Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Review

Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
1.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.0 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.8 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈22.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kose Suncut Prodefense Whitening UV Sunscreen Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
11
6
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Tranexamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Polysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polydiethylsiloxane
Function:
Origin:
2,4,6-Trimethyl-4-Phenyl-1,3-Dioxane
Function:
Origin:
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Methyl/Phenyl Polysilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Succinic Anhydride
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Ascorbyl Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Eel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Shale Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tuna Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yogurt Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yokuinin
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Phosphoric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
2-(2-Aminoethoxy)ethanol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.8 10
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.8 10
1.8
All humectants
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
22
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 24.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
24.1
Tocopheryl Acetate
22
Disodium Ascorbyl Sulfate
0.3
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Tranexamic Acid
Est. %40
Function
Origin
Tranexamic AcidA synthetic amino acid that is used as an astringent to stop the bleeding from small cuts. It also has proven anti-pigment and redness-reducing effects.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Water
Est. %11
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Ethyl Polysilicate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Polysilicate
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene Glycol DicaprateA thin, non-viscous emollient that gives shine with a smooth, non-greasy, and slightly powdery after-feel. It is often compared to mineral oil and can be used to replace this heavier oil without feeling overly greasy.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Polydiethylsiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polydiethylsiloxane
2,4,6-Trimethyl-4-Phenyl-1,3-Dioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2,4,6-Trimethyl-4-Phenyl-1,3-Dioxane
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor OilA processed, butter-like castor oil. It is solely comprised of occlusive moisturizing and emollient saturated fatty acids and is best suited for dry skin. It can also act as a thickener and emulsifier.
Methyl/Phenyl Polysilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl/Phenyl Polysilsesquioxane
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Succinic Anhydride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Succinic Anhydride
Disodium Ascorbyl Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Ascorbyl Sulfate
Eel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eel Extract
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) ExtractAn extract obtained from the whole German chamomile plant that contains nice-smelling chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as large amounts of soothing mucilage.
Shale Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Shale Extract
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) ExtractAn antioxidant extract from sugarcane, the famous crop used to make sugar. It acts as a humectant and exfoliating agent – the little sugar crystals mechanically remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Tuna Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tuna Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) ExtractAn extract from hops flowers. Hops have been used traditionally to treat skin inflammation. The extract is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Yogurt Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yogurt Extract
Yokuinin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yokuinin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Anthemis Nobilis Flower ExtractAn antioxidant and soothing flower extract derived from Roman chamomile. It contains an essential oil that gives it a sweet and floral aroma.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerA multi-functional ingredient that forms a polymeric network, thereby thickening the formula and preventing other ingredients from shifting around.
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Sodium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SulfateAn inorganic sodium salt that provides volume and thickens emulsions.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-15 Stearyl EtherA synthetic ingredient that has a slippery feel and can be combined with many other ingredients acting as a solvent.
Phosphoric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phosphoric Acid
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
2-(2-Aminoethoxy)ethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2-(2-Aminoethoxy)ethanol
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.