Getting you a comprehensive review of the product
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
Getting you a comprehensive review of the product
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
Join The Clean Sheet™ community
Science-backed beauty tips, ingredient alerts, and early access. Straight to your WhatsApp.
Join for free →
This Sandiva sunscreen offers a cosmetically elegant, sheer finish, but its core 'mineral sunscreen' claim is contradicted by its hybrid formulation, and some claims like 'all-day protection' are misleading, warranting caution for informed consumers.
₹595 • Analysed 11 October 2026
This Sandiva sunscreen is positioned as an 'Untinted Mineral Sunscreen' for the Indian market, targeting oily and sensitive skin types. However, its INCI reveals a hybrid formulation containing both mineral (Zinc Oxide) and several chemical UV filters, including Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone). This directly contradicts the brand's own definition of its 'Mineral Sunscreen' and could be misleading for Indian consumers seeking a purely mineral option. The price point of Rs.595 (quantity unspecified) positions it in the mid-to-premium segment. The 'all-day protection' claim is an ASCI concern as it's contradicted by the brand's own reapplication advice, and the 'reef safe' claim is questionable due to the presence of Oxybenzone.
Independent and free. The Clean Sheet takes no money from brands to review, rank, or approve a product. 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.
The product is marketed as 'mineral sunscreen' but contains multiple chemical UV filters according to the INCI. The 'sheer finish' and 'ultra light' claims are supported by the silicone-rich formula.
The silicone-rich formula (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer) and micronized Zinc Oxide (implied by 'sheer finish') support these claims. User reviews also praise the light feel and lack of white cast.
The formula's light, non-greasy nature and non-comedogenic claim (though not clinically backed with details) support suitability for oily skin.
The INCI confirms no fragrance. Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic claims are made, but no specific finished-product testing details are provided.
Zinc Oxide is present at 9.5% as disclosed. However, the formula also contains multiple chemical UV filters, contradicting the 'advanced mineral formula' claim. Zinc Oxide itself provides broad-spectrum protection.
While Zinc Oxide is a physical blocker, the claim of 'all-day protection' is directly contradicted by the brand's own FAQ stating 'reapplication every two hours is still essential'.
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) is present at 3% as disclosed. It has hydrating and antioxidant properties. The silicone base also contributes to a smooth feel.
The high concentration of volatile silicones (Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane) supports a fast-absorbing, mousse-like texture and sheer finish.
What we could confirm from public sources and the verified ingredient list.
Ingredient Safety & Toxicity
Full ingredient list retrieved and verified against INCIDecoder.
Screened against the ingredient database (13 of 14 ingredients matched); no cosmetics-prohibited ingredient found.
Cyclopentasiloxane: D5 bioaccumulates in aquatic environment Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: Most widely used UVB filter globally Benzophenone-3: Broad-spectrum UV filter Cyclopentasiloxane: D5 bioaccumulates in aquatic environment benzophenone-3: Oxybenzone - flagged endocrine-active; EU restricts concentration.
No IARC-classified or formaldehyde-releasing ingredient found in the database screen.
Irritation & Allergen Risk
Declares 2 known allergen(s) (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3). Reactive skin should note these.
No high-sensitisation preservative (MI/MCI/formaldehyde-releaser) from our screen was found.
Brand claims dermatologist testing (claim stated; underlying report not seen).
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Active percentages are disclosed for the hero ingredient(s).
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Standards & Compliance
Usage warnings and directions are clear on the label.
Brand makes a vegan / vegetarian claim.
Sustainability & Ethics
Brand makes a cruelty-free / PETA claim.
Screened against a curated reference set that we are continuing to verify and expand, so “clear” means no flag from that set, not a guarantee. Not a substitute for a full toxicological or clinical assessment.
| Ingredient |
|---|
Cyclopentasiloxane |
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer |
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate |
Octocrylene |
Ethylhexyl Salicylate |
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane |
Benzophenone-3 |
Zinc Oxide |
Triethoxycaprylylsilane |
Isododecane |
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides |
Tocopheryl Acetate |
Cyclopentasiloxane |
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) is restricted to a maximum concentration of 10% in the EU. Its presence is noted.
No prohibited ingredients identified. Benzophenone-3 is permitted in India.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) is an FDA-approved active ingredient for sunscreens, with a maximum concentration of 6%. Its presence is noted.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
“Ultra light mineral sunscreen with a sheer, barely-there finish.”
The claim 'mineral sunscreen' is misleading as the INCI reveals a hybrid formulation, which could be an ASCI concern regarding truthful advertising.
“Advanced mineral formula with 9.5% Zinc Oxide, a powerful UV filter that provides superior UVA and UVB…”
The claim 'advanced mineral formula' is misleading given the presence of multiple chemical UV filters in the INCI.
“Sits on the skin's surface, physically blocking and scattering UV rays for all-day protection.”
The claim 'all-day protection' is an absolute claim directly contradicted by the brand's own reapplication advice, making it an ASCI concern.
“Best mineral sunscreen in India.”
This is an absolute 'No. 1' claim without disclosed methodology or comparative study, and is further problematic given the product is not purely mineral.
“Reef safe.”
The claim 'reef safe' is contradicted by the presence of Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) in the INCI, which is a known coral bleaching agent.
The product is marketed as 'mineral sunscreen' but contains multiple chemical UV filters according to the INCI. The 'sheer finish' and 'ultra light' claims are supported by the silicone-rich formula.
Mentioned only
The silicone-rich formula (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer) and micronized Zinc Oxide (implied by 'sheer finish') support these claims. User reviews also praise the light feel and lack of white cast.
Mentioned only
The formula's light, non-greasy nature and non-comedogenic claim (though not clinically backed with details) support suitability for oily skin.
Mentioned only
The INCI confirms no fragrance. Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic claims are made, but no specific finished-product testing details are provided.
Mentioned only
Zinc Oxide is present at 9.5% as disclosed. However, the formula also contains multiple chemical UV filters, contradicting the 'advanced mineral formula' claim. Zinc Oxide itself provides broad-spectrum protection.
Mentioned only
While Zinc Oxide is a physical blocker, the claim of 'all-day protection' is directly contradicted by the brand's own FAQ stating 'reapplication every two hours is still essential'.
Missing
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) is present at 3% as disclosed. It has hydrating and antioxidant properties. The silicone base also contributes to a smooth feel.
Mentioned only
The high concentration of volatile silicones (Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane) supports a fast-absorbing, mousse-like texture and sheer finish.
Mentioned only
The silicone-heavy formula is designed to be lightweight and provide a smooth base.
Mentioned only
Claim made, but no specific evidence or ingredients (beyond Zinc Oxide's general properties) are provided to substantiate blue light protection for this finished product.
Missing
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
This review evaluates brand claims against visible evidence and formula logic. It does not replace a full ingredient safety analysis or a clinical product test. Results vary by individual, and the consumer should always read the full ingredient list and follow usage guidance.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.
