A lightweight daily sunscreen built on four next-generation UV filters — and this is the reason to pay attention to it. The filter system here is meaningfully more advanced than what most sunscreens use, and it is not available in every market.

The filters, and why they matter

Older chemical sunscreens rely on filters like avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate. They work, but avobenzone degrades in sunlight and needs octocrylene alongside it purely to hold it stable. This formula uses none of them. Instead:

• Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (Uvinul A Plus) — a highly photostable UVA filter covering the long wavelengths responsible for photoageing, pigmentation and loss of elasticity.
• Ethylhexyl triazone (Uvinul T 150) — the most photostable and efficient UVB filter available, with exceptionally high absorption per unit.
• Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) — a hybrid filter that both absorbs and scatters, covering UVA and UVB simultaneously and adding stability to the whole system.
• Diethylhexyl butamido triazone (Uvasorb HEB) — another highly photostable UVB filter, contributing to the broad, even coverage.

Together these deliver SPF 50+ and PA++++, the highest UVA grade available, with no white cast and none of the photodegradation associated with older systems. In practical terms: the protection you apply at eight in the morning is still substantially the protection you have at noon.

Beyond the filters, this is also a treatment product. Niacinamide sits seventh on the ingredient list, and the complete TECA centella complex — all four actives declared separately — makes this one of the more soothing sunscreens available. The texture is genuinely light, absorbs without tack, and layers cleanly under makeup.

Key ingredients

• Four next-generation UV filters — as set out above. Modern, photostable, broad-spectrum.
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) — seventh on the list, indicating meaningful concentration. Supports the barrier, evens tone and regulates sebum. Its inclusion in a sunscreen at this level is unusual and welcome.
• Centella asiatica extract with the full TECA complex — madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and asiatic acid, all four declared individually. Soothing and barrier-supporting, and the reason this suits reactive skin.
• Panthenol (provitamin B5) — hydration and barrier support.
• Dipotassium glycyrrhizate — a liquorice root derivative used for calming redness and irritation.
• Tocopherol (vitamin E) — antioxidant protection against the free radicals generated by whatever UV gets through.
• Neem leaf and flower extracts — antioxidant botanicals.
• Adenosine — a regulator-recognised functional anti-wrinkle active in Korea.
• Glycerin and polyglyceryl emulsifiers — hydration and a gentle, non-ionic emulsion system.

How to use

1. Apply as the final step of your morning skincare routine, after moisturiser and before makeup.
2. Use the correct amount: two finger-lengths of product along the index and middle fingers, or roughly a quarter-teaspoon for the face alone. This is the single most important instruction. SPF ratings are measured at 2 mg per square centimetre; most people apply a quarter to a half of that, which turns an SPF 50 into an effective SPF 10 to 20.
3. Dot across the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and jaw, then spread evenly. Press rather than rub aggressively.
4. Extend down the neck, the sides of the neck and over the ears — the areas that show ageing first and get skipped most.
5. Allow 15 minutes to set before sun exposure or makeup.

Recommended frequency

• Every morning, all year. UVA passes through cloud and window glass at effectively constant levels across the seasons, including a grey Dutch winter.
• Reapply every 2 hours during sustained outdoor exposure, and immediately after swimming, heavy sweating or towel-drying.
• Indoors, office-based day: one morning application is generally sufficient; reapply at midday if you sit beside a window.
• Over makeup: use a sunscreen stick, cushion or powder SPF rather than layering cream over foundation.
• Mandatory if you use actives — retinol, retinal, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, kojic acid or prescription tretinoin all increase photosensitivity.

How it compares to our COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen

Both are SPF 50+ PA++++ chemical sunscreens with no white cast, at a similar price. The honest difference:

• This Benton uses the more advanced, more photostable filter system and adds niacinamide and the full centella complex. It is the better choice for sensitive, reactive, redness-prone or acne-prone skin, and for anyone who wants their sunscreen to also treat.
• The COSRX has a slightly more cushioned, blurring finish thanks to its silicone base, which makes it the better makeup primer, and its vitamin E content is higher.

If we had to recommend one on formulation alone, it would be this one. If you wear full makeup daily and want the smoothest possible base, the COSRX has the edge.

Best suited to

All skin types, with a particular strength for sensitive, reactive, redness-prone and acne-prone skin thanks to the centella and liquorice. Excellent for all skin tones — the filter system leaves no cast whatsoever. Suits anyone who wants high protection in a light texture, and anyone using actives who needs reliable daily UVA cover.

Specifications

• Volume: 50 ml
• Protection: SPF 50+ / PA++++ (broad spectrum UVA and UVB)
• Filter system: Four next-generation chemical filters — diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, diethylhexyl butamido triazone
• Free from older filters: No avobenzone, octocrylene or homosalate
• Treatment actives: Niacinamide, centella asiatica with full TECA complex, panthenol, liquorice derivative, adenosine, vitamin E
• Texture: Light, airy cream; absorbs quickly
• Finish: Natural, non-greasy, no white cast
• Makeup compatible: Yes
• Skin type: All skin types and all skin tones; excellent for sensitive skin
• Country of origin: Republic of Korea
• Approximate usage: 6–8 weeks at correct daily facial application

Good to know

The formula contains a small amount of rosemary leaf oil, which gives it a faint natural scent. It is present at a very low level, but if you are highly sensitive to essential oils, patch test on the jawline first. This is not a water-resistant sunscreen and is not intended for swimming or sport — choose a dedicated water-resistant product for prolonged water exposure. For external use only. Avoid direct contact with the eyes and keep application slightly away from the lash line. Discontinue use if irritation develops. Store below 25°C and away from direct sunlight — heat degrades UV filters and shortens the usable life of any sunscreen, so do not leave it in a hot car. Replace 12 months after opening. Keep out of reach of children.