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Sun Pharma's Photostable Gold delivers on its promise of a matte, photostable, broad-spectrum sunscreen, with a formula well-suited for Indian conditions, though it could improve transparency by disclosing active percentages and specific test data.
₹699 • Analysed 18 August 2026
This sunscreen gel is well-suited for the Indian climate, particularly for those in humid conditions or with oily skin, due to its matte finish and non-greasy silicone base. Priced in the mid-to-high range, it offers a robust blend of modern UV filters for broad-spectrum protection, which is crucial given India's high UV index. The claims appear to be within cosmetic boundaries, and the 'photostable' aspect is a significant benefit for prolonged sun exposure.
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 term 'Photostable' implies specific testing for UV filter stability. The formula contains modern, photostable UV filters (Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150) which support this claim. 'Matte Finish' is supported by the silicone-heavy gel base.
The INCI lists multiple modern UV filters (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone) known to cover both UVA and UVB ranges. This combination strongly supports broad-spectrum protection.
The silicone-heavy gel formulation (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone) is inherently non-greasy and provides a dry-touch feel, supporting this claim.
While silicone-based formulas can offer some inherent water resistance, no specific water resistance testing (e.g., 40 or 80 minutes) is publicly visible to substantiate this claim. It's a common claim for sunscreens but requires specific testing for full proof.
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any traditional oils (e.g., plant oils, mineral oil), supporting the 'oil-free' claim.
The retrieved INCI list does not contain 'Parfum', 'Fragrance', or any essential oils, supporting this claim.
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any drying or denatured alcohols, supporting this claim.
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 (14 of 20 ingredients matched); no cosmetics-prohibited ingredient found.
Cyclopentasiloxane: D5 bioaccumulates in aquatic environment Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: Most widely used UVB filter globally Cyclopentasiloxane: D5 bioaccumulates in aquatic environment
Formaldehyde-releaser: diazolidinyl urea
Irritation & Allergen Risk
Declares 2 known allergen(s) (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate). Reactive skin should note these.
Formaldehyde-releaser.
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
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 Crosspolymer |
Dimethicone |
Dimethicone Crosspolymer |
Caprylyl Methicone |
PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer |
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate |
Cyclopentasiloxane |
PPG-12 Dimethicone |
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol |
C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate |
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine |
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate |
Silica |
Lauryl Laurate |
Ethylhexyl Triazone |
Propylene Glycol |
Diazolidinyl Urea |
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate |
Butylated Hydroxytoluene |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate are restricted preservatives under Annex V, with maximum allowed concentrations. Butylated Hydroxytoluene is restricted under Annex III. All are permitted within limits.
Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate are permitted preservatives. Butylated Hydroxytoluene is permitted. All UV filters are permitted.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified beyond standard concentration limits for preservatives and UV filters.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an FDA-approved active sunscreen ingredient. Other filters like Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 are not yet FDA-approved for OTC sunscreens in the US, though widely used globally.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified beyond standard concentration limits for preservatives and UV filters.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No ingredients classified as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans).
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
All UV filters are approved for use in sunscreens in Australia. Preservatives are permitted within limits.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
The term 'Photostable' implies specific testing for UV filter stability. The formula contains modern, photostable UV filters (Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150) which support this claim. 'Matte Finish' is supported by the silicone-heavy gel base.
Evidence visible
The INCI lists multiple modern UV filters (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone) known to cover both UVA and UVB ranges. This combination strongly supports broad-spectrum protection.
Evidence visible
The silicone-heavy gel formulation (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone) is inherently non-greasy and provides a dry-touch feel, supporting this claim.
Mentioned only
While silicone-based formulas can offer some inherent water resistance, no specific water resistance testing (e.g., 40 or 80 minutes) is publicly visible to substantiate this claim. It's a common claim for sunscreens but requires specific testing for full proof.
Missing
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any traditional oils (e.g., plant oils, mineral oil), supporting the 'oil-free' claim.
Mentioned only
The retrieved INCI list does not contain 'Parfum', 'Fragrance', or any essential oils, supporting this claim.
Mentioned only
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any drying or denatured alcohols, supporting this claim.
Mentioned only
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.
Formaldehyde-releaser: diazolidinyl urea
Irritation & Allergen Risk
Declares 2 known allergen(s) (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate). Reactive skin should note these.
Formaldehyde-releaser.
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
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.
The silicone-heavy gel formulation (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone) is inherently non-greasy and provides a dry-touch feel, supporting this claim.
While silicone-based formulas can offer some inherent water resistance, no specific water resistance testing (e.g., 40 or 80 minutes) is publicly visible to substantiate this claim. It's a common claim for sunscreens but requires specific testing for full proof.
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any traditional oils (e.g., plant oils, mineral oil), supporting the 'oil-free' claim.
The retrieved INCI list does not contain 'Parfum', 'Fragrance', or any essential oils, supporting this claim.
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any drying or denatured alcohols, supporting this claim.
Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate are restricted preservatives under Annex V, with maximum allowed concentrations. Butylated Hydroxytoluene is restricted under Annex III. All are permitted within limits.
Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate are permitted preservatives. Butylated Hydroxytoluene is permitted. All UV filters are permitted.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified beyond standard concentration limits for preservatives and UV filters.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an FDA-approved active sunscreen ingredient. Other filters like Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 are not yet FDA-approved for OTC sunscreens in the US, though widely used globally.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified beyond standard concentration limits for preservatives and UV filters.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No ingredients classified as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans).
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
All UV filters are approved for use in sunscreens in Australia. Preservatives are permitted within limits.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
The term 'Photostable' implies specific testing for UV filter stability. The formula contains modern, photostable UV filters (Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150) which support this claim. 'Matte Finish' is supported by the silicone-heavy gel base.
Evidence visible
The INCI lists multiple modern UV filters (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone) known to cover both UVA and UVB ranges. This combination strongly supports broad-spectrum protection.
Evidence visible
The silicone-heavy gel formulation (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone) is inherently non-greasy and provides a dry-touch feel, supporting this claim.
Mentioned only
While silicone-based formulas can offer some inherent water resistance, no specific water resistance testing (e.g., 40 or 80 minutes) is publicly visible to substantiate this claim. It's a common claim for sunscreens but requires specific testing for full proof.
Missing
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any traditional oils (e.g., plant oils, mineral oil), supporting the 'oil-free' claim.
Mentioned only
The retrieved INCI list does not contain 'Parfum', 'Fragrance', or any essential oils, supporting this claim.
Mentioned only
The retrieved INCI list does not contain any drying or denatured alcohols, supporting this claim.
Mentioned only
