Below is every ingredient in Exfoliating Body Wash with 2% Lactic Acid 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.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
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%.
Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness and stripping of natural oils | Common | Repeated use can compromise the skin barrier, especially in leave-on or high-concentration formulas. |
| Mild skin or scalp irritation | Common | Concentration-dependent; more likely with prolonged contact or sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Common | Can cause stinging or redness on direct ocular contact. |
| Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | May occur in individuals with sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic sensitization | Rare | True allergic reactions to ammonium lauryl sulfate are infrequent; irritation is more common than allergy. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | A notable cause of allergic contact dermatitis, often attributed to impurities (amidoamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine) rather than the molecule itself; named Allergen of the Year in 2004. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or irritation, more likely in concentrated or rinse-off products and around the eyes. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild redness or stinging, typically in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Reported occasionally, often linked to residual acrylate monomers rather than the polymer itself. |
| Dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Film-forming action may cause a tight sensation in some users. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenicity | Rare | Generally considered low risk, but possible in occlusive formulations on acne-prone skin. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant used as a foaming and cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It lowers surface tension to lift away oil and dirt but can be moderately stripping to skin and hair. |
| Cocamidopropyl betaine Surfactant / foaming cleanser | Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle foaming, viscosity, and to reduce the harshness of stronger anionic surfactants. It is widely regarded as mild but is a recognized contact allergen. |
| Acrylates Copolymer Film-former / texture enhancer | Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in skincare and cosmetics primarily as a film-forming agent, viscosity modifier, and to improve product texture and wear. It helps control sebum, provides a smooth feel, and stabilizes formulations. |
| 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. |
| Decyl glucoside Surfactant/Cleanser | Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, commonly used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby care products. It is valued for its biodegradability and low irritation potential compared to harsher surfactants. |
| Salicylic acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Coco-Glucoside Mild surfactant/cleanser | Coco Glucoside is a gentle, plant-derived nonionic surfactant (an alkyl polyglucoside made from coconut fatty alcohols and glucose) used as a cleansing and foaming agent in face washes, shampoos, and body cleansers. It is valued for its mildness, biodegradability, and good skin and eye tolerance compared with harsher surfactants. |
| Glyceryl Oleate Emollient / emulsifier | Glyceryl oleate is a monoglyceride ester of glycerin and oleic acid used in skincare as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and nonionic co-emulsifier. It helps stabilize emulsions, soften skin, and support the lipid barrier. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| 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%. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations. |
| Polyquaternium-7 Conditioning/film-forming polymer | Polyquaternium-7 is a cationic synthetic copolymer used in skincare and hair care as a conditioning agent and film former, imparting smoothness, reducing static, and enhancing sensory feel. It is a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Castoryl maleate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Castoryl maleate is an ester derived from castor oil used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that improves spreadability and provides a smooth feel. It functions as a base/texture ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane Emollient/conditioning agent | Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is a PEG-modified silane used in skincare and cosmetics primarily as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient that imparts a smooth, silky feel while improving spreadability of formulations. It is water-dispersible and commonly found in moisturizers, serums, and primers as part of the formulation base rather than as 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. |
| Zinc PCA Key active Sebum-regulating, antimicrobial | Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin. |
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.