Side-by-side comparison

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ vs Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+

Both sunscreens contain Niacinamide, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.

1Shared hero active
COSRX
SunscreenBudgetMorning only
Sun ProtectionDrynessSensitivity

A chemical-mineral hybrid daily sunscreen with aloe for soothing. Lightweight and hydrating with minimal cast; a budget K-beauty staple, though high-SPF chemical filters mean diligent reapplication is still needed.

Isntree
SunscreenBudgetMorning only
Sun ProtectionDehydrationOiliness

A viral watery-gel chemical sunscreen with hyaluronic acid and a weightless, no-cast finish. Beloved for its serum-like feel under makeup; like all chemical SPF it needs reapplication through the day.

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Niacinamide. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ adds Zinc Oxide. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ is the better fit for dryness and sensitive skin; Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ for dehydration and oiliness. Both sit in the Budget price tier.

The overlap

What they share

This hero active appears in both formulas:

Niacinamide
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ — top of the list

  • Aloe Barbadensi…~50–80%
  • Aqua~5–25%
  • Ethylhexyl Meth…~3–10%
  • Zinc Oxide~2–6%
  • Glycerin~1.5–4%

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Dibutyl Adipate~5–25%
  • Diethylamino Hy…~3–10%
  • Ethylhexyl Tria…~2–6%
  • Bis-Ethylhexylo…~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+
CategorySunscreenSunscreen
Price tierBudgetBudget
Best forSun Protection, Dryness, SensitivitySun Protection, Dehydration, Oiliness
Usage notesMorning onlyMorning only
Shared hero activesNiacinamide
Questions

Common questions

Is the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ or the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Niacinamide; COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ adds Zinc Oxide.
What's the difference between the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ and the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+?
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+'s hero actives are Aloe Vera, Zinc Oxide and Niacinamide. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+'s are Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
Are the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ and Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Niacinamide, but COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+'s Zinc Oxide isn't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ and Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ together?
You only need one sunscreen per application. Use whichever you'll apply generously and reapply, and keep the other for a different setting if you like both.
Keep comparing

Related comparisons

Want a deeper, personalised read? Drop both products into the live comparison tool for an ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown tuned to your skin profile.

Compare these yourself →