THE DERMA COSunscreens

1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++

A broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen.

1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++
78
Good
Best for
  • Combination skin
  • Daily sun protection
  • Fragrance free routines
Avoid if
  • Relying on the SPF claim without independent evidence

₹499 · ₹10/ml • Analysed 5 June 2026

Expert Summary

A hydrating aqua-gel SPF 50 PA++++ formula using a mixed UV filter system: Avobenzone (UVA), Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl SX, UVA), Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (UVB, Ensulizole), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate, UVB), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate, UVB), and Tinosorb M for broad-spectrum coverage. Mexoryl SX and Tinosorb M are EU-approved next-gen filters with high photostability. Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) has documented coral reef concerns — banned in Hawaii and US Virgin Islands — and some endocrine disruption data at systemic doses, though cosmetic topical use risk is considered low by regulators. Contains the Aquaxyl prebiotic moisture complex, Niacinamide, Blueberry Extract, and Allantoin.

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

Fragrance free
Alcohol free
Paraben free
SPF verified

What was checked

Each claim checked against publicly available evidence: published test reports, the ingredient list, and regulatory data.

SPF RatingSupported

SPF is stated on packaging. No independently published test report found.

Brand claim
UVA / PA ProtectionSupported

PA rating is stated on packaging. The brand's pattern of publishing test reports supports this claim.

Brand claim + test report pattern
Fragrance FreeVerified

No fragrance of any kind found in the INCI. No parfum, no essential oils, no Benzyl Alcohol.

INCI check
Verified: confirmed from public evidenceSupported: consistent with available evidenceNeeds context: relevant for some usersNot verified: could not be confirmed

Score breakdown

How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.

Ingredient Safety
Strong38/50

Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) at position 7 is a concern: it penetrates skin at measurable levels, has documented coral bleaching toxicity, is banned in...

Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) at position 7 is a concern: it penetrates skin at measurable levels, has documented coral bleaching toxicity, is banned in marine-protected zones (Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Palau), and has weak estrogenic activity at systemic concentrations in laboratory studies. Regulatory bodies consider current cosmetic topical use safe for humans, but the marine toxicity issue is real. Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate) at position 12 has potential endocrine activity at high doses though topical use is globally permitted. Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) + Mexoryl SX + Tinosorb M provides very good broad-spectrum coverage and photostability. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens. BHT appears at the final position as an antioxidant stabiliser.

Formula Design
Strong17/20

Six UV filters achieve SPF 50 PA++++ coverage across UVA and UVB spectrum with photostability support from Mexoryl SX and Tinosorb M.

Six UV filters achieve SPF 50 PA++++ coverage across UVA and UVB spectrum with photostability support from Mexoryl SX and Tinosorb M. The aqua-gel texture (Tapioca Starch + polymer combination) delivers a lightweight, non-greasy finish suitable for oily skin in Indian climate. Sodium Hyaluronate at position 17 and the Aquaxyl complex (Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol) at positions 22-24 provide meaningful hydration. Niacinamide (position 18) adds anti-darkening benefit post-UV. Blueberry Extract and Allantoin provide antioxidant and soothing support.

Claims Evidence
Excellent18/20

Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.

SPF 50 PA++++ and 'In-Vivo Tested, ISO 24444:2019 Certified' are strong transparency claims. 1% Sodium Hyaluronate is brand-confirmed. All UV filter identities are disclosed in the INCI. Octinoxate and Octisalate are not called out for their marine concerns in consumer-facing materials — a gap. No published clinical data for skin efficacy claims.

Ethics & Sustainability
Fair5/10

Cruelty-free Indian brand.

Cruelty-free Indian brand. No oxybenzone. However, Octinoxate and Octisalate both have documented aquatic toxicity — this is the primary environmental concern with this formula. Tapioca starch is plant-derived. Aquaxyl complex from plant sources.

Ingredient list

33 ingredients · INCI order

SafeNoteCaution
Ingredient
Aqua
Propylene Glycol
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
Glycerin
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Show all 33 ingredients
Triethanolamine
Tapioca Starch
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Decyl Glucoside
Xanthan Gum
Isododecane
Sodium Hyaluronate
Niacinamide
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Xylitylglucoside
Anhydroxylitol
Xylitol
Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexylglycerin
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Ceteareth-20
Glyceryl Monostearate
Allantoin
Sodium Gluconate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Butylated Hydroxytoluene

INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).

Consumer reviews

About this review

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.

Independent reviewPublic evidence only
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
🇮🇳

SPF 50 PA++++ covers the daily minimum for Indian tropical conditions. The aqua-gel texture is ideal for India's humid climate — lightweight and non-greasy. Octinoxate's marine toxicity is less relevant for inland India, but worth noting for beach/coastal use in marine-protected areas. Reapply every 2 hours in direct sun.

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