Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop Korean Hydrating Oil Free Sunscreen Spf 50 Pa For Matte Finish No White Cast 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.
Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that primarily absorbs UVB radiation, used in sunscreens and cosmetic products to provide photoprotection. It is a cinnamate derivative structurally related to ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.
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.
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole) is a water-soluble organic UV filter that primarily absorbs UVB radiation, helping to prevent sunburn. Its water solubility makes it suitable for lighter, less greasy sunscreen and daily moisturizer formulations.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation or dryness | Very rare | Pure water itself is essentially non-irritating; rare effects relate to disruption of skin barrier with excessive exposure rather than chemical sensitivity. |
| Allergic reaction | Very rare | True allergy to water (aquagenic conditions) is extremely uncommon and not an ingredient sensitivity per se. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| 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. |
| Skin dryness | Common | High concentrations can strip natural oils and reduce skin hydration. |
| Irritation or stinging | Common | Especially on compromised, sensitive, or freshly exfoliated skin. |
| Disruption of skin barrier | Uncommon | Repeated exposure may impair barrier function with frequent use. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Irritant or allergic reactions reported in susceptible individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol itself | Very rare | True ethanol allergy is uncommon and documented in isolated cases. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water/Eau Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetics, serving as a solvent and dispersing medium for water-soluble ingredients and forming the continuous phase of emulsions. It is purified (deionized or distilled) before use in 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. |
| 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. |
| Alcohol Denat Solvent/penetration enhancer | Alcohol Denat (denatured ethanol) is a volatile solvent used in skincare to dissolve other ingredients, improve product spreadability and absorption, and create a quick-drying, lightweight feel. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate Key active UV filter (UVB absorber) | Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that primarily absorbs UVB radiation, used in sunscreens and cosmetic products to provide photoprotection. It is a cinnamate derivative structurally related to ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. |
| 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. |
| Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid Key active UVB sunscreen filter | Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole) is a water-soluble organic UV filter that primarily absorbs UVB radiation, helping to prevent sunburn. Its water solubility makes it suitable for lighter, less greasy sunscreen and daily moisturizer formulations. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention properties. |
| 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. |
| Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate is a non-ionic ester of glycerin oligomers and stearic acid used primarily as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier in oil-in-water cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize emulsions and improve texture while being considered mild and well-tolerated. |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene Photostabilizer / UV filter solubilizer | Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a synthetic ingredient used in sunscreens to stabilize UV filters such as avobenzone and octinoxate, preventing their photodegradation upon sun exposure. It also acts as a solvent that helps dissolve other UV-absorbing compounds in the formulation. |
| Tromethamine pH adjuster / buffering agent | Tromethamine (trometamol, TRIS) is an organic amine base used in cosmetic and topical formulations to neutralize acidic components and stabilize pH. It functions primarily as a buffering and neutralizing agent rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer Film-former / texture enhancer | Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer is a silicone-based crosspolymer used in cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, soft-focus finish, improve spreadability, and form a breathable film on the skin. It is primarily a formulation and sensory-enhancing ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer Texture enhancer / mattifying agent | Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics as a film-former and oil-absorbing powder that imparts a smooth, soft-focus, matte feel to formulations. It functions primarily as a sensory and texturizing base ingredient 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. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is a non-ionic, plant-derived emulsifier composed of glycerin, glucose and stearic acid, used to create stable oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions. It is valued for its mildness and skin compatibility, often used in natural and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Potassium Cetyl Phosphate Emulsifier | Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an anionic emulsifier and surfactant used in oil-in-water formulations to stabilize emulsions and improve texture. It is considered a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silicone elastomer / texture enhancer | Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone elastomer used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a silky, smooth feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation/sensory agent rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Cetearyl Olivate Emulsifier / emollient | Cetearyl Olivate is an olive oil-derived emulsifier and emollient, typically used with Sorbitan Olivate, that helps blend oil and water phases while conditioning and softening the skin. It supports the skin barrier and gives formulations a light, non-greasy feel. |
| Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate Emulsifier / surfactant | Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate is a non-ionic emulsifier derived from glycerin and behenic acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a skin-treatment 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. |
| Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer Film former / rheology modifier | Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked copolymer used in skincare and cosmetics primarily as a thickening agent, emulsion stabilizer, and film former. It helps control viscosity and improve the texture and stability of formulations. |
| Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifier | Sorbitan Olivate is an olive-derived ester of sorbitol and olive oil fatty acids used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient. It is often paired with Cetearyl Olivate (as Olivem 1000) to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a soft skin feel. |
| 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. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| Sodium Polyacrylate Thickener / absorbent | Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent acrylic-acid polymer used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and water-binding agent that can hold large amounts of liquid to create gel-like textures. It functions as a formulation and texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Caprylhydroxamic Acid Preservative / chelating agent | Caprylhydroxamic acid is a glycine-derived hydroxamic acid used primarily as a preservative and chelating agent in cosmetic formulations, where it helps control microbial growth (especially fungi) and stabilizes products by binding trace metal ions. It is typically used in combination with other preservatives such as glycols and is effective across a relatively wide pH range. |
| Trisodium EDTA Chelating agent | Trisodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetic formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preservative efficacy, and preventing discoloration or rancidity. It is a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract Antioxidant/Skin-conditioning | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract is derived from germinated sunflower seeds and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, emollient, and skin-conditioning properties, often providing fatty acids, vitamins, and phytonutrients. It is typically included to support skin barrier function and reduce oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Menthyl Pca Cooling/conditioning agent | Menthyl PCA is a menthol derivative (menthol ester of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) used in skincare and personal care products to impart a mild, long-lasting cooling sensation while providing some skin and hair conditioning and humectant benefits. It delivers a gentler, less volatile cooling effect than free menthol. |
| Plankton Extract Conditioning/soothing extract | Plankton Extract is a marine-derived ingredient used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, hydrating, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included for soothing and protective effects against environmental stressors. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium PCA Humectant | Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is widely used in cosmetics as a water-binding humectant to hydrate and soften the skin. |
| Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract Emollient/humectant (chia seed extract) | Salvia Hispanica (chia) seed extract is a botanical ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, mucilage, and antioxidants, used in skincare to provide hydration, soothe, and support the skin barrier. It functions primarily as a conditioning and moisturizing agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract Skin conditioning / emollient antioxidant | Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in fatty acids, tocopherols and flavonoids, used in skincare for its emollient, conditioning and antioxidant properties. It helps soften skin and may provide soothing and protective benefits in cosmetic formulations. |
| Parfum/Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Parfum (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It provides no skincare benefit and is one of the most common causes of cosmetic-related skin reactions. |
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.