this tube of Cosrx’s aloe 54.2 aqua tone-up sunscreen is slimmer and smaller than a tube in real life.ย The quantity is still relatively standard though, weighing at 50 mL/ 1.69 fl. oz.ย What’s different from my favorite Cosrx vitamin E vitalizing sunscreen is that this has a snap-off lid and the other one has a twist-off lid.
It does get a little bit messy though even though I try my best to keep it clean.
Texture/ Finish:
The texture is relatively thin and comfortable on the skin, however, I find it takes more time to blend into the skin than my regular sunscreen.ย The “white cast” or brightening effect isn’t strong, but I wouldn’t suggest those with darker complexions use this since it might make you look ashy.
There is a slight salmon-pink shade to it, which blends out into almost nothing.ย What’s left on the skin is a faint brightening effect, which I’m honestly shocked by.ย The tone-up creams or tone-up sunscreens I’ve used in the past always made me, who is already pale as a ghost, more ghostly.ย How is that even possible??
For those who don’t like super dewy or oily sunscreens, this is for you.ย The finish isn’t super mattifying, nor does it give my skin hydration.ย I rarely will reach for this daily since it dries my skin out a bit after a couple of hours.ย Do keep in mind, that we’re in the middle of winter and it is dry as heck already.ย I reckon if this was used by someone with a more normal to oily skin type, it wouldn’t be as drying.
Let’s try this on!
Here is my bare skin.ย My skin is irritated at the moment and quite dry.ย I usually put sunscreen on after moisturizer during the day.ย If I want to put make up on, I’ll put it on top of the sunscreen.
After the sunscreen has absorbed into my skin, there is a definite brightening/ “tone up” effect.ย I don’t personally enjoy it that much, but it could be a good starting base for the foundation to get a more even complexion.
Before (right) and after (left).
Fragrance?:
No scent was detected (but it could also be because I’m sick right now and my nose is stuffed up).ย I’ll have to update this once I’m better.
Pro:
-chemical sunscreen= not a strong white cast
-easy(ish) to blend
-works great as make up base
Con:
-not hydrating enough for my dry skin
Repurchase?:
No
Stars given out of 5:
????????????
Overall thoughts:
Out of all the Cosrx sunscreens I’ve tried, this is better than their older aloe sunscreen for sure.ย But out of the three current Cosrx, this would rank second place.ย I don’t reach for it as much since it isn’t easy to wear for every day if I don’t wear make up, however it is a far better tone up sunscreen compared to all the ones I’ve tried in the past.ย Is it the best Koren sunscreen in the market?ย It’s nor good, nor bad.ย I think there is use for this sunscreen and somone out there will definitely like this.ย For the general public in both eastern and western culture, this is an acquired taste type of sunscreen.ย Overall I give this a passing grade of 3 stars and would give you the go ahead to try it if it interests you and you fit the requirements up above.
*PR sample
