Below is every ingredient in Herbal Sindoor - Red - 5ml 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.
Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid and a key component of skin ceramides that helps maintain the epidermal barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is also studied for normalizing sebum composition and reducing comedone formation in acne-prone skin.
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract is derived from the perilla plant and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, often attributed to its rosmarinic acid and flavonoid content. It is typically included to calm irritation and protect against oxidative stress.
Salvia Officinalis (sage) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. It may help soothe skin, reduce sebum, and provide mild preservative-boosting effects.
Thymus Serpillum (wild thyme) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, largely attributed to phenolic compounds such as thymol and rosmarinic acid. It is commonly included to support skin conditioning and as a natural preservative booster.
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. |
| Skin dryness | Common | High concentrations can strip natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier with repeated use. |
| Irritation or stinging | Common | More likely on compromised, sensitive, or already dry skin. |
| Barrier impairment | Uncommon | Frequent exposure may reduce barrier function and increase transepidermal water loss. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Irritant or, less often, allergic reactions reported in susceptible individuals. |
| Worsening of conditions like eczema or rosacea | Uncommon | Can aggravate inflammatory or reactive skin types. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin due to residual aromatic compounds. |
| Photosensitivity-related reactions | Very rare | Rarely reported; rosemary-derived materials are not strong known photosensitizers. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Alcohol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Alcohol (typically ethanol or denatured alcohol) is used in skincare as a solvent, antimicrobial agent, and to improve product spreadability and rapid drying. It also enhances penetration of other ingredients and gives a lightweight feel to formulations. |
| 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. |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water Astringent/skin-conditioning | Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water is the aqueous distillate obtained from rosemary leaves, used in skincare as a botanical water with mild astringent, antioxidant, and toning properties. It commonly serves as a fragrant, water-phase base ingredient rather than a concentrated treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract Fragrance/antioxidant/antimicrobial | Eugenia Caryophyllus (clove) Flower Extract is derived from clove flower buds and is used in skincare for its aromatic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, largely due to its eugenol content. It is most often included as a botanical additive or natural fragrance/preservative-boosting component. |
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant / moisturizer | Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid broken into smaller fragments, allowing better penetration into the skin to bind water and improve hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to enhance skin moisture content and surface smoothness. |
| Linoleic Acid Key active Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid and a key component of skin ceramides that helps maintain the epidermal barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is also studied for normalizing sebum composition and reducing comedone formation in acne-prone skin. |
| Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / Soothing agent | Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract is derived from the perilla plant and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, often attributed to its rosmarinic acid and flavonoid content. It is typically included to calm irritation and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/antimicrobial botanical extract | Salvia Officinalis (sage) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. It may help soothe skin, reduce sebum, and provide mild preservative-boosting effects. |
| Salvia Officinalis Oil Antioxidant/fragrance | Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil is an essential oil derived from the common sage plant, used in skincare for its aromatic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It contains compounds such as thujone, camphor, and 1,8-cineole that contribute to its activity and potential for irritation. |
| Thymus Serpillum Extract Key active Antioxidant / antimicrobial botanical extract | Thymus Serpillum (wild thyme) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, largely attributed to phenolic compounds such as thymol and rosmarinic acid. It is commonly included to support skin conditioning and as a natural preservative booster. |
| 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. |
| Disodium Phosphate Buffering/pH adjuster | Disodium Phosphate is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and skincare formulations primarily as a buffering agent and pH adjuster. It helps stabilize product pH and acts as an emulsifying or sequestering aid in various topical preparations. |
| PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-20 Surfactant/emulsifier (solubilizer) | PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-20 is a polyethylene/polypropylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant used to solubilize fragrances, oils, and other lipophilic ingredients into water-based formulations. It also functions as an emulsifying and cleansing agent in cosmetic products. |
| Sodium Phosphate pH buffer / emulsion stabilizer | Sodium phosphate is a salt used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to maintain formula pH and as a sequestrant or emulsifier. It is considered a functional base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Methylparaben Preservative | Methylparaben is a paraben-class antimicrobial preservative widely used in cosmetics and skincare to prevent microbial growth and extend product shelf life. It is effective primarily against fungi and yeasts, often combined with other parabens for broader protection. |
| 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.