Below is every ingredient in Anti-Dandruff Serum - 30 ml - BYOB 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.
Menthol is a naturally occurring or synthetic compound derived from mint oils that produces a cooling sensation by activating TRPM8 receptors on the skin. It is used in topical products for its soothing, mild analgesic, and antipruritic effects.
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract is derived from papaya and contains the proteolytic enzyme papain along with antioxidant vitamins, providing mild enzymatic exfoliation and skin-brightening effects. It is used in cleansers, masks, and exfoliating treatments to help remove dead surface cells.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, commonly known as tea tree oil, is an essential oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties often used in skincare to target acne and minor skin infections.
Piper Nigrum (black pepper) Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from black pepper, valued for its piperine content which can provide antioxidant, warming, and circulation-stimulating effects in topical formulations. It is sometimes included to enhance penetration of other actives or as a stimulating conditioning agent.
Inga Alba Bark Extract is a botanical extract derived from the bark of the Inga alba tree, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties owing to its polyphenol and tannin content. It is typically used to help protect skin from oxidative stress and to support a smoother skin appearance.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity.
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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sensitization can cause redness, itching, or rash, particularly in individuals allergic to plants in the Liliaceae family. |
| Mild stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | Transient sensation, more likely on broken or sensitive skin. |
| Skin redness or irritation | Rare | Generally mild and self-limiting; may relate to preservatives or anthraquinone content in poorly processed extracts. |
| Delayed wound healing | Very rare | Reported in isolated cases when applied to surgical or deep wounds. |
| 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. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging, potential acne aggravation) | Common | Rated highly comedogenic; may worsen acne in some individuals when used in leave-on products. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Particularly in high-foaming cleanser formulations or on sensitive skin. |
| Dryness or transient redness | Rare | More likely in compromised or very sensitive skin with frequent use. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated, but mild irritation can occur, particularly with high concentrations or compromised skin barrier. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | May cause stinging or irritation on direct eye contact, relevant in cleanser and shampoo formulations. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; transient irritation possible, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of other ingredients | Common | Not an adverse effect per se, but as a solubilizer it may increase absorption of co-formulated substances. |
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. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties, often included to calm irritation and improve skin moisture. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foam, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for mildness in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Polyquaternium-6 Film-forming/conditioning polymer | Polyquaternium-6 is a cationic synthetic polymer used in skincare and hair care as a film-former, antistatic and conditioning agent that improves texture and substantivity. It is a formulation/functional ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Coconut Acid Surfactant/Cleansing agent | Coconut Acid is a mixture of fatty acids derived from coconut oil, used primarily as a cleansing agent and emulsifier in soaps and skincare formulations. When neutralized with an alkali it forms soap-based surfactants that aid in cleansing and foaming. |
| Mentha Piperita Oil Fragrance/cooling agent | Mentha Piperita (peppermint) Oil is an essential oil derived from peppermint leaves, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and cooling/refreshing agent due to its menthol content. It provides a tingling sensation but offers limited proven therapeutic benefit in topical formulations. |
| PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate Thickener/emulsifier | PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a polyethylene glycol-derived emollient and viscosity-building agent used in cleansers and surfactant systems to thicken formulations and provide a smooth, conditioned skin feel. It functions as a nonionic co-emulsifier and rheology modifier rather than a treatment active. |
| Polyquaternium-67 Conditioning polymer / film-former | Polyquaternium-67 is a cationic cellulose-derived polymer used in hair and skin care formulations to provide conditioning, improve sensory feel, and stabilize formulations. It functions as a film-former and slip agent rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil Fragrance/essential oil (aromatic, antimicrobial) | Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil is a volatile essential oil derived from eucalyptus leaves, rich in 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), used in skincare for its aromatic, antimicrobial, and mildly soothing properties. It is most often added for scent or minor antiseptic effect rather than as a primary therapeutic active. |
| Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Conditioning agent / cationic polymer | Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a quaternized, cationic derivative of guar gum used in skincare and haircare as a conditioning, antistatic, and viscosity-modifying agent. It deposits on negatively charged skin and hair surfaces to improve softness, manageability, and texture. |
| Menthol Key active Cooling agent / counterirritant | Menthol is a naturally occurring or synthetic compound derived from mint oils that produces a cooling sensation by activating TRPM8 receptors on the skin. It is used in topical products for its soothing, mild analgesic, and antipruritic effects. |
| 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. |
| Lavandula Hybrida Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Lavandula Hybrida Oil (lavandin oil) is an essential oil derived from a hybrid lavender plant, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and aromatic agent. It contains volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate that can have antimicrobial properties but also potential to sensitize skin. |
| Carica Papaya Fruit Extract Key active Enzymatic exfoliant / antioxidant | Carica Papaya Fruit Extract is derived from papaya and contains the proteolytic enzyme papain along with antioxidant vitamins, providing mild enzymatic exfoliation and skin-brightening effects. It is used in cleansers, masks, and exfoliating treatments to help remove dead surface cells. |
| Chlorphenesin Preservative / antimicrobial | Chlorphenesin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics and skincare as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is also occasionally used for its mild muscle-relaxant and antifungal properties in topical formulations. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, commonly known as tea tree oil, is an essential oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties often used in skincare to target acne and minor skin infections. |
| Raphanus Sativus Root Extract Skin conditioning / antioxidant | Raphanus Sativus (radish) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning, antioxidant, and humectant properties. A fermented form is also used as a natural preservative system in some formulations. |
| Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster / saponifying agent | Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound used in cosmetics to adjust pH and to saponify fatty acids in the production of liquid soaps and cleansers. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, functioning as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifier/surfactant | Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild, lactic acid-derived anionic surfactant and emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It also has some reported conditioning and antimicrobial-boosting properties. |
| Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Fragrance / botanical extract | Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) oil is an essential oil distilled from lavender flowers, used in skincare primarily as a natural fragrance and for its purported soothing and antimicrobial properties. It is a complex mixture containing linalool and linalyl acetate, which contribute to both its scent and its allergenic potential. |
| Sodium Caproyl Lactylate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sodium Caproyl Lactylate is a lactylate-based anionic emulsifier and mild surfactant derived from lactic acid and caproic (capric) fatty acids, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture in skincare formulations. It also offers mild conditioning and can support skin barrier compatibility. |
| 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. |
| Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Ferula Galbaniflua (galbanum) resin oil is a steam-distilled essential oil derived from the resin of the Ferula plant, used primarily as a fragrance component and aromatic ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It contributes a green, woody-balsamic scent rather than a proven dermatological treatment effect. |
| Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate Dispersant/emulsion stabilizer | Sodium polynaphthalenesulfonate is an anionic polymeric surfactant used in cosmetic formulations as a dispersing agent and emulsion stabilizer to keep particles such as pigments or sunscreen actives evenly distributed. It functions as a processing aid rather than a skin-treatment active. |
| Sodium Acetate Buffering/pH adjuster | Sodium acetate is the sodium salt of acetic acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent and pH stabilizer, and to a lesser extent as a mild humectant. It is considered safe and non-irritating at typical cosmetic concentrations. |
| Piper Nigrum Fruit Extract Key active Skin conditioning / circulation-enhancing extract | Piper Nigrum (black pepper) Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from black pepper, valued for its piperine content which can provide antioxidant, warming, and circulation-stimulating effects in topical formulations. It is sometimes included to enhance penetration of other actives or as a stimulating conditioning agent. |
| 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. |
| Isopropyl Alcohol Solvent/antimicrobial | Isopropyl alcohol is a clear, volatile solvent used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a solvent, antiseptic, and to aid rapid drying. It dissolves oils and other ingredients and is commonly found in toners, astringents, and disinfecting products. |
| Benzoic Acid Preservative | Benzoic acid is an organic acid used primarily as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations, most effective in acidic products (pH below ~5). It helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold to extend product shelf life. |
| Dehydroacetic Acid Preservative | Dehydroacetic acid is a synthetic organic acid used primarily as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations, where it inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is often combined with other preservatives such as benzyl alcohol to enhance product stability and shelf life. |
| Inga Alba Bark Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Inga Alba Bark Extract is a botanical extract derived from the bark of the Inga alba tree, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties owing to its polyphenol and tannin content. It is typically used to help protect skin from oxidative stress and to support a smoother skin appearance. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Emollient / emulsifier | Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides is a palm oil-derived lipid blend of mono-, di-, and triglycerides used in skincare to soften skin, stabilize emulsions, and provide an occlusive, conditioning texture. It functions as a base formulation 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. |
| Ascorbyl Palmitate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipid-soluble, more stable ester of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used as an antioxidant in skincare formulations. It can help protect formulas from oxidation and may offer some skin antioxidant benefits, though its conversion to active ascorbic acid in skin is limited. |
| Linalool Fragrance/masking agent | Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, and many other plants, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance component. It readily oxidizes upon exposure to air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
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.