Below is every ingredient in Hyaluronic + PGA 2% Face Serum 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.
Glyceryl glucoside is a naturally occurring sugar-glycerol compound used in skincare as a humectant that attracts and binds water to the skin. It is also studied for its ability to stimulate aquaporin water-channel expression, supporting skin hydration and barrier function.
Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment is a yeast-fermentation filtrate that delivers bioavailable copper to the skin, and is used in cosmetic formulations for purported antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning effects. Copper is a cofactor in enzymes involved in collagen and elastin formation, though topical efficacy data are limited.
Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract is a fermentation-derived ingredient produced by culturing soybeans with Bacillus species, yielding peptides, amino acids, and polysaccharides (including polyglutamic acid). It is used in skincare primarily for its hydrating, conditioning, and skin-soothing properties.
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 transient stinging or irritation | Rare | Usually related to other formulation components rather than the polymer itself. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid derivatives is uncommon but has been documented. |
| Temporary skin tightness or film sensation | Uncommon | Due to the film-forming hydrated network as it dries on the skin. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional mild irritation on sensitive skin. |
| Contact allergy or sensitization | Very rare | Reports are sparse; allergic reactions are uncommon for this ingredient. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| 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. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional mild irritation reported, often linked to other formula components. |
| Contact allergy / allergic dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon but possible in predisposed individuals. |
| Redness or temporary tightness | Rare | Usually mild and self-limiting. |
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. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Humectant / hydrating agent | Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a chemically cross-linked form of sodium hyaluronate that forms a hydrated network, providing enhanced moisture retention and longer-lasting surface hydration compared to standard hyaluronic acid. It is widely used in moisturizers, serums, and masks to plump and smooth the skin surface. |
| Glyceryl Glucoside Key active Humectant / moisturizer | Glyceryl glucoside is a naturally occurring sugar-glycerol compound used in skincare as a humectant that attracts and binds water to the skin. It is also studied for its ability to stimulate aquaporin water-channel expression, supporting skin hydration and barrier function. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Polyglutamate Humectant / moisturizer | Sodium polyglutamate is the sodium salt of polyglutamic acid, a biopolymer that binds and retains water in the skin, enhancing hydration and the moisturizing performance of formulations. It also forms a light film on the skin surface that can improve smoothness and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| Methyl Gluceth-20 Humectant/moisturizer | Methyl Gluceth-20 is a water-soluble humectant derived from glucose and methyl glucose, used to attract and retain moisture in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It also functions as a skin-conditioning agent and helps improve product texture and spreadability. |
| Dimethyl Isosorbide Solvent / penetration enhancer | Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) is a small, polar solvent derived from isosorbide used in cosmetic formulations to dissolve active ingredients and enhance their penetration into the skin. It functions as a vehicle and carrier rather than a therapeutic active itself. |
| Trehalose Humectant / moisturizer | Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide used in skincare as a humectant and protective agent, helping retain moisture and stabilize cell membranes and proteins against dehydration and oxidative stress. It is well tolerated and commonly used to support skin barrier hydration. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment Key active Skin-conditioning/trace-mineral delivery | Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment is a yeast-fermentation filtrate that delivers bioavailable copper to the skin, and is used in cosmetic formulations for purported antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning effects. Copper is a cofactor in enzymes involved in collagen and elastin formation, though topical efficacy data are limited. |
| Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrating agent | Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is an enzymatically or chemically fragmented, low-molecular-weight form of sodium hyaluronate used in skincare to attract and bind water. Its smaller size allows better penetration into the upper layers of the skin compared to high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, supporting surface hydration and a smoother appearance. |
| Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract Key active Skin conditioning / moisturizing humectant | Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract is a fermentation-derived ingredient produced by culturing soybeans with Bacillus species, yielding peptides, amino acids, and polysaccharides (including polyglutamic acid). It is used in skincare primarily for its hydrating, conditioning, and skin-soothing properties. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Pentylene Glycol Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| Biosaccharide Gum-1 Humectant / skin-conditioning film former | Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a naturally derived polysaccharide (produced via fermentation of sorbitol) used to hydrate, soothe, and form a smoothing protective film on the skin. It is valued for its moisturizing and skin-softening properties and is generally considered well tolerated. |
| Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate Humectant / moisturizer | Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is an acetylated, sodium-salt derivative of hyaluronic acid used in skincare for its enhanced moisture retention and improved skin adherence compared to standard hyaluronic acid. The acetyl modification increases lipophilicity, allowing better surface binding and prolonged hydration. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.