The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++
50g • In-vivo SPF tested • Broad-spectrum protection • Fragrance-free
A well-supported broad-spectrum sunscreen with strong UV-filter architecture,
documented in-vivo SPF testing, PA++++ UVA protection and a separate
photostability test. The main considerations are Octinoxate, Capsicum extract,
BHT and the limited public evidence available for some additional performance claims.
Publicly available testing documents covering SPF, UVA protection and photostability.
Review Snapshot
At a Glance
1. UV Filter System
The sunscreen uses a comprehensive combination of UVA and UVB filters rather
than relying on a single filter.
| UV Filter | Main Role | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) | UVA | Strong UVA contributor |
| Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid | UVA | Strong |
| Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid | UVB | Good UVB support |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) | UVB | Ingredient to note |
| Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate) | UVB | Good support |
| Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) | UVA + UVB | Strong broad-spectrum filter |
2. SPF Evidence
The supplied testing certificate reports an
in-vivo SPF of 50.169 under
ISO 24444:2019. It also reports an
in-vitro SPF of 50.65.
This provides substantially stronger evidence than relying only on the SPF
number printed on the packaging.
3. UVA Protection
The supplied certificate reports:
The supplied certificate also reports a Boots Star rating of ★★★ and confirms
broad-spectrum protection.
4. Photostability
A separate photostability certificate supplied for this product states that
the sunscreen sample was found to be photostable for up to 12 hours
under the specified test conditions.
This is useful supporting evidence. However, photostability under a specified
laboratory protocol does not automatically mean the sunscreen remains equally
protective in every real-world exposure condition.
5. Octinoxate — Ingredient to Note
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) is present as a
UVB filter. It has been subject to regulatory and scientific evaluation,
including discussion around potential endocrine activity.
Its presence alone does not establish that this sunscreen is unsafe.
The exact concentration in this product is not disclosed in the supplied
ingredient list.
6. Capsicum Extract
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract is included in the formulation.
This is not automatically a harmful ingredient, but pepper-derived botanical
extracts may cause stinging or irritation in some highly reactive or
compromised skin.
Minor consideration, particularly for very sensitive skin.
7. BHT
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is present as a formulation
antioxidant/stabilizer. Its presence alone does not establish a safety problem;
concentration and exposure are important when assessing cosmetic ingredients.
Low-level formulation consideration; not treated as a major red flag.
8. Fragrance & Alcohol
No Parfum/Fragrance is listed in the supplied INCI. Essential oils are also
not listed.
Ethanol/Alcohol Denat. is not listed. Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol
and should not be confused with drying alcohol.
9. Skin-Supporting Ingredients
A useful supporting skincare ingredient. It should not be credited for the
sunscreen’s primary UV protection.
Provides hydration support. Exact concentration cannot be established from
the INCI list.
Vitamin E derivative used as a supporting antioxidant/skin-conditioning
ingredient.
The product name/marketing states “1% Hyaluronic”, but the exact concentration
of Sodium Hyaluronate cannot be verified from the INCI order alone.
10. Preservative System
The formulation includes Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin and
1,2-Hexanediol, which are commonly used as part of cosmetic
preservation systems.
No major concern based on ingredient presence alone.
11. Which Skin Type Is It Best For?
The product is positioned for normal-to-oily skin and has a gel-based,
lightweight formulation profile.
Likely to suit combination skin, subject to individual finish preference.
Hydrating ingredients and the dewy finish can work well for normal skin.
Can work for dry skin, although very dry skin may still prefer a separate
moisturizer underneath.
Fragrance-free is a positive, but Capsicum extract may not suit every
highly reactive skin type.
The brand positions the product as non-comedogenic, but independent
comedogenicity testing was not supplied here.
12. Water & Sweat Resistance
No water-resistance test result is included in the supplied SPF/UVA
certificate. Therefore, ToxicFreeIndia does not independently verify a
water-resistance claim from this document.
13. Blue-Light Protection
Any blue-light protection claim should be treated separately from the core
SPF/UVA evidence. The supplied certificate does not provide a specific
blue-light protection result.
Brand/marketing claim — not included as a major positive in the score.
What We Like
- In-vivo SPF 50.169 tested under ISO 24444:2019
- PA++++ / UVA 39.984 reported
- Critical wavelength of 379.33 nm
- Broad-spectrum protection reported
- Separate photostability evidence up to 12 hours under specified conditions
- Fragrance-free formulation
- No drying alcohol listed
- Strong modern UV-filter combination
What to Consider
- Contains Octinoxate
- Capsicum extract may not suit highly reactive skin
- Contains BHT
- Exact UV-filter concentrations are not disclosed
- Water-resistance testing was not included in the supplied certificate
- Independent comedogenicity testing was not supplied
- Exact concentration behind the “1% Hyaluronic” claim cannot be established from INCI alone
Claims vs Evidence
| Claim / Feature | Evidence Status |
|---|---|
| SPF 50 | Supported — in-vivo SPF 50.169 reported |
| PA++++ / UVA protection | Supported by supplied certificate |
| Broad spectrum | Reported in certificate |
| Photostable | Separate photostability certificate supplied |
| Water/Sweat resistant | Brand/product claim — water-resistance test not supplied here |
| Non-comedogenic | Brand claim — independent test not supplied |
| Blue-light protection | Specific testing not supplied in the reviewed certificate |
ToxicFreeIndia Score Breakdown
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| UV Filter System | 9.5/10 |
| SPF Evidence | 9.7/10 |
| UVA Protection | 9.5/10 |
| Photostability | 9.2/10 |
| Ingredient Profile | 8.8/10 |
| Sensitive-Skin Friendliness | 8.6/10 |
| Skin-Type Suitability | 9.0/10 |
| Transparency / Testing | 9.3/10 |
| Overall | 9.0/10 |
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel has a strong UV-filter system
and unusually useful testing evidence. The supplied documents report
in-vivo SPF 50.169, PA++++, UVA 39.984, critical wavelength 379.33 nm,
broad-spectrum protection and separate photostability testing.
The main considerations are Octinoxate, Capsicum extract and BHT, along with
the absence of a supplied water-resistance test and the inability to verify
exact filter concentrations from the INCI list. Overall, it is a well-supported
sunscreen formulation, particularly suited to normal-to-oily skin.
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Review Basis
This review is based on the supplied product ingredient list, product
information and sunscreen testing documents. Laboratory results are reported
as stated in the supplied documents and should not be interpreted as testing
of every batch. Brand claims are distinguished from independently documented
test results wherever possible.
