Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop The Therapy Vegan Sunscreen Stick Spf 50 18G 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.
Octocrylene is an organic (chemical) sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and short UVA radiation, and is also used to stabilize and solubilize other UV filters such as avobenzone. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF.
Ethylhexyl salicylate (octisalate) is an oil-soluble organic UV filter used in sunscreens to absorb UVB radiation, primarily in the 295-315 nm range. It is also valued as a solubilizer for other UV filters and offers limited UV protection on its own, so it is typically combined with additional 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.
Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate (also known as DHHB or Uvinul A Plus) is an oil-soluble organic sunscreen agent that provides strong, photostable absorption in the long-wave UVA range (approximately 354 nm). It is commonly combined with other UV filters to deliver broad-spectrum photoprotection.
Buddleja (Budleya) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, used in skincare for its antioxidant and photoprotective properties to help defend skin against oxidative and UV-induced stress. It is commonly included to support skin conditioning and to reduce signs of environmental damage.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation occasionally reported, generally considered well tolerated and non-irritating. |
| Contact allergy / sensitization | Very rare | Silicone-based powders rarely cause allergic reactions. |
| Pore-clogging concerns | Very rare | Generally regarded as non-comedogenic; clogging is uncommon. |
| Contact dermatitis/allergic reaction | Very rare | Allergic sensitization to synthetic waxes is uncommon given their inert chemical nature. |
| Pore-clogging/comedogenicity | Uncommon | Occlusive waxes may contribute to follicular blockage in acne-prone skin depending on concentration and formulation. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Silicones are considered low-sensitizing; documented allergy is uncommon. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| Contact irritation or mild stinging | Uncommon | Transient skin irritation, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| 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. |
| Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or stinging on application. |
| Systemic absorption | Common | Detectable in blood after use; clinical significance unclear and not equated with harm. |
| Benzophenone formation over time | Uncommon | Degradation can yield trace benzophenone; relevance to skin health under study. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, mainly in sensitive skin. |
| Comedogenicity/pore congestion | Rare | As a fatty acid ester, may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Synthetic Wax Emollient/thickener | Synthetic Wax is a man-made hydrocarbon wax derived from petroleum or synthesized via the Fischer-Tropsch process, used to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and impart structure and texture to cosmetic products. It functions as a base ingredient that provides emollient and binding properties rather than delivering an active therapeutic effect. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Octocrylene Key active UV filter | Octocrylene is an organic (chemical) sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and short UVA radiation, and is also used to stabilize and solubilize other UV filters such as avobenzone. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF. |
| Hexyllaurate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Hexyl laurate is an ester of lauric acid and hexyl alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It provides a smooth, spreadable texture and helps soften the skin without leaving a heavy residue. |
| Ethylhexylsalicylate Key active UVB chemical sunscreen filter | Ethylhexyl salicylate (octisalate) is an oil-soluble organic UV filter used in sunscreens to absorb UVB radiation, primarily in the 295-315 nm range. It is also valued as a solubilizer for other UV filters and offers limited UV protection on its own, so it is typically combined with additional filters. |
| 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. |
| Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate Key active UVA filter | Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate (also known as DHHB or Uvinul A Plus) is an oil-soluble organic sunscreen agent that provides strong, photostable absorption in the long-wave UVA range (approximately 354 nm). It is commonly combined with other UV filters to deliver broad-spectrum photoprotection. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer Viscosity controlling / film former | Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and form a light film. It functions as a thickening and texture-modifying agent rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Pentaerythrityltetraisostearate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate is an ester of pentaerythritol and isostearic acid used as an emollient, thickener, and pigment-dispersing agent in cosmetic formulations such as lipsticks, foundations, and creams. It imparts a smooth, conditioning feel and helps bind and disperse pigments in color cosmetics. |
| Di Pentaerythrityl Hexac5-9 Acid Ester Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Di Pentaerythrityl Hexac5-9 Acid Ester is a synthetic polyester-type emollient used in cosmetics to soften skin, improve spreadability, and impart a smooth, non-greasy feel. It functions as a texture-enhancing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Vetiver Purioyl Fragrance/antimicrobial botanical | Vetiver Purioyl is a vetiver-derived (Vetiveria zizanioides) oil/extract used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and aromatic ingredient, with some reported antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is generally incorporated for sensory and minor preservative-supporting roles rather than as a primary therapeutic active. |
| Disteadimonium Hectorite Rheology modifier / suspending agent | Disteardimonium hectorite is a modified clay (hectorite treated with a quaternary ammonium compound) used to thicken and gel oil-based and anhydrous cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend pigments and stabilize emulsions, commonly appearing in foundations, sunscreens, and color cosmetics. |
| Aluminum Hydroxide Opacifier/colorant & skin protectant | Aluminum hydroxide is an inorganic compound used in cosmetics primarily as an opacifying agent, mild absorbent, and coating for pigments (such as in sunscreens and color cosmetics). It can also act as a buffering and skin-protectant ingredient in some topical formulations. |
| Propylene Carbonate Solvent / viscosity-controlling agent | Propylene carbonate is a clear, colorless solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients and control viscosity, often functioning as a gelling and dispersing agent for pigments and clays. It is considered a formulation aid rather than an active skincare ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Palmitoylproline Amino acid-derived emollient/conditioning agent | Palmitoylproline is a lipoamino acid formed from palmitic acid and the amino acid proline, used in skincare as a skin-conditioning and emollient ingredient that can help support the skin barrier and improve texture. It is sometimes incorporated for its mild surfactant-like and moisturizing properties. |
| Rosemary Leaf Oil Fragrance/antioxidant | Rosemary leaf oil is an essential oil derived from Rosmarinus officinalis, used in skincare as a natural fragrance, antioxidant, and mild antimicrobial agent. It contains volatile compounds such as 1,8-cineole, camphor, and alpha-pinene. |
| 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. |
| Purified Water Solvent/vehicle | Purified water is a highly filtered, deionized water used as the primary solvent and base in most skincare formulations. It dissolves water-soluble ingredients and provides the medium in which other components are dispersed. |
| Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate Surfactant / Emulsifier (amino-acid derived) | Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate is a mild, amino-acid-derived (glutamic acid) anionic surfactant and co-emulsifier used in cleansers and emulsions to lower surface tension and stabilize oil-in-water systems. It is valued for its gentle, skin-compatible cleansing and conditioning properties. |
| Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate is an amino-acid-derived (sarcosine) anionic surfactant used in cleansers and personal care products for its mild cleansing, foaming, and conditioning properties. It is generally considered gentler than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| Palmitic Acid Emollient / surfactant | Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and cleansing agent that helps soften skin and stabilize formulations. It is also a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. |
| Budleya Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning extract | Buddleja (Budleya) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, used in skincare for its antioxidant and photoprotective properties to help defend skin against oxidative and UV-induced stress. It is commonly included to support skin conditioning and to reduce signs of environmental damage. |
| Thyme Extract Key active Antimicrobial/antioxidant botanical | Thyme extract (Thymus vulgaris) is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its thymol and carvacrol content, providing antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. It is studied for acne and as a natural preservative or soothing agent in topical formulations. |
| Olive Oil Emollient / occlusive | Olive oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in oleic acid used as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly found in moisturizers, cleansing oils, and massage products. |
| Edelweiss Flower/Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) flower/leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in phenolic compounds such as leontopodic acid and chlorogenic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is included to help protect against oxidative stress and provide soothing effects. |
| Port Marigold Flower Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Marigold (Calendula) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly included in formulations aimed at calming sensitive or irritated skin. |
| Bay Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/antimicrobial botanical extract | Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in essential oils and polyphenols, used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. It is included in formulations to support skin conditioning and to help protect against oxidative stress. |
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.