++++
[ DemythSkin Verdict ]

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ (Japan 2023 formula)
SunscreenSun Protection
Efficacy
Exceptional
4.6 / 5.0
Safety
Caution
3.3 / 5.0
System Verdict
Elegant high-UV-filter sunscreen with lovely texture, but the alcohol-heavy base and comedogenic Isopropyl Palmitate make this a risky daily workhorse for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Efficacy is strong because it packs four modern filters (Octinoxate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) in the top of the INCI, giving robust UVA/UVB protection and very good photostability, while humectants (glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol, xylitol) and film-formers create that signature weightless, watery feel. However, most of the ‘skincare’ extras (royal jelly, arginine, hyaluronic acid) sit low in the list and are present at likely sub‑1% levels, so they are B Tier supporting players rather than true treatment actives, and the heavy reliance on denatured alcohol plus fragrance (D Tier irritancy risks) prevents this from reaching S Tier as a daily health-focused sunscreen, even though its UV protection mechanics are close to gold-standard.
Active Ingredients Detected
S Tier: Gold StandardsHigh Clinical Proof | Skin-Transformative
Ethylhexyl TriazoneDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results
WaterXylitolDimethiconeGlycerinVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerArginineSodium Hyaluronate
B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients
Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate CrosspolymerHydrogenated PolyisobuteneDextrin PalmitateButylene GlycolAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerC12-15 Alkyl BenzoateGlyceryl StearatePropanediolGlyceryl BehenateCetyl AlcoholAgarSorbitan DistearateIsoceteth-20Polyvinyl AlcoholStearoyl Glutamic AcidPotassium HydroxideSodium HydroxidePhenoxyethanolDisodium EDTABHT
C Tier: Marketing IdolsHype | Limited or Weak Data
Royal Jelly Extract
D Tier: Potential IrritantsBe Cautious
EthanolEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate)Isopropyl PalmitateFragrance
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DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score.