Based on its listed ingredients, 3-in-1 Tinted Sun Serum - Espresso | Trial Pack | 10ml can feed fungal acne — details in the flags below.
Below is every ingredient in 3-in-1 Tinted Sun Serum - Espresso | Trial Pack | 10ml explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (also known as Uvinul A Plus) is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that absorbs primarily in the long-wave UVA range (around 354 nm), helping protect skin from UVA-induced damage. It is photostable and commonly combined with other filters in broad-spectrum sunscreens.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that strongly absorbs UVB radiation (peak around 314 nm), valued for its high photostability and efficiency at low concentrations. It is commonly used in sunscreens and daily-wear products to boost SPF.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin.
Ectoin is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (extremolyte) that stabilizes proteins and cell membranes, helping skin retain moisture and resist environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. It is used in skincare for hydration, barrier support, and soothing of irritated or sensitive skin.
Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; propanediol is generally considered low-risk for allergy. |
Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
Skin irritation or mild contact dermatitis | Rare | Occasional reports of localized redness or irritation, generally mild. |
Allergic contact dermatitis / sensitization | Very rare | Isolated case reports; considered a low-sensitizing UV filter. |
Photoallergic reaction | Very rare | Uncommon given its photostability, but possible in sensitive individuals. |
Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but possible in acne-prone skin at high concentrations. |
Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Uncommon and usually mild; may relate to other formulation components rather than the pigment itself. |
Pigment-related contact reactions | Very rare | Possible trace metal impurities (e.g., nickel, cobalt) could contribute in sensitized individuals. |
Skin irritation | Very rare | Mild irritation is uncommon as iron oxides are largely inert. |
Pigment-related contact reactions in eye-area products | Rare | Reported in some mascara/eyeliner users, often related to other formulation components. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate Key active UVA filter (sunscreen) | Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (also known as Uvinul A Plus) is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that absorbs primarily in the long-wave UVA range (around 354 nm), helping protect skin from UVA-induced damage. It is photostable and commonly combined with other filters in broad-spectrum sunscreens. |
| Dicaprylyl Carbonate Emollient / texture enhancer | Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut-based fatty alcohols and carbonic acid, used to improve skin feel and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a solvent and helps distribute pigments and other ingredients evenly. |
| Yellow Iron Oxide Colorant/pigment | Yellow iron oxide is an inorganic mineral pigment (iron(III) oxide-hydroxide) used to impart yellow tones in cosmetics and to provide opacity and tint in products such as foundations, concealers, and tinted sunscreens. It is widely regarded as photostable, non-bleeding, and well tolerated. |
| Black Iron Oxide Colorant/pigment | Black iron oxide (CI 77499) is an inorganic mineral pigment used to provide black to brown coloration in cosmetics such as foundations, mascaras, and tinted sunscreens. It is generally considered safe, stable, and non-reactive in topical formulations. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Isododecane Emollient/solvent | Isododecane is a lightweight, volatile branched-chain hydrocarbon used as a solvent and emollient in cosmetics. It spreads easily and evaporates quickly, improving texture and wear in products like long-lasting makeup, primers, and sunscreens. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Phenyl Trimethicone Silicone emollient/conditioning agent | Phenyl Trimethicone is a phenyl-substituted silicone used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel, add shine, and provide water-repellent film-forming and conditioning properties. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Emollient / texture enhancer | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester emollient widely used in skincare and cosmetics to improve spreadability, provide a smooth non-greasy skin feel, and act as a solvent and mild antimicrobial booster. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Red Iron Oxide Colorant/pigment | Red iron oxide is an inorganic mineral pigment (iron(III) oxide) used to impart red to brown tones in cosmetics and to provide some visible-light and UV protection in tinted sunscreens and foundations. It is widely regarded as stable, non-bleeding, and well tolerated on skin. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Ethylhexyl Triazone Key active UVB sunscreen filter | Ethylhexyl Triazone is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that strongly absorbs UVB radiation (peak around 314 nm), valued for its high photostability and efficiency at low concentrations. It is commonly used in sunscreens and daily-wear products to boost SPF. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Zinc PCA Key active Sebum-regulating, antimicrobial | Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin. |
| Ectoin Key active Protective osmolyte / humectant | Ectoin is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (extremolyte) that stabilizes proteins and cell membranes, helping skin retain moisture and resist environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. It is used in skincare for hydration, barrier support, and soothing of irritated or sensitive skin. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| Biotin Key active Conditioning agent / vitamin (B7) | Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin used in topical formulations as a conditioning agent, though evidence for meaningful benefit to skin, hair, or nails when applied topically is limited. It is more commonly associated with oral supplementation claims for hair and nail health. |
| Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol Key active UV filter (broad-spectrum) | Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (also known as Bisoctrizole or Tinosorb M) is an organic-particulate UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection across both UVA and UVB ranges by absorbing and scattering UV radiation. It is photostable and commonly used in sunscreens, often paired with other filters. |
| Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine Key active UV filter (sunscreen) | Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (also known as Bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S) is a broad-spectrum organic UV filter that absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation. It is highly photostable and is commonly used in sunscreens and daytime skincare products to provide photoprotection. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Phospholipid Emollient / emulsifier / skin-conditioning agent | Phospholipids are amphiphilic lipids (such as lecithin-derived phosphatidylcholine) used in skincare to form liposomes, stabilize emulsions, and reinforce the skin barrier. They help deliver ingredients and improve hydration by mimicking components of the skin's lipid matrix. |
| PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate Emulsifier | PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate is a polyethylene glycol-based emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in creams, sunscreens, and lotions. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Polysorbate 80 Emulsifier / surfactant / solubilizer | Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to emulsify oil and water phases and solubilize fragrances and oils in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Film-forming/sensory-enhancing rheology modifier | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic crosslinked acrylate polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, silky sensory feel, stabilize emulsions, and help form a light film on the skin. It is a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| Microcrystalline Cellulose Texturizer/bulking agent | Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose derived from plant fibers, used in skincare and cosmetics as a bulking agent, texture modifier, anti-caking agent, and emulsion stabilizer. It is inert and primarily serves formulation purposes rather than providing active skin benefits. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Decyl Glucoside Surfactant/Cleanser | Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, commonly used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby care products. It is valued for its biodegradability and low irritation potential compared to harsher surfactants. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Titanium Dioxide Key active UV filter / mineral sunscreen | Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin. |
| Triethoxycaprylylsilane Coating/surface treatment agent | Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silane-based ingredient primarily used to coat and hydrophobically treat powders and pigments such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides, improving their dispersion, water resistance, and texture in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a skin-treatment active. |
| Triethoxyoctylsilane Formulation / support | |
| Propylidynetrimethanol Formulation / support | |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| PEG-60 Almond Glycerides Formulation / support | |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid Key active Antioxidant | Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a lignan-derived polyphenolic antioxidant originally isolated from the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), used in topical formulations for its free-radical scavenging and lipoxygenase-inhibiting properties. It has been studied for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects. |
| Oleanolic Acid Key active Antioxidant / sebum-regulating active | Oleanolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid found in plants such as olive leaves and cloves, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting properties. It is studied for managing oily and acne-prone skin, supporting the skin barrier, and reducing signs of aging. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It releases sulfur dioxide, which helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. |
| offering reliable Formulation / support |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.