Below is every ingredient in Salicylic & Glycolic Acid Anti-Acne Foaming 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.
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.
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.
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in berberine and other alkaloids, used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation, balance sebum, and support acne-prone or sensitive skin.
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.
Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract is a botanical source of salicin, which can be converted to salicylic acid, offering mild exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or congested skin as a gentler alternative to synthetic salicylic acid.
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract is derived from the root of the Rehmannia glutinosa plant and is used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It contains compounds such as catalpol and iridoid glycosides that may help calm irritated skin.
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 | A notable cause of allergic contact dermatitis, often attributed to impurities (amidoamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine) rather than the molecule itself; named Allergen of the Year in 2004. |
| 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. |
| 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 transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium PCA Humectant | Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is widely used in cosmetics as a water-binding humectant to hydrate and soften the skin. |
| 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. |
| Heptyl Glucoside Surfactant / emulsifier | Heptyl Glucoside is a mild, plant-derived alkyl glucoside surfactant used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It is valued for its gentle cleansing properties and good skin tolerance. |
| Yugdugu Extract Unverified botanical extract | "Yugdugu Extract" is not a recognized or documented ingredient in dermatological or cosmetic-chemistry literature, and no peer-reviewed data on its composition, function, or safety could be located. Any claims about its skincare benefits should be treated as unverified pending credible scientific sourcing. |
| Polyquaternium-39 Film-forming conditioning polymer | Polyquaternium-39 is a synthetic cationic copolymer used in skincare and haircare as a film-forming, conditioning, and antistatic agent that improves texture and substantivity. It is considered a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory botanical | Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in berberine and other alkaloids, used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation, balance sebum, and support acne-prone or sensitive skin. |
| 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. |
| PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Solubilizer/emulsifier | PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to solubilize fragrances, oils, and lipophilic actives into water-based cosmetic formulations. It functions as a base/formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Salix Alba Bark Extract Key active Natural exfoliant / anti-inflammatory | Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract is a botanical source of salicin, which can be converted to salicylic acid, offering mild exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or congested skin as a gentler alternative to synthetic salicylic acid. |
| Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract is derived from the root of the Rehmannia glutinosa plant and is used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It contains compounds such as catalpol and iridoid glycosides that may help calm irritated skin. |
| Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract Key active Antimicrobial/antioxidant botanical (neem) | Azadirachta Indica (neem) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, irritated, or oily skin. |
| Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly used to help calm irritation and protect skin against environmental oxidative stress. |
| Houttuynia Cordata Extract Key active Soothing antioxidant | Houttuynia Cordata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often included to calm sensitive or acne-prone skin and reduce redness. |
| Glycine Soja Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant/conditioning | Glycine Soja (soybean) Seed Extract is a soy-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning effects. It is also studied for brightening and anti-aging benefits attributed to its phytoestrogen and antioxidant content. |
| Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate Skin conditioning / fermented humectant | Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate is the filtrate produced by fermenting pear juice with Lactobacillus, yielding a mix of organic acids, peptides, and metabolites used as a skin-conditioning and hydrating agent. It is valued for mild humectant, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| Glyceryl Caprylate Emollient / antimicrobial co-preservative | Glyceryl Caprylate is a monoglyceride derived from glycerin and caprylic acid, used in skincare as an emollient, moisturizing agent, and skin-conditioning component with mild antimicrobial properties that support preservation. It is commonly employed to help stabilize formulations and reduce reliance on conventional preservatives. |
| 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. |
| O-Cymen-5-Ol Antimicrobial preservative | O-Cymen-5-ol (also known as biosol or 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) is a phenolic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics as a preservative and to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. It is effective against bacteria and fungi and is often included in deodorants, acne products, and skincare formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydrogenated Castor Oil Emollient / emulsifier | Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a waxy, saturated derivative of castor oil produced by hydrogenation, used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It improves texture, provides skin conditioning, and helps stabilize formulations. |
| 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. |
| Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Surfactant/cleanser | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a mild, biodegradable nonionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm-based fatty alcohols and glucose, used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent. It is valued for its low irritation potential and suitability for sensitive-skin and baby cleansing formulations. |
| Sodium pH adjuster / electrolyte | Sodium, typically present in skincare as sodium salts (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate), functions as a pH adjuster, thickener, or osmotic/electrolyte agent rather than a standalone active. It helps stabilize formulations and maintain skin barrier ion balance. |
| Olea Europaea Fruit Oil Emollient / occlusive | Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (olive oil) is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and minor antioxidants used to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient in moisturizers and cosmetic formulations. |
| Cocoyl Ainoacid Surfactant/cleanser | Cocoyl amino acids are mild, coconut-derived amino acid surfactants used as gentle cleansing and foaming agents in skincare and haircare formulations. They are valued for their low irritation potential and skin-friendly pH compatibility compared with harsher sulfate surfactants. |
| Sodium pH adjuster / electrolyte | Sodium, typically present in skincare as sodium salts (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate), functions as a pH adjuster, thickener, or osmotic/electrolyte agent rather than a standalone active. It helps stabilize formulations and maintain skin barrier ion balance. |
| Olea Europaea Fruit Oil Emollient / occlusive | Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (olive oil) is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and minor antioxidants used to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient in moisturizers and cosmetic formulations. |
| Cocoyl Fruttoside Mild surfactant / cleansing agent | Cocoyl Fruttoside is a sugar-derived (fructose-based) nonionic surfactant used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in rinse-off and leave-on formulations. It is valued for its mildness and biodegradable, plant-derived origin. |
| Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate Surfactant/emulsifier (cleansing agent) | Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate is a mild, water-soluble surfactant derived from olive oil, used in cleansers and emulsions to provide gentle cleansing, emulsifying, and solubilizing properties. It is valued for low irritation potential and good skin compatibility compared with harsher detergents. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.