Below is every ingredient in Nonapeptide + AHA 6% Underarm Roll-On 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.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin.
Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds with a relatively large molecular size, allowing slower, gentler skin penetration. It is used to exfoliate, improve skin texture and tone, address hyperpigmentation, and manage acne.
Nonapeptide-1 is a synthetic oligopeptide that acts as an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) antagonist, inhibiting melanin production by blocking the MC1 receptor on melanocytes. It is used in topical formulations aimed at reducing hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone.
4-n-Butylresorcinol is a resorcinol derivative used in topical cosmetics to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1, key enzymes in melanin synthesis. It is commonly applied to treat melasma and age-related dark spots.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection.
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 irritation, stinging, or burning sensation | Common | Often dose- and concentration-dependent, especially at low pH or high percentages. |
| Redness (erythema) | Common | Usually transient and resolves after application or with reduced frequency. |
| Dryness and peeling | Common | Result of increased exfoliation; mitigated by moisturizer use. |
| Increased photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) | Common | AHAs reduce stratum corneum thickness; daily sunscreen is advised. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | More likely in darker skin tones or with overuse/irritation. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Genuine allergy is uncommon; most reactions are irritant rather than allergic. |
| Chemical burns or blistering | Rare | Typically associated with high concentrations, low pH, or prolonged contact in peels. |
| Scarring | Very rare | Reported with improper high-strength peel application or severe burns. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | Usually transient and subsides shortly after application. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Generally mild and temporary, especially with higher concentrations or peels. |
| Dryness or flaking | Common | Result of increased cell turnover; often improves with moisturization. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | AHAs raise sun sensitivity; daily sunscreen is recommended. |
| Itching or irritation | Uncommon | More likely with sensitive skin or overuse. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon but reported. |
| Chemical burn or blistering | Very rare | Associated with high concentrations, prolonged contact, or improper use. |
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. |
| Glycolic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin. |
| Mandelic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds with a relatively large molecular size, allowing slower, gentler skin penetration. It is used to exfoliate, improve skin texture and tone, address hyperpigmentation, and manage acne. |
| 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. |
| Nonapeptide-1 Key active Skin-brightening peptide | Nonapeptide-1 is a synthetic oligopeptide that acts as an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) antagonist, inhibiting melanin production by blocking the MC1 receptor on melanocytes. It is used in topical formulations aimed at reducing hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone. |
| 4-n-Butylresorcinol Key active Skin-brightening / tyrosinase inhibitor | 4-n-Butylresorcinol is a resorcinol derivative used in topical cosmetics to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1, key enzymes in melanin synthesis. It is commonly applied to treat melasma and age-related dark spots. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Decylene Glycol Emollient / humectant / preservative-booster | Decylene glycol is a glycol-based ingredient used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a skin-conditioning emollient and humectant, and it also provides antimicrobial activity that helps stabilize and preserve products. It is generally considered a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Key active Brightening / anti-inflammatory antioxidant | Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
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.