Episoft AC
Episoft AC
Product Description
Episoft AC by Glenmark Pharma is a lightweight, non-greasy 2-in-1 daily moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, formulated specifically for acne-prone, oily and sensitive skin. Its microencapsulated UV filters guard against UVA/UVB rays and post-acne hyperpigmentation without leaving a white cast, while glycerin and pro-vitamin B5 keep skin hydrated. A dermatologist-favourite in India that protects and moisturizes in one simple step.
โจ Texture & Feel
Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
A trio of chemical filters (octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone) shields against both UVA and UVB rays for everyday sun defense.
Hydration in One Step
Glycerin and pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) draw in and lock moisture, so you skip a separate moisturizer.
Microencapsulated Filters
Sunscreen actives are encapsulated to help keep pores from clogging โ a key reason it suits acne-prone skin.
Fades Pigmentation
Daily UV protection helps reduce post-acne marks and even out tone for a clearer, brighter complexion over time.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), a chemical filter some authorities advise pregnant women use cautiously. Check with your doctor.
Independently verified as free of the esters, ferments and fatty acids that typically feed malassezia.
Formulated and marketed not to clog pores, with a low comedogenic profile (~1/5).
SPF 30 is everyday-level protection; reapply every 2โ3 hours during prolonged sun exposure.
Uses diazolidinyl urea. Considered safe at cosmetic levels, but very reactive skin may prefer to patch test.
No added fragrance, parabens, silicones, oils or sulfates โ friendly to sensitive, reactive skin.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
โ๏ธ Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) ~7.5% Proven
The primary UVB filter. It absorbs UVB rays (280โ320 nm) and converts them into heat, helping prevent sunburn and UV-triggered pigmentation.
- Source: Absorbs high-energy UVB rays linked to sunburn and DNA damage.
- Note: Oil-soluble and not fully photostable, so it is paired with stabilizing filters in the formula.
๐ Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) ~3% Proven
The most widely used UVA filter in the world, providing protection against long-wave UVA rays that drive premature ageing and pigmentation.
- Source: Globally approved as the leading UVA-range chemical filter.
- Note: Breaks down in sunlight on its own, so it is combined with other filters for stability.
๐ก๏ธ Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) ~3โ6% Proven
A broad-spectrum filter absorbing both UVB and short UVA (270โ350 nm). It also helps stabilize the other sunscreen actives.
- Source: Approved up to 6% in the US and Canada; long-established broad-spectrum filter.
- Note: Can trigger contact dermatitis in some users; patch testing is sensible for reactive skin.
๐ง Glycerin ~3โ5% Proven
A classic humectant naturally found in skin. It pulls water into the deeper layers, keeping skin hydrated and supporting a healthy barrier.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
- Note: Also shown to have antimicrobial properties; widely used and very well tolerated.
๐งฌ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~1% Proven
A soothing humectant that hydrates, calms and supports skin repair โ particularly helpful for irritated, acne-prone skin.
- Source: Penetrates into deeper skin layers and is well-documented for wound healing and soothing.
- Note: Converts to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) once absorbed; has pros and effectively no cons.
13 ingredients
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Panthenol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
As a 2-in-1 moisturizer with SPF, Episoft AC is your final AM skincare step โ apply it after serums and before makeup. It is a daytime product; you don't need it at night.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse
Start with clean, dry skin using a gentle cleanser, ideally in the morning.
Apply Generously
Smooth a coin-sized amount evenly over the face and neck. Skimping reduces the SPF protection.
Wait Before Sun
Apply 15โ30 minutes before going outdoors so the filters can settle and activate.
Reapply
Reapply every 2โ3 hours during continuous sun exposure for ongoing protection.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You want a moisturizer and sunscreen in one step
- You prefer lightweight, fragrance-free formulas
- You dislike white cast under makeup
- You want an affordable daily SPF
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant and avoiding oxybenzone / chemical filters
- You need SPF 50 for intense sun or outdoor sport
- You prefer mineral (zinc / titanium) sunscreens
- You have very oily skin and dislike any dewy finish
- You react to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight and non-comedogenic, though some very oily users find the dewy finish slightly shiny.
Glycerin and panthenol deliver real hydration, so it doubles nicely as a day moisturizer.
Balances hydration and a no-grease feel across both oily and drier zones of the face.
Fragrance-free and soothing, but oxybenzone can irritate reactive skin โ patch test first.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; frequently dermatologist-recommended during acne treatment.
๐ Results Timeline
Hydrated, Protected Skin
SPF is active and skin feels comfortably moisturized with no greasy white cast.
95% noticedBalanced, Non-Greasy Comfort
Skin adjusts to the lightweight formula; many find it works well under makeup.
80% noticedCalmer, More Even Tone
Consistent daily UV protection helps post-acne marks fade and tone look more even.
65% noticedClearer, Brighter Complexion
Sustained protection supports a visibly clearer, healthier-looking glow over time.
55% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Lightweight, absorbs fast, no white cast
- 2-in-1 moisturizer + sunscreen saves a step
- Dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin
- Fragrance- and paraben-free
- Affordable for the size
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
โ Criticized
- SPF 30 lower than SPF 50 rivals
- Contains oxybenzone (pregnancy & reef concerns)
- Can feel greasy on very oily skin
- Needs frequent reapplication
- Uses a formaldehyde-releasing preservative
- Third-party seller quality varies abroad
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Oil-free gel sunscreen for oily skin with the same SPF level and no white cast. More mattifying, but lacks the added moisturizing comfort of Episoft AC.
Higher SPF 50 and free of oxybenzone, making it a better pregnancy-conscious choice. More cosmetically elegant but offers less of a moisturizer feel.
Lightweight SPF 50 with stronger UVA rating. Great daily protection, but it's a dedicated sunscreen rather than a 2-in-1 moisturizer.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Episoft AC (Featured)
~$15Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30
~$18La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat SPF
~$30Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50
~$8๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store below 25ยฐC in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Squeeze tube
Yes โ the 75 g tube is compact and travel-friendly
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. Episoft AC contains oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), a chemical UV filter that some health authorities advise pregnant and breastfeeding women use carefully. It does not contain retinoids or hydroquinone, but because of the oxybenzone we recommend checking with your doctor, or choosing a mineral (zinc/titanium) sunscreen during pregnancy.
Yes. Episoft AC has been independently verified as fungal-acne safe โ it does not contain the esters, fatty acids, ferments or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia. This makes it a good option for those managing fungal acne alongside regular acne.
Yes. As a daytime moisturizer with SPF, Episoft AC is applied last in your morning routine and layers fine over vitamin C or BHA/AHA serums. Retinol is best used at night, so apply Episoft AC in the morning to protect skin made more sun-sensitive by those actives.
It's best for acne-prone, oily and combination skin, and works well for dry and sensitive skin too thanks to its glycerin and panthenol content. Very oily skin types may find the dewy finish slightly shiny, while dry skin benefits most from the added hydration.
Hydration and sun protection are immediate. Most users find skin feels balanced and comfortable within 1โ2 weeks. With consistent daily use, post-acne pigmentation and tone typically improve over 4โ12 weeks as continuous UV protection prevents marks from darkening.
It's your final morning step. Apply it after cleansing, toning and any serums or treatments, and before makeup. Because it contains SPF, use it in the daytime โ it isn't needed at night.
No. Episoft AC is marketed as non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic rating (~1/5), and its microencapsulated sunscreen is designed to help keep pores clear. A small number of very oily-skin users report it feeling heavier, so patch testing is wise if you're highly breakout-prone.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store it below 25ยฐC in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed to preserve the sunscreen filters.
Verdict: Episoft AC is a smart, affordable 2-in-1 from Glenmark Pharma that combines lightweight hydration with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ in a single step. It shines for acne-prone, oily and combination skin โ fungal-acne safe, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and free of a white cast, which is why it's so often dermatologist-recommended in India. Its main trade-offs are an SPF 30 rather than 50 rating, the inclusion of oxybenzone (worth avoiding during pregnancy), and a dewy finish that very oily skin may not love. For everyday, no-fuss protection that doubles as a moisturizer, it's excellent value.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 6 |
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 0 |
Benzophenone-3
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 2 |
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|