Below is every ingredient in Oil-Free Aquagel Sunscreen 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.
Polysilicone-15 (also known as Parsol SLX) is a silicone-based organic UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation, commonly used in sunscreens and daytime cosmetic products to provide photoprotection and improve formulation feel. It is a film-forming polymer that helps stabilize and enhance the efficacy of other UV filters.
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.
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 (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.
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (beta-alanine and L-histidine) used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, helping protect against oxidative stress and protein cross-linking associated with skin aging. It is typically incorporated into serums and creams at low concentrations as a supporting active.
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 transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible if product contacts the eyes during application. |
| Contact allergy / sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are considered low-allergenic; documented reactions are exceptional. |
| Acne or comedone formation | Rare | Generally regarded as non-comedogenic, but isolated breakouts may occur depending on formulation. |
| 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. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Rare | Low comedogenic rating, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally experience clogged pores. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild transient redness or stinging reported infrequently 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Caprylyl Methicone Emollient / spreading agent | Caprylyl Methicone is a volatile silicone fluid used in cosmetic formulations to provide a light, non-greasy, smooth skin feel and to enhance the spreadability of products. It also acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients, particularly in sunscreens and color cosmetics. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from coconut-sourced fatty alcohols and caprylic/capric acids, used to provide a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and to act as a silicone alternative. It functions primarily as a spreading agent and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. |
| Polysilicone-15 Key active UV filter / sunscreen agent | Polysilicone-15 (also known as Parsol SLX) is a silicone-based organic UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation, commonly used in sunscreens and daytime cosmetic products to provide photoprotection and improve formulation feel. It is a film-forming polymer that helps stabilize and enhance the efficacy of other UV filters. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is a diester of propylene glycol and caprylic/capric fatty acids used as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a light, non-greasy feel and helps soften skin while aiding the dispersion of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| Stearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency of creams and lotions. |
| Behenyl Alcohol Emollient / Thickener | Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from behenic acid that functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps soften the skin and improve product texture and stability. |
| 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. |
| Arachidyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsion stabilizer | Arachidyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol (C20) derived from natural oils that functions as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier to stabilize creams and lotions. It improves texture and helps maintain emulsion consistency in skincare formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a mild, amino-acid-derived (glutamic acid and stearic acid) anionic surfactant used primarily as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It is well tolerated and often chosen for gentle, naturally derived cosmetic systems. |
| Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer Film-forming / texture enhancer | Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer is a synthetic polyester crosspolymer used in cosmetics as a film former, emollient, and viscosity/texture modifier. It helps create smooth, even films on the skin and can improve the wear and feel of formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Emulsifier / thickener | Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps create smooth, gel-like textures and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Caprylate Emollient / antimicrobial co-preservative | Glyceryl Caprylate is a monoglyceride derived from glycerin and caprylic acid, used in skincare as an emollient, moisturizing agent, and skin-conditioning component with mild antimicrobial properties that support preservation. It is commonly employed to help stabilize formulations and reduce reliance on conventional preservatives. |
| Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum Thickener/Stabilizer | Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum (tara gum) is a plant-derived polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of the tara tree, used in skincare as a natural thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent. It improves texture and helps suspend ingredients in emulsions and gels. |
| Glyceryl Polyacrylate Hydrating film-former / thickener | Glyceryl Polyacrylate is a cross-linked polymer of acrylic acid and glycerin used in skincare to form a moisturizing film on the skin and to thicken or stabilize gel-based formulations. It functions primarily as a humectant and texture enhancer rather than as a treatment active. |
| Pentylene Glycol Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Lignoceryl Alcohol Emollient / co-emulsifier | Lignoceryl alcohol is a long-chain (C24) saturated fatty alcohol used in skincare as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier to stabilize emulsions and improve skin feel. It softens and conditions the skin while contributing to product texture and viscosity. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Carnosine Key active Antioxidant / anti-glycation agent | Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (beta-alanine and L-histidine) used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, helping protect against oxidative stress and protein cross-linking associated with skin aging. It is typically incorporated into serums and creams at low concentrations as a supporting active. |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelating agent | Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, or HEDTA-type biodegradable chelator) is a biodegradable chelating agent used to bind metal ions in cosmetic formulations. By sequestering trace metals, it helps stabilize products, prevent discoloration and rancidity, and enhance the efficacy of preservatives and antioxidants. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.