Based on its listed ingredients, Niacinamide 5% Face Serum can feed fungal acne — details in the flags below.
Below is every ingredient in Niacinamide 5% Face Serum explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Bifida Ferment Lysate is a lysate of fermented Bifidobacterium cultures used in skincare for its skin-conditioning, soothing, and barrier-supporting properties. It is studied for improving skin hydration, resilience, and protection against environmental stressors such as UV-induced damage.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract is derived from oats and is rich in avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides that provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing effects. It is widely used to calm irritation, reduce itching, and support the skin barrier in sensitive and dry skin conditions.
Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Documented in isolated case reports; true sensitization is unusual. |
Mild transient irritation or redness | Rare | Occasional sensitivity at application site, typically self-limiting. |
Transient skin tightness or dryness | Uncommon | May occur in low-humidity environments where the ingredient can draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive. |
Mild irritation, redness, or stinging | Uncommon | Often related to other formulation components or compromised skin barrier rather than hyaluronic acid itself. |
Hypersensitivity reactions with injectable forms | Rare | Pertains to dermal filler use rather than topical application; includes swelling or nodule formation. |
Skin irritation or stinging | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible, particularly on compromised skin. |
Contact urticaria | Very rare | Hives may develop in those with oat or grain protein allergy. |
Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Bifida Ferment Lysate Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning agent | Bifida Ferment Lysate is a lysate of fermented Bifidobacterium cultures used in skincare for its skin-conditioning, soothing, and barrier-supporting properties. It is studied for improving skin hydration, resilience, and protection against environmental stressors such as UV-induced damage. |
| Hyaluronic Acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory | Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract is derived from oats and is rich in avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides that provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing effects. It is widely used to calm irritation, reduce itching, and support the skin barrier in sensitive and dry skin conditions. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Methylisothiazolinone Preservative | Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a synthetic isothiazolinone preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent microbial growth. It is effective at low concentrations but is recognized as a significant contact allergen. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.