Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ with Papaya & Vitamin C
A hybrid mineral-chemical SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen with brightening actives including Papaya Extract, Ceramide, and antioxidants. The same two regulatory-concern UV filters present in the Hydrate+ variant are here too: Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone), now classified by ECHA as a Category 1 endocrine disruptor (2025), and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), whose EU maximum was reduced in 2023. An additional concern specific to this formula is Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Extract in a leave-on daytime product: grapefruit contains furanocoumarins with phototoxic potential, which is a poor fit for a sunscreen. Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) adds a cyclic silicone with environmental persistence concerns. The formula is fragrance-free and paraben-free.
- Daily Use
- All Skin Types
- Post-acne marks and dark spots
- Endocrine Disruptor Concern
- Relying on the SPF claim without independent evidence
₹279 · ₹6/ml • Analysed 10 June 2026
PA++++ and broad-spectrum coverage are well-matched to India's intense year-round UV load. The Papaya Extract adds relevance for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is among the most common skin concerns across Fitzpatrick III-V skin tones. However, consumers preferring to avoid Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) following its 2025 ECHA Category 1 endocrine disruptor classification should note its presence alongside Octinoxate. Grapefruit Extract in a daytime leave-on is worth flagging for reactive skin. Reapplication every two hours during sun exposure is necessary to maintain the stated SPF.
This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
At a glance
What was checked
Fair
What was checked
SPF 50 is stated on the product, but no ISO 24444-compliant test report with lab name, test date, or result summary is publicly accessible to verify this figure.
PA++++ is a meaningful UVA claim requiring its own verified test; no publicly accessible UVA test report was found during research.
Papain enzyme-based brightening is plausible at an ingredient level, but no finished-product clinical brightening study is publicly linked to support this claim.
No Parfum, Fragrance, or identifiable scent-use essential oils appear in the published INCI list; this claim is confirmed by the publicly available ingredient data.
The UV filter combination covers UVA and UVB by design, but no publicly accessible broad-spectrum test report or UVAPF ratio data is linked from the brand.
The breakdown
Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyConcern
Two UV filters carry regulatory concern.
Two UV filters carry regulatory concern. Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) was classified as a Category 1 endocrine disruptor by ECHA in 2025, is restricted in the EU, and is banned in several marine-protected areas for coral bleaching. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) had its permitted EU concentration reduced in 2023 due to updated hormonal disruption data. Both appear in a daily-use leave-on product applied to significant skin surface area. Additionally, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Extract is present in this daytime leave-on formula. Grapefruit contains furanocoumarins that can sensitise skin to UV light, creating a phototoxicity risk that is poorly aligned with a sunscreen product. Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is an EU-restricted cyclic silicone in rinse-off products and carries environmental persistence concerns. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens.
Formula LogicStrong
The hybrid UV system provides broad-spectrum coverage.
The hybrid UV system provides broad-spectrum coverage. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide add mineral reliability; Avobenzone covers the full UVA range; Octinoxate contributes UVB absorption. Papaya Extract's Papain enzyme provides gentle brightening via proteolytic surface renewal at cosmetic concentrations. Ceramide adds barrier value. Blueberry and Trehalose contribute antioxidant support. One observation: Titanium Dioxide appears very late in the ingredient list, which suggests the mineral filter contribution to UV protection may be minor relative to the chemical filters. Active concentrations are not publicly disclosed.
Claims EvidenceFair
SPF 50 and PA++++ are stated.
SPF 50 and PA++++ are stated. The full INCI list is published on the brand website. However, no ISO 24444-compliant SPF test report is publicly accessible. Brightening claims linked to Papaya Extract are plausible at an ingredient level but the finished-product brightening claim is not supported by any published clinical study. Benzophenone-3 is not acknowledged in product communications. The phototoxic potential of Grapefruit Extract in a daytime leave-on is not communicated to consumers. Fragrance-free status is confirmed by INCI.
Test TransparencyGrade CFair
SPF 50 and PA++++ are stated on pack, but no publicly accessible ISO 24444-compliant test report was found during research.
SPF 50 and PA++++ are stated on pack, but no publicly accessible ISO 24444-compliant test report was found during research. No lab name, test date, batch, or result summary is published on the brand website or any linked Unilever resource. No brightening efficacy clinical data is publicly linked. Grade C reflects the pattern common to this category in India: testing almost certainly occurred, but results are not in the public domain.
Consumer ClarityStrong
Application instructions and sun protection guidance are clear.
Application instructions and sun protection guidance are clear. Skin type suitability is stated. No communication about the Grapefruit Extract phototoxicity consideration or the Oxybenzone endocrine disruptor concern is provided on the product page, leaving consumers without material information for informed choice.
Ingredient list
Concern
Ingredient list
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua |
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate |
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate |
Dimethicone |
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer |
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane |
Glycerin |
Benzophenone-3 |
1,3 Butylene Glycol |
Phenoxyethanol |
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice |
Lecithin |
Sodium Levulinate |
Xylitol |
Glucose |
Propylene Glycol |
Phospholipids |
Anhydroxylitol |
Glyceryl Stearate |
Allantoin |
D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate |
Trehalose |
Oxothiazolidine |
Vaccinium Sect. Cyanococcus (Blueberry) Fruit Extract |
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Extract |
Phoenix Dactylifera Extract |
Glyceryl Glucoside |
Zinc Oxide |
Cyclopentasiloxane |
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract |
PEG-10 Dimethicone |
Ceramide |
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil |
Dimethicone |
Titanium Dioxide |
Aluminum Hydroxide |
Polyhydroxystearic Acid |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Regulatory screen
Review
Regulatory screen
Potential concern found - Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone, EU Annex VI restricted, under endocrine disruptor review); Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate, EU Annex VI max reduced 2023); Cyclopentasiloxane (D5, EU restricted in rinse-off above 0.1%)
No obvious public red flag found
No obvious public red flag found
Potential concern found - Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone, FDA reviewing systemic absorption data)
Potential concern found - Benzophenone-3 (MFDS restricted UV filter); Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (MFDS max 7.5%)
Potential concern found - Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone, ECHA Category 1 Endocrine Disruptor 2025)
No obvious carcinogenicity flag found
No obvious public red flag found
Potential concern found - SPF 50 claim requires TGA-compliant testing documentation if marketed in Australia
Not triggered
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
Claims checked
Fair
Claims checked
SPF 50 is stated on the product, but no ISO 24444-compliant test report with lab name, test date, or result summary is publicly accessible to verify this figure.
Mentioned only
PA++++ is a meaningful UVA claim requiring its own verified test; no publicly accessible UVA test report was found during research.
Mentioned only
Papain enzyme-based brightening is plausible at an ingredient level, but no finished-product clinical brightening study is publicly linked to support this claim.
Mentioned only
No Parfum, Fragrance, or identifiable scent-use essential oils appear in the published INCI list; this claim is confirmed by the publicly available ingredient data.
Evidence visible
The UV filter combination covers UVA and UVB by design, but no publicly accessible broad-spectrum test report or UVAPF ratio data is linked from the brand.
Mentioned only
What would strengthen this review
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
- ○No ISO 24444-compliant SPF test report is publicly accessible. Publishing a report with lab name, test date, batch, and SPF result would allow the SPF 50 claim to be independently verified.
- ○No UVA or PA++++ test report is publicly linked. PA++++ requires documented UVA testing; the methodology and result are not in the public domain.
- ○The phototoxicity risk of Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Extract in a daytime leave-on product is not addressed in any public communication. A phototoxicity safety assessment for this ingredient in this format would provide necessary reassurance.
- ○UV filter concentrations are not disclosed. Publishing these would allow consumers and researchers to assess exposure levels relative to EU Annex VI and MFDS limits.
- ○No finished-product brightening study is publicly linked to support the Papaya brightening claim.
This assessment is based only on publicly available INCI, claims, and test evidence. It is not a full Clean Sheet certification. Full certification requires confidential formula review, exact concentrations, supplier documentation, manufacturing records, packaging compatibility, preservative efficacy, stability, and complete claim validation.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.
Full methodology
- What global regulations say about each ingredient
- What toxicology evidence shows at cosmetic concentrations
- What formula concentration context changes
- What the product format and leave-on contact time changes
- What the stated user group needs
- What published test evidence confirms
- What the brand is claiming vs what evidence supports
