Below is every ingredient in Mz Skin Hydrate Nourish Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturiser With Spf 30 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.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate (octisalate) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter used in sunscreens to absorb ultraviolet radiation in the 295-315 nm range. It is also valued as a solvent that helps stabilize and dissolve other UV filters in formulations.
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.
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.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a lipid-soluble, stabilized derivative of vitamin C used in skincare for antioxidant protection and brightening. It penetrates the skin's lipid layers and is converted to ascorbic acid, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing hyperpigmentation.
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. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; transient irritation can occur, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Photoallergic or photocontact reactions | Rare | Reported occasionally with organic UV filters; less common than with some other sunscreen agents. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Uncommon | Can cause stinging if the product migrates into the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential but possible in acne-prone skin. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible mild stinging on accidental ocular contact in rinse-off or leave-on products. |
| Comedogenicity/acne aggravation | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores or breakouts in acne-prone or oily skin due to its occlusive, lipid-rich nature. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or redness possible, generally in sensitive individuals. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Ethylhexyl Salicylate Key active UV filter (UVB sunscreen) | Ethylhexyl Salicylate (octisalate) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter used in sunscreens to absorb ultraviolet radiation in the 295-315 nm range. It is also valued as a solvent that helps stabilize and dissolve other UV filters in formulations. |
| Isoamyl Laurate Emollient | Isoamyl Laurate is a plant-derived ester (from isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid) used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that improves skin feel and product texture. It functions to soften and condition the skin and acts as a natural alternative to silicones. |
| Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters Emulsifier / emollient | Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters is a PEG-derived ester of behenic acid used primarily as a nonionic emulsifier and emollient that helps blend oil and water phases and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Emollient/occlusive | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea butter) is a plant-derived fat used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiables that condition and help maintain the skin barrier. |
| 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. |
| Silica Absorbent/texturizer | Silica is a mineral-derived ingredient (silicon dioxide) used in cosmetics to absorb oil and sebum, improve texture, and act as a bulking, anti-caking, or matting agent. It is generally inert 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. |
| Caryodendron Orinocense Nut Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Caryodendron Orinocense Nut Oil (inchi or cacay oil) is a plant-derived oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (notably linoleic acid), tocopherols, and naturally occurring retinol, used to moisturize, soften, and condition the skin. It functions primarily as an emollient that supports the skin barrier and provides antioxidant benefits. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Myristyl Myristate Emollient / thickener | Myristyl myristate is a waxy ester of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid used in cosmetics as an emollient, thickening agent, and opacifier. It improves skin feel, spreadability, and texture in creams, lotions, and color cosmetics. |
| 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. |
| Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer Film former / texture enhancer | Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer is a synthetic polyester crosspolymer used in cosmetic formulations as a film-forming, binding, and texture-improving agent. It helps create smooth, even spreading and can improve the wear and feel of products such as foundations, sunscreens, and lotions. |
| Olive Glycerides Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Olive Glycerides is a mixture of mono-, di-, and triglycerides derived from olive oil, used in cosmetics to soften, condition, and provide occlusive moisturization to the skin. It functions as an emollient and helps support the skin barrier in creams, lotions, and balms. |
| Sucrose Palmitate Emulsifier / Emollient | Sucrose palmitate is a sugar-derived (sucrose ester) nonionic emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a smooth, soft skin feel. It is biodegradable and generally well tolerated, functioning as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a lipid-soluble, stabilized derivative of vitamin C used in skincare for antioxidant protection and brightening. It penetrates the skin's lipid layers and is converted to ascorbic acid, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing hyperpigmentation. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| Glycine Soja Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Glycine Soja (soybean) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It helps soften skin, support the moisture barrier, and provides mild antioxidant benefits. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Glyceryl Linoleate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Glyceryl linoleate is an ester of glycerin and linoleic acid used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve texture. It also functions as a non-ionic emulsifier and delivers essential fatty acids that support barrier lipid composition. |
| 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. |
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.