Below is every ingredient in Anti-Dandruff Serum - 30 ml 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.
Piper Nigrum (black pepper) seed extract is used in skincare for its piperine content, which provides antioxidant and warming, circulation-stimulating effects, and is sometimes included to enhance penetration of other actives. It is also valued as a botanical with mild antimicrobial properties.
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract is derived from the bark of the magnolia tree and contains bioactive lignans such as magnolol and honokiol. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, often to soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
Piroctone olamine is an antifungal compound commonly used in shampoos and scalp products to control Malassezia yeast associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It is also used as a preservative and to help regulate sebum-related scalp conditions.
Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (fenugreek) Seed Extract is a botanical derived from fenugreek seeds, used in skincare for its emollient, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to its content of saponins, flavonoids, and mucilage. It is commonly included for hydration support and soothing effects.
Azadirachta Indica (neem) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, irritated, or oily skin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, derived from the tea tree plant, is valued for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used in formulations targeting acne and minor skin irritations. Its activity is largely attributed to terpinen-4-ol and related terpene compounds.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use on already dry skin. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered low-irritant; possible in sensitive individuals or with prolonged contact. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can cause stinging if cleanser enters the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated, but possible with high concentrations or prolonged contact. |
| Dryness or barrier disruption | Rare | Possible with frequent use, though milder than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| Mild skin or scalp irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or itching, usually in sensitive individuals. |
| Product buildup on hair/skin | Common | Not a health side effect; repeated use may leave a residual film, a cosmetic rather than safety concern. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle, coconut-derived anionic surfactant widely used in syndet cleansing bars and facial cleansers to produce a creamy lather while being milder than traditional soaps. It cleanses by emulsifying oils and debris with relatively low irritation potential. |
| Lauryl Glucoside Surfactant/cleansing agent | Lauryl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm fatty alcohols and glucose, used as a mild cleansing and foaming agent in skin and hair care products. It is considered gentle and biodegradable, often replacing harsher anionic surfactants. |
| Polyquaternium-10 Conditioning/film-former | Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic cellulose-derived polymer used in skincare and hair care to provide conditioning, smoothing, antistatic effects, and to form a thin film on skin and hair. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ethylene Glycol Distearate Opacifier/pearlescent agent | Ethylene Glycol Distearate is a wax-like diester of stearic acid and ethylene glycol used primarily in rinse-off products such as shampoos and body washes to impart a pearly, opaque appearance and to act as a thickener and emollient. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Octyldodecanol Emollient/solvent | Octyldodecanol is a branched fatty alcohol used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent that improves spreadability and texture. It helps soften skin and dissolve other ingredients without functioning as a treatment active. |
| Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil Antimicrobial/fragrance | Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil, commonly known as manuka oil, is an essential oil derived from the New Zealand manuka plant and is used in skincare for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is sometimes incorporated into formulations targeting acne or minor skin irritations, though it also contributes a characteristic aroma. |
| Piper Nigrum Seed Extract Key active Skin-conditioning / circulation-stimulating extract | Piper Nigrum (black pepper) seed extract is used in skincare for its piperine content, which provides antioxidant and warming, circulation-stimulating effects, and is sometimes included to enhance penetration of other actives. It is also valued as a botanical with mild antimicrobial properties. |
| Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract Key active Anti-inflammatory/antioxidant active | Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract is derived from the bark of the magnolia tree and contains bioactive lignans such as magnolol and honokiol. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, often to soothe sensitive or irritated skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Piroctone Olamine Key active Antifungal/anti-dandruff agent | Piroctone olamine is an antifungal compound commonly used in shampoos and scalp products to control Malassezia yeast associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It is also used as a preservative and to help regulate sebum-related scalp conditions. |
| Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract Key active Conditioning/antioxidant extract | Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (fenugreek) Seed Extract is a botanical derived from fenugreek seeds, used in skincare for its emollient, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to its content of saponins, flavonoids, and mucilage. It is commonly included for hydration support and soothing effects. |
| Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract Key active Antimicrobial/antioxidant botanical (neem) | Azadirachta Indica (neem) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, irritated, or oily skin. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract Key active Antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory botanical | Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, derived from the tea tree plant, is valued for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used in formulations targeting acne and minor skin irritations. Its activity is largely attributed to terpinen-4-ol and related terpene compounds. |
| Hamamelis Virginiana Extract Key active Astringent/antioxidant | Hamamelis Virginiana (witch hazel) extract is derived from the leaves, bark, and twigs of the witch hazel plant and is valued for its tannin content, providing astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in toners and after-shave products to tighten skin and reduce minor irritation. |
| Parfum Fragrance | Parfum (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory/formulation purpose rather than providing any skin benefit. |
| 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. |
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.