Below is every ingredient in C-Glow Face Wash 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.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen.
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%.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Mel (honey) is a natural humectant and emollient used in skincare for its moisturizing, soothing, and mild antimicrobial properties. It is often included in masks, cleansers, and hydrating formulations to support skin barrier and provide antioxidant benefits.
Azadirachta Indica (neem) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in skincare for acne-prone or irritated skin and as a natural preservative-boosting agent.
Ocimum Sanctum (holy basil/tulsi) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in eugenol, ursolic acid, and flavonoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often included to help soothe skin and protect against oxidative stress.
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. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | More likely at higher concentrations or low pH, and on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Transient redness (erythema) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after acclimation or reducing frequency. |
| Dryness or skin irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with frequent use or in combination with other actives. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | True hypersensitivity to ascorbic acid is infrequent; patch testing can confirm. |
| Yellow-orange skin staining from oxidized product | Rare | Caused by degraded (oxidized) formulations rather than the fresh active itself. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Rare | Transient irritation may occur, more often on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hives following topical exposure. |
| 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. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | May occur, particularly with alcohol-containing rose water preparations. |
| Photosensitivity/pigmentation reactions | Rare | Pigmented contact dermatitis has been reported with sandalwood-containing fragrances. |
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. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| 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%. |
| Rosa Damascena Water Soothing/aromatic hydrosol | Rosa damascena water (rose water) is a steam-distilled floral hydrosol used in skincare as a base, fragrance, and mild soothing/toning agent. It is valued for its astringent and humectant-supporting properties but contributes mostly to sensory and conditioning effects rather than clinical treatment. |
| Santalum Album Extract Soothing/fragrance botanical | Santalum Album (sandalwood) Extract is derived from sandalwood and used in skincare for its aromatic, antioxidant, and traditionally soothing or anti-inflammatory properties. It is often included for fragrance and skin-conditioning effects rather than as a primary clinical active. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory & brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation. |
| Mel Key active Humectant/soothing agent | Mel (honey) is a natural humectant and emollient used in skincare for its moisturizing, soothing, and mild antimicrobial properties. It is often included in masks, cleansers, and hydrating formulations to support skin barrier and provide antioxidant benefits. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is derived from the aloe vera plant and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included as a supportive base ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| Azadirachta Indica Extract Key active Soothing/antimicrobial botanical | Azadirachta Indica (neem) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in skincare for acne-prone or irritated skin and as a natural preservative-boosting agent. |
| Ocimum Sanctum Extract Key active Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory botanical | Ocimum Sanctum (holy basil/tulsi) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in eugenol, ursolic acid, and flavonoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often included to help soothe skin and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Citrus Limon Oil Fragrance / antimicrobial | Citrus Limon (lemon) Oil is a volatile essential oil expressed from lemon peel, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance and masking agent and occasionally for mild antimicrobial or astringent effects. It contains limonene, citral, and other terpenes that can be sensitizing and phototoxic. |
| Coffea Arabica Extract Key active Antioxidant | Coffea Arabica (coffee) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, and caffeine, used in skincare for its antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties. It is also valued for potential anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning effects. |
| Essential Oils Fragrance/botanical additive | Essential oils are volatile, aromatic plant-derived extracts used in skincare for scent and purported antimicrobial or antioxidant properties. They are complex mixtures of terpenes, aldehydes, and other reactive compounds. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is an amino acid-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos and toothpastes to provide gentle foaming and cleansing. It is generally considered milder than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.