No fungal-acne, pore-clogging, fragrance, drying-alcohol or pregnancy flags in Cica & Ceramide Oil-Free Moisturizer - 50g's listed ingredients.
Below is every ingredient in Cica & Ceramide Oil-Free Moisturizer - 50g 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%.
Centella Asiatica leaf extract contains triterpenoid compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) that support wound healing, collagen synthesis, and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.
Amla extract, derived from the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, is rich in vitamin C, tannins, and polyphenols, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It is often used to help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect against oxidative stress.
Vitamin E acetate (tocopheryl acetate) is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier.
Fucus Vesiculosus (bladderwrack) Extract is a brown seaweed-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, fucoidan, polyphenols, and minerals, used in skincare for its antioxidant, hydrating, and purported anti-aging and firming properties. It is typically included for skin-conditioning and protective effects against oxidative stress.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Very rare | Pure water is non-irritating; rare reports relate to extremely deionized water transiently disrupting skin barrier on prolonged exposure. |
Transepidermal water loss/dryness | Rare | Excessive contact or frequent washing can contribute to barrier disruption and dryness, not a true allergic effect. |
Allergic reaction | Very rare | Aquagenic urticaria is an exceptionally rare condition causing hives upon water contact. |
Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
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. |
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. |
Mild irritation, redness or stinging | Rare | Usually transient and more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
Itching or burning sensation | Rare | Typically localized to the application site. |
Photosensitivity reaction | Very rare | Sporadically reported; not well established for the extract itself. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| \n\n\n\nPurified Water Solvent/base | Purified water is the most common solvent and vehicle in skincare formulations, used to dissolve ingredients and form the base of emulsions and aqueous products. It is biologically inert and serves no direct therapeutic role. |
| Caprylic Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| Centella Asiatica Leaves Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica leaf extract contains triterpenoid compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) that support wound healing, collagen synthesis, and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier. |
| Sodium Acrylate Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Sodium Acrylate Copolymer is a synthetic anionic polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the texture of emulsions and gels in skincare formulations. It acts as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer rather than a skin-treating active. |
| Coconut Alkanes Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coconut Alkanes is a lightweight, plant-derived emollient (often paired with Coco-Caprylate/Caprate) used to soften skin and provide a silky, non-greasy slip in formulations. It serves as a natural alternative to silicones and mineral oils. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| Amla Extract Key active Antioxidant / brightening | Amla extract, derived from the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, is rich in vitamin C, tannins, and polyphenols, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It is often used to help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Vitamin E Acetate Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning agent | Vitamin E acetate (tocopheryl acetate) is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Laminaria Digitata Extract Conditioning/antioxidant | Laminaria Digitata Extract is derived from brown seaweed and is used in skincare for its mineral, polysaccharide, and antioxidant content, providing skin-conditioning, hydrating, and soothing benefits. It is commonly included for its purported moisturizing and protective properties. |
| 2-Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Fucus Vesiculosus Extract Key active Marine algae conditioning/antioxidant agent | Fucus Vesiculosus (bladderwrack) Extract is a brown seaweed-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, fucoidan, polyphenols, and minerals, used in skincare for its antioxidant, hydrating, and purported anti-aging and firming properties. It is typically included for skin-conditioning and protective effects against oxidative stress. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Imidazole Urea Preservative | Imidazolidinyl urea (often referred to as imidazole urea) is a formaldehyde-releasing antimicrobial preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in water-based cosmetic and skincare products. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide Skin-conditioning emollient / pseudo-ceramide | Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide is a synthetic pseudo-ceramide used to mimic natural skin ceramides, helping to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It functions as an emollient and moisturizing agent commonly found in barrier-repair and dry-skin formulations. |
| Ceramide-t Formulation / support | |
| Ceramide-2 Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is generally well tolerated and biocompatible with the skin's own ceramides. |
| Ceramide-3 Skin barrier replenisher / emollient | Ceramide 3 (also called Ceramide NP) is a lipid naturally found in the skin's stratum corneum that helps restore and maintain the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to improve hydration and skin integrity. |
| Ceramide-4 Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Ceramide 4 (Ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in formulations to help restore and reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It supports the stratum corneum's lipid matrix, improving hydration and skin resilience. |
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.