Cosrx debuts irritant-free vitamin E sunscreen, safe for all skin types and coral reefs

09 Aug 2022 --- Cosrx has launched Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50 +, a daily sun protector formulated with chemical-based SPF ingredients that are paired with vitamin E (Tocopherol) to protect all skin types.

The company says that according to its research on consumer reviews, most consumers skip using sunscreen in their daily routine because of the allergies and irritations it causes or the white residue it leaves behind.

To tackle this, dermatologists worked closely with the R&D to develop a brand that catered to these needs and suits “every person’s skin.”

Speaking to PersonalCareInsights, a Cosrx brand representative elaborates that sun damage “can lead to signs of premature aging, loose skin, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and more.”

Most consumers skip using sunscreen in their daily routine because of the white residue it leaves behind, Cosrx says.“To avoid sun damage, we need SPF – which is Sun Protection Factor indicating how much UV light leads to burning with sunscreen versus without it,” she says.

Wearing sunscreen daily helps prevent dark spots and fine lines but, more importantly, helps prevent skin cancer. She highlights that “it is one of the most important aspects of skincare.”

“[Sunscreen] only really starts bothering you once the sweat beads start rolling down your face, the discomfort is enough to deter many consumers from wearing sunscreen altogether,” says another brand representative. However, wearing sunscreen is important year-round, when it is cold and overcast outside as well.

She says that that is what inspired the creation of this product. “The sunscreen provides broad-spectrum sun protection as well as a matte finish.”

It leverages vitamin E – an antioxidant that reduces free radicals and helps reduce visible signs of aging and skin damage – and also features a lightweight texture that leaves no white cast on the skin, making it usable for all skin colors. Touted to have a semi-matte finish, the company says the product helps control sebum, preventing the skin from looking greasy.

Reef-safe remains relevant
Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to marine life, such as Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3) and Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate). While this sunscreen is dubbed “reef-safe,” she elaborates on what this entails.

This vitamin E sunscreen does not contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs and marine life, unlike many other sunscreens.

“Our newly launched Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50 + is environmentally sustainable by excluding Octinoxate and Oxybenzone for formulas, in order to prevent the bleaching of coral reefs and preserve marine ecosystems,” she says.

She further explains that it is not only the coral reefs and marine life that oxybenzone and octinoxate can be bad for. “Some research has found that the ingredients can disrupt human hormones. Particularly of concern is the effect of oxybenzone and octinoxate on Oestrogen.”

Daredevil development
Finding the perfect sunscreen is not easy, Sung tells us. She says that if consumers have sensitive skin or are worried about breaking out from some harmful chemical ingredients, this can be particularly difficult.

Referring to the R&D side of things, she elucidates that “it is quite difficult to find the substitutional ingredients for protecting skin from UV rays efficiently.” Developing products that are environmentally friendly to boot, can be even more difficult. 

“Cosrx collected the opinions from professional dermatologists and worked closely with them to create the sunscreen formulations and pulled from their own experiences in the beauty industry to develop a brand that understood every single person’s skin concerns,” she says, sharing challenges faced during product development.

“As a result, Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50 + is a daily sun protector formulated with SPF ingredients that are paired with a vitamin E (Tocopherol) which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging effect to protect all skin types, even safe for sensitive skin.”

By Mieke Meintjes