Below is every ingredient in Green Tea & Zinc Super-Matte SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel for Oily Skin | 30 g 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.
Methoxydibenzoylmethane, commonly known as avobenzone, is a chemical sunscreen agent that primarily absorbs UVA radiation. It is widely used in sunscreens and daily cosmetic products to provide broad-spectrum photoprotection, often combined with stabilizing agents and other filters.
Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is a broad-spectrum chemical UV filter that absorbs both UVB and short UVA radiation, commonly used in sunscreens and as a photostabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It also helps protect product integrity by preventing UV degradation of other ingredients.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin.
Salix Nigra (black willow) bark extract is a botanical ingredient containing salicin and tannins, used in skincare for its mild astringent, soothing, and conditioning properties. It is sometimes promoted as a natural source of salicylic-acid precursors, though the actual salicylic acid content is low.
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. |
| 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. |
| Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic) | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash at application site reported in some sensitive individuals. |
| Stinging or burning sensation | Uncommon | Transient discomfort, especially around the eyes or on broken skin. |
| Degradation-related reduced efficacy | Common | Avobenzone is photounstable and degrades under UV exposure unless stabilized, which is a formulation concern rather than a direct skin reaction. |
| Anaphylaxis or severe systemic allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated case reports only. |
| Contact and photocontact allergic dermatitis | Uncommon | One of the more frequently reported photoallergens among UV filters, causing rash, redness, or itching, sometimes only upon sun exposure. |
| Skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Mild transient irritation, more likely on sensitive skin or near the eyes. |
| Systemic absorption | Common | Detectable in blood and urine after topical use; clinical significance is uncertain and under ongoing study. |
| Possible endocrine activity | Rare | Weak hormonal effects observed in laboratory and animal studies; relevance to humans at typical exposure remains unproven. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Methoxydibenzoylmethane Key active UV filter (UVA absorber) | Methoxydibenzoylmethane, commonly known as avobenzone, is a chemical sunscreen agent that primarily absorbs UVA radiation. It is widely used in sunscreens and daily cosmetic products to provide broad-spectrum photoprotection, often combined with stabilizing agents and other filters. |
| Benzophenone-3 Key active UV filter (sunscreen agent) | Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is a broad-spectrum chemical UV filter that absorbs both UVB and short UVA radiation, commonly used in sunscreens and as a photostabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It also helps protect product integrity by preventing UV degradation of other ingredients. |
| Phospholipids Emollient / skin-conditioning agent and liposome-forming emulsifier | Phospholipids are amphiphilic lipids (commonly derived from soy or egg lecithin) used in skincare to form liposomes, stabilize emulsions, and reinforce the skin barrier. They also enhance penetration and delivery of other actives. |
| 1,3 Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | 1,3-Butylene glycol is a small diol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier that helps retain moisture and improve product texture. It also has mild antimicrobial properties that can aid preservation. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Thickener / film-forming stabilizer | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic anionic polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations, often forming a smooth film on the skin. It functions primarily as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Xylitylglucoside Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-derived humectant, typically used in combination with anhydroxylitol and xylitol, that helps attract and retain water in the skin and supports the skin barrier. It is valued for its skin-hydrating and moisturizing properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| Anhydroxylitol Humectant / moisturizing agent | Anhydroxylitol is a sugar-derived (xylitol) humectant used in skincare to attract and retain water, helping to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is often combined with xylitol and xylitylglucoside to enhance the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Xylitol Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in topical formulations as a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, and it may support the skin's microbiome and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe for topical use. |
| 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. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| Zinc PCA Key active Sebum-regulating, antimicrobial | Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin. |
| Oat Amino Acids Humectant / conditioning agent | Oat amino acids are a blend of amino acids derived from oats (Avena sativa), used in skincare to hydrate, condition, and support the skin barrier. They function primarily as humectants and mild soothing agents in cleansers, moisturizers, and hair products. |
| Salix Nigra Bark Extract Key active Astringent/conditioning | Salix Nigra (black willow) bark extract is a botanical ingredient containing salicin and tannins, used in skincare for its mild astringent, soothing, and conditioning properties. It is sometimes promoted as a natural source of salicylic-acid precursors, though the actual salicylic acid content is low. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Key active Soothing / brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract is a botanical ingredient containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin, valued for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is derived from the aloe vera plant and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included as a supportive base ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| Zinc Oxide Key active UV filter / skin protectant | Zinc oxide is a mineral (inorganic) UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation by scattering and absorbing light. It also has mild astringent and soothing properties and is used in sunscreens, diaper creams, and barrier preparations. |
| Hyaluronic Acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| Ceramide NP Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Ceramide AP Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide AP (ceramide 6-II) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations, often combined with other ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. |
| Ceramide EOP Skin barrier lipid | Ceramide EOP is a long-chain omega-hydroxy ceramide that helps form and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, supporting moisture retention and reducing transepidermal water loss. It is commonly used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Phytosphingosine Key active Skin-conditioning agent / barrier-supporting lipid | Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps maintain the skin barrier and also exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly incorporated into moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to support ceramide synthesis and skin integrity. |
| Cholesterol Skin barrier lipid / emollient | Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid found in the skin's stratum corneum that, alongside ceramides and fatty acids, helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. In skincare formulations it functions as an emollient and barrier-repair agent that improves hydration and skin resilience. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifier/surfactant | Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild, lactic acid-derived anionic surfactant and emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It also has some reported conditioning and antimicrobial-boosting properties. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| 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.