SPF Scout · Product record

Herbal UV Defense SPF40

Labeler: COSMAX USA

SPF 40 as labeled

U.S. formulation · record last retrieved 22 September 2026

Quick facts

Does Herbal UV Defense SPF40 list fragrance?

We cannot say whether fragrance is listed. The ingredient list stored for this record is not recorded as complete.

What are the active ingredients in Herbal UV Defense SPF40?

The Active ingredients block printed on the label reads: Homosalate 9.5% Octisalate 5% Avobenzone 3.0% Octocrylene 2.6%

Is Herbal UV Defense SPF40 mineral-only?

No. The ingredient list currently stored for this U.S. formulation names Homosalate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene.

Does Herbal UV Defense SPF40 contain oxybenzone?

We cannot say whether oxybenzone is listed. The ingredient list stored for this record is not recorded as complete.

Each answer restates the ingredient list stored for this record. It does not predict whether your skin will react.

What is listed

The ingredient declaration stored for this formulation, reproduced exactly as it was recorded from the source below.

Homosalate | Octisalate | Avobenzone | Octocrylene | Methyl Trimethicone | Betaine | Silicon Dioxide | Glycerin | Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod | Orange Oil, Cold Pressed | .Alpha.-Tocopherol Acetate | Aloe Vera Leaf | Citrus Bioflavonoids | 1,2-Hexanediol | Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Enzymatic, 3000 Mw) | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer | Kappaphycus Alvarezii | Water | Butyloctyl Salicylate | Lavender Oil | Phenoxyethanol | Caprylyl Trisiloxane | Broccoli | Tropaeolum Majus Flowering Top | Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide | Glycyrrhiza Glabra | Butylene Glycol | Angelica Gigas Root | Hydroxyacetophenone | Basil Oil | Aminomethylpropanol | Lemon Oil, Cold Pressed | Edetate Disodium | Coix Lacryma-Jobi Var. Ma-Yuen Seed | Biosaccharide Gum-4 | Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide | Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil | Propanediol | Dipropylene Glycol | Carbomer Homopolymer Type B (Allyl Pentaerythritol Or Allyl Sucrose Crosslinked) | Potassium Sorbate

41 entries · the stored declaration is recorded as incomplete. An incomplete list is treated as unknown, never as a pass.

What each ingredient generally does

Each entry that matched a canonical ingredient, with the function recorded for it. These notes describe the role an ingredient plays in a formulation. They do not assess an ingredient.

  • Homosalate

    UV filter (filters UV rays)Fragrance ingredient (scent)Restricted in the EU

    An organic UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet light. It also adds scent to the product.

  • Octisalate

    UV filter (filters UV rays)Light stabilizer (protects the formula from light)

    An organic UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet light, and doubles as a light stabilizer to keep the formula steady in sun. It also appears on labels as Ethylhexyl Salicylate.

  • Avobenzone

    UV filter (filters UV rays)Light stabilizer (protects the formula from light)

    An organic UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet light. It also acts as a light stabilizer, helping the formula hold up under sun exposure. On labels it also appears as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane.

  • Octocrylene

    UV filter (filters UV rays)Light stabilizer (protects the formula from light)

    An organic UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet light. It also serves as a light stabilizer, helping keep other filters and the formula intact under sunlight.

  • Methyl Trimethicone

    Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)

    Methyl Trimethicone is a lightweight silicone that conditions skin and hair and acts as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients. It helps the product spread and feel smooth.

  • Betaine

    Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Humectant (holds moisture)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    Betaine is a humectant, meaning it draws in and holds moisture. This helps keep skin and hair conditioned and stops the product from drying out.

  • Silica

    Abrasive (physically scrubs)Absorbent (takes up oil or water)Anticaking (keeps powder free-flowing)Bulking agent (adds volume)Opacifier (makes the formula less see-through)Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    Silica is a fine mineral powder that soaks up excess moisture and oil, and adjusts how thick the product feels. It keeps powders from clumping, adds bulk, and can make a formula look more opaque. Its chemical name is silicon dioxide.

    listed as “Silicon Dioxide”

  • Glycerin

    Denaturant (makes alcohol undrinkable)Fragrance ingredient (scent)Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Humectant (holds moisture)Oral care (CosIng functional class)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)Skin protecting (CosIng functional class)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    Glycerin draws in and holds moisture while conditioning and protecting skin. It also dissolves other ingredients, adjusts thickness, and can add scent. On labels it may appear as glycerol.

  • Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract

    Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Hair waving or straightening (CosIng functional class)

    This is an extract from the fruit pods of the tara plant. It conditions the hair and can help with waving or straightening it.

    listed as “Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod”

  • Orange Oil

    No reviewed note yet.

    listed as “Orange Oil, Cold Pressed”

  • Tocopheryl Acetate

    Antioxidant (slows the formula oxidizing)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, helping keep the formula from going off. It also conditions the skin, softening its feel.

    listed as “.Alpha.-Tocopherol Acetate”

  • Aloe Vera Leaf

    No general role is recorded for this ingredient in the inventory we hold. That is a gap in our record, not a statement about the ingredient.

  • Citrus Bioflavonoids

    No general role is recorded for this ingredient in the inventory we hold. That is a gap in our record, not a statement about the ingredient.

  • 1,2-Hexanediol

    Humectant (holds moisture)Preservative (inhibits microbial growth)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)

    A fluid that acts as a solvent, dissolving other ingredients so they blend evenly. It also conditions the skin, leaving it feeling smooth.

  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

    Antistatic (reduces static)Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)Restricted in the EU

    A broken-down protein that conditions skin and hair and cuts down static. It helps hair feel smoother and leaves skin conditioned.

    listed as “Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Enzymatic, 3000 Mw)”

  • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer

    Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    A thickening agent that adjusts how thick or fluid the product is. In practice it gives the sunscreen its body and helps it hold together.

  • Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract

    Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    An extract from a red alga used as a skin-conditioning ingredient. It helps keep skin feeling soft and smooth.

    listed as “Kappaphycus Alvarezii”

  • Water

    Antiplaque (CosIng functional class)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)

    The base liquid that most of the other ingredients dissolve or spread into. It carries the formula and helps condition the skin surface.

  • Butyloctyl Salicylate

    Emollient (softens and smooths skin)Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)

    A liquid that conditions skin and hair and acts as a solvent. It softens skin feel and helps dissolve and spread other ingredients in the mix.

  • Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

    Fragrance ingredient (scent)Tonic (CosIng functional class)Restricted in the EU

    This is lavender oil, used to give the product its scent. It acts as a fragrance and a tonic ingredient.

    listed as “Lavender Oil”

  • Phenoxyethanol

    Preservative (inhibits microbial growth)

    This is a preservative that fights microbes. It helps keep the product from spoiling over time.

  • Caprylyl Trisiloxane

    Emollient (softens and smooths skin)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    A lightweight silicone that conditions skin. It helps leave a smooth, conditioned feel.

  • Broccoli

    No general role is recorded for this ingredient in the inventory we hold. That is a gap in our record, not a statement about the ingredient.

  • Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

    Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    This extract from the flowers, leaves, and stems of Indian cress conditions skin. That means it helps soften and smooth the skin's feel.

    listed as “Tropaeolum Majus Flowering Top”

  • Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide

    Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    This is a skin- and hair-conditioning ingredient. It helps the product leave skin and hair feeling smoother and softer.

  • Glycyrrhiza Glabra

    No reviewed note yet.

  • Butylene Glycol

    Fragrance ingredient (scent)Humectant (holds moisture)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    A multitasking liquid that acts as a humectant, solvent, and thickness adjuster, and carries a scent role. It draws in and holds moisture, dissolves other ingredients, and helps set the product's texture.

  • Angelica Gigas Root

    No general role is recorded for this ingredient in the inventory we hold. That is a gap in our record, not a statement about the ingredient.

  • Hydroxyacetophenone

    Antioxidant (slows the formula oxidizing)

    An antioxidant that helps keep the formula from going off over time. In practice it protects the product's other ingredients from breaking down.

  • Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil

    Fragrance ingredient (scent)Tonic (CosIng functional class)

    A fragrant basil oil used to scent the product. It also adds a toning feel to skin.

    listed as “Basil Oil”

  • Aminomethyl Propanol

    Buffering (holds the formula at a set acidity)Restricted in the EU

    A buffering ingredient that sets and holds the product's acidity level. In practice it keeps the formula's pH steady.

    listed as “Aminomethylpropanol”

  • Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

    Fragrance ingredient (scent)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    An oil from lemon peel used mainly for its scent. It also conditions the skin so it feels smoother.

    listed as “Lemon Oil, Cold Pressed”

  • Disodium EDTA

    Chelating (binds metal ions in the formula)Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    An ingredient that binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula, and helps adjust its thickness. This keeps the product stable over time.

    listed as “Edetate Disodium”

  • Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed

    Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    This comes from the seeds of Job's tears, with the outer coating removed. Its job here is skin conditioning, helping the skin feel good after use.

    listed as “Coix Lacryma-Jobi Var. Ma-Yuen Seed”

  • Biosaccharide Gum-4

    Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    This is a fermentation gum used as a skin conditioner. It helps the product leave skin feeling smooth and well cared for.

  • Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide

    Film forming (leaves a thin coating)Hair conditioning (CosIng functional class)Skin conditioning (CosIng functional class)

    This is a film former and conditioning ingredient. It leaves a thin layer on skin and hair, and helps them feel smoother and softer. It's often used to thicken or gel oil-based formulas.

  • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

    Fragrance ingredient (scent)Restricted in the EU

    An oil from Bourbon geranium flowers used as a fragrance. Its job is to give the product a scent.

  • Propanediol

    Humectant (holds moisture)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    A solvent that dissolves other ingredients and helps them blend evenly. It also adjusts the thickness of the formula.

  • Dipropylene Glycol

    Fragrance ingredient (scent)Humectant (holds moisture)Solvent (dissolves other ingredients)Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    A solvent that dissolves other ingredients and adjusts how thick the product is. It also adds fragrance. This helps the formula blend and spread evenly.

  • Carbomer

    Emulsion stabilizer (keeps oil and water mixed)Gel forming (sets the formula into a gel)Viscosity control (thickens or thins the formula)

    A thickener that adjusts how thick the product is and forms a gel. It also keeps oil and water blends from separating, holding the texture together.

    listed as “Carbomer Homopolymer Type B (Allyl Pentaerythritol Or Allyl Sucrose Crosslinked)”

  • Potassium Sorbate

    Fragrance ingredient (scent)Preservative (inhibits microbial growth)

    A salt used mainly as a preservative to keep the product from spoiling. It also contributes to fragrance. In practice, it helps the formula stay stable over time.

Checking this against your own list

SPF Scout's Personal Ingredient Check runs in the app, on your device. This page cannot see a personal avoidance list. Your selections are stored on your phone and are never sent to this website. There is nowhere on our side for them to go.

In the app you choose the ingredients you already avoid, and every entry in this declaration that matches one of them is shown to you with the alias path that produced the match.

This comparison does not predict whether your skin will react.

Source quality

Source
DailyMed drug label
Source record
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2a76fd94-2f1f-e6d8-e063-6294a90a287c
Retrieved
22 September 2026
Market
United States
Version
v1 of this U.S. formulation
Source tier
Official label document (not independently verified by us)
Entries recorded
41
Record checksum
sha256:a97f3244b53b0d266265f7a7df0cb91ff7c2c32f8c68c7312d2a5055076fae9c

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