Below is every ingredient in Kesar & Kojic Acid Sunscreen - 125g In-Vivo Tested SPF 50+ 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.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) is a widely used organic UVB-absorbing sunscreen agent that protects skin from ultraviolet radiation. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily cosmetics with SPF claims.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, also known as avobenzone, is a widely used organic sunscreen agent that absorbs UVA radiation. It is often combined with photostabilizers and other UV filters because it can degrade with sun exposure.
Octocrylene is an organic (chemical) sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and short UVA radiation, and is also used to stabilize and solubilize other UV filters such as avobenzone. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF.
Kojic Acid Complex is a tyrosinase-inhibiting compound derived from fungal fermentation, used to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone. It is often combined with other brightening agents to enhance stability and efficacy.
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamins used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally regarded as well tolerated in cosmetic concentrations.
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%.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water is essentially inert; reactions are not attributable to water itself but to contaminants or accompanying ingredients. |
| Contact irritation or mild stinging | Uncommon | Transient skin irritation, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reported but relatively infrequent compared with other UV filters. |
| Photoallergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reaction triggered by combined exposure to the ingredient and sunlight. |
| Potential endocrine/estrogenic activity | Very rare | Suggested by in vitro and animal studies; human relevance at cosmetic exposure levels remains uncertain. |
| Contact allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) | Rare | Avobenzone is a recognized but uncommon cause of sunscreen allergy. |
| Photoallergic or photocontact dermatitis | Rare | Reactions triggered or worsened by sun exposure have been reported. |
| Skin irritation, redness, or stinging | Uncommon | Mild transient irritation may occur, particularly on sensitive or broken skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging if the product migrates into the eyes. |
| Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or stinging on application. |
| Systemic absorption | Common | Detectable in blood after use; clinical significance unclear and not equated with harm. |
| Benzophenone formation over time | Uncommon | Degradation can yield trace benzophenone; relevance to skin health under study. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Usually transient, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin or at high concentrations. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin. |
| Acneiform breakouts / clogged pores | Rare | Possible in acne-prone individuals due to its lipid content. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| \n\n\n\nAqua Solvent/vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare, serving as a solvent and carrier that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the foundation of emulsions. It has no inherent treatment activity and primarily provides texture and delivery of other components. |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate Key active UV filter (UVB sunscreen) | Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) is a widely used organic UVB-absorbing sunscreen agent that protects skin from ultraviolet radiation. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily cosmetics with SPF claims. |
| Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane Key active UV filter (UVA sunscreen) | Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, also known as avobenzone, is a widely used organic sunscreen agent that absorbs UVA radiation. It is often combined with photostabilizers and other UV filters because it can degrade with sun exposure. |
| Octocrylene Key active UV filter | Octocrylene is an organic (chemical) sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and short UVA radiation, and is also used to stabilize and solubilize other UV filters such as avobenzone. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF. |
| 3 Butylene glycol Humectant/solvent | 3-Butylene glycol (butylene glycol) is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps attract moisture, dissolve other ingredients, and improve product texture and preservation. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Cetostearyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and soften the skin. It functions as a non-active base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Xylitol Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in topical formulations as a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, and it may support the skin's microbiome and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe for topical use. |
| 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. |
| Anhydroxylitol Humectant / moisturizing agent | Anhydroxylitol is a sugar-derived (xylitol) humectant used in skincare to attract and retain water, helping to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is often combined with xylitol and xylitylglucoside to enhance the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) Extract Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) Extract is derived from date fruit or seed and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and sugars used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning benefits. It is generally considered a supportive botanical ingredient rather than a clinically proven primary active. |
| Polyglycerine-3 Humectant / emollient | Polyglycerine-3 is a polyglycerol-based humectant and emollient used in skincare to attract and retain moisture and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient and a natural-derived alternative to synthetic polyols. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Thickener / film-forming stabilizer | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic anionic polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations, often forming a smooth film on the skin. It functions primarily as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer rather than a treatment active. |
| Kojic Acid Complex Key active Skin-brightening agent | Kojic Acid Complex is a tyrosinase-inhibiting compound derived from fungal fermentation, used to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone. It is often combined with other brightening agents to enhance stability and efficacy. |
| Vaccinium Anqustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamins used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally regarded as well tolerated in cosmetic concentrations. |
| 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%. |
| Citrus Grands (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract is derived from grapefruit and supplies vitamin C, flavonoids, and other polyphenols that provide antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits in cosmetic formulations. It is also used for its astringent and brightening-supportive properties. |
| 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. |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It functions as an emollient and occlusive agent in many cosmetic formulations. |
| Crocus Sativus Flower Extract (Saffron) Key active Antioxidant / brightening agent | Crocus Sativus (Saffron) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids such as crocin and safranal, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-tone-evening properties. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect skin against oxidative stress. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties, often included to calm irritation and improve skin moisture. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Shea Butter Glycerides Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Shea Butter Glycerides are the glyceride fraction derived from shea butter, used to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while supporting the emollient and lipid-replenishing properties of a formulation. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Levulinate Preservative / humectant | Sodium Levulinate is the sodium salt of levulinic acid, derived from natural sugars, used primarily as a mild preservative and antimicrobial agent that also provides moisturizing properties. It is often paired with sodium anisate in natural-leaning preservative systems. |
| 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. |
| Citrus Junos Seed Extract Emollient/antioxidant | Citrus Junos (yuzu) Seed Extract is derived from the seeds of the yuzu fruit and is used in skincare for its emollient and antioxidant properties, often to support skin conditioning and hydration. It contains fatty acids and polyphenolic compounds that may help protect against oxidative stress. |
| Lactobacillus Ferment Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning/soothing agent | Lactobacillus Ferment is a postbiotic ingredient produced by the fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria, used in skincare for its soothing, barrier-supporting, and antioxidant properties. It may help balance the skin microbiome and reduce visible signs of irritation. |
| Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly used to help calm irritation and protect skin against environmental oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Oxothiazolidine Key active Antioxidant / cysteine precursor | Oxothiazolidine (procysteine, a 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid derivative) is a cysteine prodrug used in skincare as an antioxidant intended to support intracellular glutathione synthesis. It is studied for its potential to reduce oxidative stress and contribute to skin brightening or protective effects. |
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.