Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop The Therapy Vegan Moisturizing Sun Serum 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.
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.
Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL) is a broad-spectrum, photostable organic UV filter that absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation, used in sunscreens to provide photoprotection. Its silicone-based structure gives it oil solubility and substantivity on skin.
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (also known as ecamsule or Mexoryl SX) is a water-soluble organic UVA filter used in sunscreens to provide broad protection against UVA rays. It is photostable and often combined with other filters to enhance coverage.
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%.
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.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Contact irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible, especially on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Comedogenicity / acne flare | Uncommon | Ester emollients may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Mild transient skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible stinging or redness, particularly on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause irritation upon direct ocular contact in concentrated form. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Diisopropyl Sebacate Emollient / solvent | Diisopropyl sebacate is an ester used as a lightweight emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations, providing skin conditioning and improving the spreadability and penetration of other ingredients. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel and can act as a vehicle for active compounds. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Drometrizole Trisiloxane Key active UV filter (UVA/UVB) | Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL) is a broad-spectrum, photostable organic UV filter that absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation, used in sunscreens to provide photoprotection. Its silicone-based structure gives it oil solubility and substantivity on skin. |
| Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid Key active UV filter (sunscreen) | Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (also known as ecamsule or Mexoryl SX) is a water-soluble organic UVA filter used in sunscreens to provide broad protection against UVA rays. It is photostable and often combined with other filters to enhance coverage. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| 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%. |
| Phenethyl Benzoate Emollient/solvent | Phenethyl Benzoate is an ester used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and solvent that imparts a light, non-greasy skin feel and can aid in dissolving other ingredients. It is considered a base or formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate is a non-ionic, plant-derived emulsifier made from glycerin and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It is considered a mild, skin-friendly alternative to ethoxylated emulsifiers. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Lauroyl Lysine Texture/skin-conditioning agent | Lauroyl Lysine is an amino acid derivative (from lysine and lauric acid) used in cosmetics primarily as a powder texturizer, anti-caking agent, and emollient. It improves slip, adhesion, and the silky feel of powders and other formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 Se Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions, also providing a softening, conditioning effect on skin. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Polysilicone-11 Film-former / texturizer | Polysilicone-11 is a silicone-based crosslinked polymer used in cosmetics to form a smooth, flexible film on the skin, providing mattifying, blurring, and texture-improving effects. It is commonly found in primers, foundations, and sunscreens as a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Polyamide-8 Film former / rheology modifier | Polyamide-8 is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a film-forming agent and viscosity controller, helping improve texture, spreadability, and wear of products such as color cosmetics and skincare emulsions. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment compound. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Citrate Emulsifier / co-emulsifier | Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is a plant-derived ester of glycerin, stearic acid, and citric acid used to create stable oil-in-water emulsions. It functions as a non-ionic emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in creams and lotions. |
| 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. |
| Succinoglycan Hydrating film-former / texture enhancer | Succinoglycan is a high-molecular-weight bacterial exopolysaccharide produced by fermentation, used in skincare as a thickener, stabilizer, and moisturizing film-forming agent. It improves product texture and helps form a hydrating, protective layer on the skin's surface. |
| Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil Fragrance/Aromatic | Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil is an essential oil distilled from vetiver roots, used primarily as a fragrance and aromatic component in cosmetic formulations. It contains sesquiterpene compounds and is valued for its earthy, woody scent. |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil Antioxidant/fragrance | Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil is an essential oil derived from rosemary leaves, used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. It contains volatile compounds such as 1,8-cineole, camphor, and rosmarinic acid. |
| 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. |
| Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil Emollient / occlusive | Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and minor antioxidants, used to soften, condition, and reduce transepidermal water loss in skincare formulations. It serves primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient containing phenolic compounds and essential oils used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial properties. It is sometimes included to soothe skin and provide fragrance. |
| Buddleja Davidii Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing | Buddleja Davidii (butterfly bush) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily to protect against UV-induced and environmental oxidative stress. It is often included to help calm skin and support photoprotection in topical formulations. |
| Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract Key active Antioxidant / antimicrobial | Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract is a botanical derived from the thyme plant, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties largely attributed to compounds such as thymol and rosmarinic acid. It is used in formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or environmentally stressed skin. |
| Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Leontopodium Alpinum (Edelweiss) Flower/Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in antioxidant compounds such as leontopodic acid and chlorogenic acid, used in skincare for its free-radical-scavenging and skin-soothing properties. It is often marketed as a botanical alternative to other antioxidants for protecting against environmental and oxidative stress. |
| Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its purported soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-supporting properties. It is commonly included in products marketed for sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin. |
| Laurus Nobilis Leaf Extract Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Laurus Nobilis (bay laurel) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient containing essential oils, flavonoids, and polyphenols, used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. It is most commonly included as a supportive botanical rather than a primary clinical active. |
| Adenosine Key active Anti-aging/soothing active | Adenosine is a nucleoside that signals through cell-surface receptors to promote dermal fibroblast activity and collagen/elastin production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties at low concentrations commonly used in cosmetics (around 0.04-0.1%). |
| 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. |
| Tetrasodium Edta Chelating agent | Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preserving efficacy, and enhancing the performance of preservatives and surfactants. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant/stabilizer | Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a hindered-phenol antioxidant (also known as the industrial stabilizer Irganox 1010) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fats, and other ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment. |
| 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. |
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.