Based on its listed ingredients, Acne Clarifying Gel with AHA & BHA can feed fungal acne; contains fragrance/allergens; has a pregnancy-caution ingredient — details in the flags below.
Below is every ingredient in Acne Clarifying Gel with AHA & BHA 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.
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract is derived from frankincense and contains boswellic acids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, used in topical formulations to calm irritation and support skin barrier health. It is often included for redness reduction and as a soothing botanical active.
Olea Europaea (olive) Leaf Extract is derived from olive tree leaves and is rich in polyphenols, primarily oleuropein, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may provide mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits in topical formulations.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract is derived from the outer layer of rice grains and is rich in vitamin E, ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, and fatty acids. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, emollient, and brightening properties.
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in berberine and other alkaloids, used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation, balance sebum, and support acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin.
Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract is a botanical source of salicin, which can be converted to salicylic acid, offering mild exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or congested skin as a gentler alternative to synthetic salicylic acid.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Rare | Mild redness or stinging may occur, typically in sensitive individuals. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reactions; generally considered low-risk. |
Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential but possible in acne-prone skin. |
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
Contact allergy / sensitization | Very rare | Silicone-based powders rarely cause allergic reactions. |
Pore-clogging concerns | Very rare | Generally regarded as non-comedogenic; clogging is uncommon. |
Enhanced irritation from co-formulated actives | Uncommon | By increasing penetration, it may intensify the effects or irritation potential of other ingredients. |
Eye irritation | Rare | Can occur with accidental contact in concentrated form. |
Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
Mild transient skin irritation | Rare | Occasional stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate Emollient | Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate is a synthetic diester emollient used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a light, non-greasy skin feel and to soften and smooth the skin. It functions as a base/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| Polymethylsilsesquioxane Texture enhancer / mattifying agent | Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone-based spherical powder used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, soft-focus, mattifying feel and improve spreadability. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Ethoxydiglycol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Ethoxydiglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a glycol ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and viscosity reducer that helps dissolve active ingredients and improve their skin penetration. It is considered a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| 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. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract Key active Anti-inflammatory / soothing botanical | Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract is derived from frankincense and contains boswellic acids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, used in topical formulations to calm irritation and support skin barrier health. It is often included for redness reduction and as a soothing botanical active. |
| Honey Extract Humectant/Soothing | Honey extract is a natural humectant derived from honey, valued in skincare for its moisture-binding, mild antibacterial, and soothing properties. It is commonly used in moisturizers, masks, and cleansers to support hydration and skin comfort. |
| Olea Europaea Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Olea Europaea (olive) Leaf Extract is derived from olive tree leaves and is rich in polyphenols, primarily oleuropein, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may provide mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits in topical formulations. |
| Oryza Sativa Bran Extract Key active Antioxidant/Skin-conditioning | Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract is derived from the outer layer of rice grains and is rich in vitamin E, ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, and fatty acids. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, emollient, and brightening properties. |
| Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory botanical | Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in berberine and other alkaloids, used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation, balance sebum, and support acne-prone or sensitive skin. |
| Arachidyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsion stabilizer | Arachidyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol (C20) derived from natural oils that functions as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier to stabilize creams and lotions. It improves texture and helps maintain emulsion consistency in skincare formulations. |
| Glycolic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin. |
| PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Solubilizer/emulsifier | PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to solubilize fragrances, oils, and lipophilic actives into water-based cosmetic formulations. It functions as a base/formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Salix Alba Bark Extract Key active Natural exfoliant / anti-inflammatory | Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract is a botanical source of salicin, which can be converted to salicylic acid, offering mild exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or congested skin as a gentler alternative to synthetic salicylic acid. |
| Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract is derived from the root of the Rehmannia glutinosa plant and is used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It contains compounds such as catalpol and iridoid glycosides that may help calm irritated skin. |
| Behenyl Alcohol Emollient / Thickener | Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from behenic acid that functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps soften the skin and improve product texture and stability. |
| Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Key active Soothing/antimicrobial botanical extract | Melia Azadirachta (neem) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, often used in skincare for soothing and conditioning effects. It contains bioactive compounds such as nimbidin and flavonoids. |
| Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly used to help calm irritation and protect skin against environmental oxidative stress. |
| Houttuynia Cordata Extract Key active Soothing antioxidant | Houttuynia Cordata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often included to calm sensitive or acne-prone skin and reduce redness. |
| 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. |
| Glycine Soja Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant/conditioning | Glycine Soja (soybean) Seed Extract is a soy-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning effects. It is also studied for brightening and anti-aging benefits attributed to its phytoestrogen and antioxidant content. |
| Lactobacillus Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate Skin conditioning / fermented humectant | Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate is the filtrate produced by fermenting pear juice with Lactobacillus, yielding a mix of organic acids, peptides, and metabolites used as a skin-conditioning and hydrating agent. It is valued for mild humectant, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| Glyceryl Caprylate Emollient / antimicrobial co-preservative | Glyceryl Caprylate is a monoglyceride derived from glycerin and caprylic acid, used in skincare as an emollient, moisturizing agent, and skin-conditioning component with mild antimicrobial properties that support preservation. It is commonly employed to help stabilize formulations and reduce reliance on conventional preservatives. |
| 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. |
| Oligopeptide-10 Key active Antimicrobial peptide / anti-acne agent | Oligopeptide-10 is a synthetic peptide derived from antimicrobial peptide sequences that exhibits activity against Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes), making it useful in acne-targeted and preservative-boosting formulations. It is valued for reducing bacterial load while being gentler than some conventional antibacterial actives. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| PPG-12-Buteth-16 Emulsifier/solubilizer | PPG-12-Buteth-16 is a polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene butyl ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizing agent to help blend oil- and water-based components. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Arachidyl Glucoside Emulsifier / surfactant | Arachidyl Glucoside is a non-ionic, plant-derived emulsifier created from fatty alcohols and glucose, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate Emulsifier / emollient | Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is a glucose-derived nonionic emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a smooth, conditioning skin feel. It is considered mild and is widely used as a formulation base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Silica Absorbent/texturizer | Silica is a mineral-derived ingredient (silicon dioxide) used in cosmetics to absorb oil and sebum, improve texture, and act as a bulking, anti-caking, or matting agent. It is generally inert and well tolerated on skin. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| o-Cymen-5-ol Antimicrobial preservative | O-Cymen-5-ol (also known as biosol or 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) is a phenolic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics as a preservative and to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. It is effective against bacteria and fungi and is often included in deodorants, acne products, and skincare formulations. |
| 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. |
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.