Below is every ingredient in Innisfree Uv Active Poreless Sunscreen 50Ml 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.
Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) yields an essential oil and wood extracts rich in terpenes such as hinokitiol, valued for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in skincare. It is used in formulations targeting acne-prone or irritated skin and as a natural preservative-boosting agent.
Green tangerine (unripe Citrus reticulata) extract is rich in flavonoids such as hesperidin and nobiletin, used in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening effects. It is often promoted for improving uneven tone and supporting collagen maintenance.
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its purported soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild emollient properties, often included to calm itchy or irritated skin. Evidence for its efficacy is largely traditional and anecdotal rather than from robust clinical trials.
Nano zinc oxide is a broad-spectrum inorganic UV filter that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation by reflecting, scattering, and absorbing ultraviolet light. The nanoparticle form reduces the white cast associated with conventional zinc oxide.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity.
Aronia Arbutifolia Extract is derived from the fruit of the red chokeberry plant and is rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins. It is used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Terpene and essential oil components can sensitize susceptible individuals, causing redness, itching, or rash. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Higher concentrations of the essential oil may cause stinging or transient irritation. |
| Photosensitivity | Rare | Some volatile constituents may increase sensitivity to UV light in predisposed users. |
| Systemic reactions from concentrated oil | Very rare | Reported only with inappropriate use of undiluted essential oil, not typical cosmetic concentrations. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin, sometimes due to citrus acids or extract concentration. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Cross-reactivity with other botanical allergens | Rare | Those with multiple plant allergies may react. |
| White cast or cosmetic residue on skin | Common | Reduced compared to non-nano grades but can still occur, especially on darker skin tones. |
| Dryness or skin tightness | Uncommon | More related to formulation and high pigment loads than the ingredient itself. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally considered low-irritant and suitable for sensitive skin. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Very rare | True allergy to zinc oxide is uncommon; reactions are usually attributed to other formula components. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or irritation, generally in sensitive individuals. |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| hinoki cypress Key active Antimicrobial/antioxidant botanical extract | Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) yields an essential oil and wood extracts rich in terpenes such as hinokitiol, valued for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in skincare. It is used in formulations targeting acne-prone or irritated skin and as a natural preservative-boosting agent. |
| green tangerine Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Green tangerine (unripe Citrus reticulata) extract is rich in flavonoids such as hesperidin and nobiletin, used in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening effects. It is often promoted for improving uneven tone and supporting collagen maintenance. |
| chickweed Key active Soothing/anti-irritant botanical extract | Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its purported soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild emollient properties, often included to calm itchy or irritated skin. Evidence for its efficacy is largely traditional and anecdotal rather than from robust clinical trials. |
| Zinc Oxide (Nano) Key active UV filter (mineral sunscreen) | Nano zinc oxide is a broad-spectrum inorganic UV filter that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation by reflecting, scattering, and absorbing ultraviolet light. The nanoparticle form reduces the white cast associated with conventional zinc oxide. |
| Cyclohexasiloxane Emollient / silicone solvent | Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) is a cyclic silicone used in cosmetics as a volatile carrier and emollient that imparts a smooth, silky feel and helps spread other ingredients before evaporating. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Butyloctyl Salicylate Emollient / UV filter solubilizer | Butyloctyl Salicylate is a lipophilic salicylate ester used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and as a solubilizer that enhances the dissolution and stability of organic UV filters in sunscreens. It also provides mild spreadability and a smooth skin feel. |
| Propylheptyl Caprylate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Propylheptyl Caprylate is a lightweight ester emollient used in skincare formulations to soften and condition the skin, providing a non-greasy, spreadable feel. It functions as a base/texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Trimethylsiloxysilicate Film-former/silicone resin | Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone-based film-forming resin used in cosmetics to impart water resistance, transfer resistance, and long-wear properties to products like sunscreens, foundations, and lip products. It forms a flexible, breathable film on the skin surface. |
| Methyl Trimethicone Volatile silicone emollient/spreading agent | Methyl Trimethicone is a lightweight, volatile silicone used in skincare and cosmetics to provide smooth, non-greasy spreadability and a silky skin feel. It evaporates after application, leaving a dry, soft finish without significant residue. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a silicone-based polyglyceryl emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-silicone (W/Si) emulsions, commonly found in cosmetic foundations, sunscreens, and other emulsified formulations. It helps disperse the water phase within silicone oils, contributing to a smooth, lightweight skin feel. |
| Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate Bulking/anticaking agent, opacifier | Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate is a mineral-derived aluminosilicate used in cosmetics as a bulking agent, opacifier, and texture-modifying filler. It is considered chemically inert and primarily serves a formulation role rather than providing a skin treatment benefit. |
| 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. |
| Disteardimonium Hectorite Rheology modifier / suspending agent | Disteardimonium Hectorite is a modified clay (quaternized hectorite) used in cosmetic formulations as a thickener and gellant, primarily in anhydrous and oil-based systems such as sunscreens, foundations, and lipsticks. It helps suspend pigments and prevent ingredient separation. |
| Magnesium Sulfate Emulsion stabilizer / viscosity-adjusting agent | Magnesium sulfate is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emulsion stabilizer, viscosity controller, and bulking agent, particularly in water-in-oil systems. It is generally considered safe and well tolerated in topical skincare products. |
| Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone Emulsifier / silicone-based surfactant | Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a silicone-based emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-oil and water-in-silicone emulsions, helping disperse pigments and improve spreadability in formulations such as foundations, sunscreens, and primers. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Triethoxycaprylylsilane Coating/surface treatment agent | Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silane-based ingredient primarily used to coat and hydrophobically treat powders and pigments such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides, improving their dispersion, water resistance, and texture in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a skin-treatment active. |
| Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate is a non-ionic, polyglycerol-based emulsifier used primarily to stabilize water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions in creams, lotions, and sun care products. It is derived from glycerin and polyhydroxystearic acid and is valued as a PEG-free, gentle alternative for forming stable emulsions. |
| Dimethiconol Emollient/silicone conditioning agent | Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare and haircare to provide smoothing, conditioning, and a soft, non-greasy emollient feel. It forms a thin, breathable film that reduces moisture loss and improves spreadability of formulations. |
| Trisiloxane Emollient / silicone slip agent | Trisiloxane is a low-molecular-weight silicone used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel, enhance spreadability, and provide a non-greasy emollient finish. It functions primarily as a texture-enhancing base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 2-Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Polymethylsilsesquioxane Texture enhancer / mattifying agent | Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone-based spherical powder used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, soft-focus, mattifying feel and improve spreadability. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| 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. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Hydroxystearic Acid Emollient / thickener | Hydroxystearic acid is a fatty acid derivative used in skincare as an emollient, viscosity modifier, and surfactant/dispersing agent to improve texture and stability. It functions primarily as a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Aronia Arbutifolia Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Aronia Arbutifolia Extract is derived from the fruit of the red chokeberry plant and is rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins. It is used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. |
| Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract is derived from the peel of the Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) and is rich in flavonoids such as hesperidin and nobiletin. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. |
| 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. |
| Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Nelumbium Speciosum (sacred lotus) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to flavonoids and polyphenols. It is commonly included to help soothe skin and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract Key active Soothing/anti-irritant botanical extract | Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its purported soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild emollient properties, often included to calm irritated or itchy skin. It contains saponins, flavonoids, and vitamin C, and is typically used as a supportive botanical rather than a clinically proven therapeutic active. |
| Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/antimicrobial botanical extract | Chamaecyparis Obtusa (Japanese cypress, Hinoki) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in essential oils and polyphenols, valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in skincare formulations. It is also used for its aromatic qualities and potential sebum-regulating 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.