Below is every ingredient in Body Milk | SPF 20 PA++ 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.
Homosalate is an organic (chemical) UV filter primarily absorbing UVB radiation, commonly used in sunscreens to help prevent sunburn. It is often combined with other filters as it is relatively unstable and offers limited UVA protection on its own.
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%.
Glyceryl glucoside is a naturally occurring sugar-glycerol compound used in skincare as a humectant that attracts and binds water to the skin. It is also studied for its ability to stimulate aquaporin water-channel expression, supporting skin hydration and barrier function.
Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Sprout Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in antioxidants, peptides, and phytonutrients used in skincare to support skin conditioning and protect against oxidative stress. It is often included for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Contact irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Mild transient irritation, especially around the eyes or on sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reactions confirmed by patch testing are infrequent. |
| Photoallergic/photocontact reaction | Rare | Reaction triggered by sun exposure after application. |
| Potential endocrine activity | Very rare | Weak estrogenic effects observed in laboratory/animal studies; human clinical relevance at typical use levels remains under regulatory review. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenic-related breakouts | Uncommon | Often anecdotal; dimethicone is largely regarded as non-comedogenic but may trap debris if skin is not cleansed well. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Rare | Transient stinging or discomfort if product enters the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible if product contacts the eyes during application. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| 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. |
| Homosalate Key active UV filter (sunscreen) | Homosalate is an organic (chemical) UV filter primarily absorbing UVB radiation, commonly used in sunscreens to help prevent sunburn. It is often combined with other filters as it is relatively unstable and offers limited UVA protection on its own. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Dibutyl Adipate Emollient / solvent | Dibutyl Adipate is a synthetic ester of adipic acid and butanol used in cosmetics as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a light, non-greasy feel and helps spread and dissolve UV filters and other oil-soluble ingredients. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Monostearate Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl monostearate is a non-ionic emulsifier and thickening agent widely used in creams and lotions to blend oil and water phases and improve texture. It also provides mild skin-conditioning and emollient properties. |
| Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate is a lipid-based ester derived from amino acids, plant sterols, and fatty alcohols used to soften skin, support the lipid barrier, and improve texture in emulsions. It functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent rather than a therapeutic active. |
| PEG-100 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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%. |
| Sorbitan Monostearate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) is a non-ionic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a skin-treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Cocus Nucifera Water Hydrating/skin-conditioning agent | Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Water is the clear liquid from young green coconuts, used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient that provides hydration along with minerals, sugars, and amino acids. It is typically incorporated as a water-phase base or carrier rather than a clinically proven treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Glucoside Key active Humectant / moisturizer | Glyceryl glucoside is a naturally occurring sugar-glycerol compound used in skincare as a humectant that attracts and binds water to the skin. It is also studied for its ability to stimulate aquaporin water-channel expression, supporting skin hydration and barrier function. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations. |
| Trehalose Humectant / moisturizer | Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide used in skincare as a humectant and protective agent, helping retain moisture and stabilize cell membranes and proteins against dehydration and oxidative stress. It is well tolerated and commonly used to support skin barrier hydration. |
| Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide Prebiotic | Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide is a plant-derived prebiotic sugar that selectively nourishes beneficial skin microflora while helping to limit growth of less desirable bacteria, supporting a balanced skin microbiome. It is commonly used in formulations aimed at maintaining skin barrier health and microbial equilibrium. |
| Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract Skin-conditioning / humectant | Caesalpinia Spinosa (tara) fruit pod extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides and tannins, used in skincare for its film-forming, hydrating, and antioxidant properties. It is often included to provide a smoothing, moisture-retaining effect and to support skin barrier comfort. |
| Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Sprout Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in antioxidants, peptides, and phytonutrients used in skincare to support skin conditioning and protect against oxidative stress. It is often included for its moisturizing and soothing properties. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Cetearyl Glucoside Emulsifier | Cetearyl Glucoside is a plant-derived (glucose and fatty alcohol) nonionic emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It is valued for being mild and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations. |
| Zinc Oxide Key active UV filter / skin protectant | Zinc oxide is a mineral (inorganic) UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation by scattering and absorbing light. It also has mild astringent and soothing properties and is used in sunscreens, diaper creams, and barrier preparations. |
| Saccharide Isomerate Humectant / moisturizer | Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's keratin to provide long-lasting hydration and improve moisture retention. It is structurally similar to carbohydrates naturally found in the skin's upper layers. |
| Ceramide NP Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| 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. |
| Glucose Humectant/skin-conditioning agent | Glucose is a simple sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can also serve as a substrate in formulations and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| 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. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Butyloctanol Emollient / solvent | Butyloctanol is a branched fatty alcohol used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent that imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel. It also serves as a carrier or co-solvent for other ingredients in skincare and color cosmetics. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Polyhydroxystearic Acid Dispersant/emulsifier | Polyhydroxystearic acid is a fatty acid derivative used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a dispersing agent and emulsifier, helping to evenly distribute pigments (such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in sunscreens) and stabilize oil-based or water-in-oil systems. It improves texture, spreadability, and uniformity rather than providing a direct biological skin benefit. |
| Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Natural preservative | Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a fermentation-derived ingredient produced by culturing Leuconostoc bacteria on radish roots, yielding antimicrobial peptides used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. It helps protect water-based cosmetic formulations from microbial growth while sometimes contributing mild conditioning properties. |
| 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. |
| Lactic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Citronellol Fragrance ingredient | Citronellol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance and flavoring agent, providing a rose-like, citrusy scent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is found in essential oils such as rose, geranium, and citronella. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
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.