Below is every ingredient in Cica (Centella) + Niacinamide Oil Free Moisturizer 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.
Silanetriol combined with hyaluronic acid is an organic silicon compound paired with a glycosaminoglycan humectant, used to bind water in the skin and support hydration, firmness, and the appearance of skin density. The silanetriol component is also marketed for its potential role in supporting connective tissue and collagen-associated structures.
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%.
Methylsilanol Mannuronate is an organosilicon compound combining silanol with mannuronic acid (derived from algae), used in skincare for its humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is marketed to support hydration and skin firmness, though robust clinical evidence is limited.
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.
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.
Avena Sativa Kernel (Oat) Extract is derived from oat grains and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to compounds such as avenanthramides and beta-glucans. It is commonly incorporated into products targeting dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.
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 skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| Comedogenic clogging/breakouts | Rare | Generally considered non-comedogenic, but occlusive silicone films may trap debris in acne-prone individuals. |
| Mild skin irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Silicones are largely inert; reactions are uncommon and usually mild. |
| Contact dermatitis/allergy | Very rare | True allergic reactions to silicone polymers are exceptionally uncommon. |
| Sticky or tacky skin feel | Common | Cosmetic sensation at higher concentrations, not a health concern. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or with high concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or moisture-wicking in very low humidity | Uncommon | Can theoretically draw water from skin in extremely dry environments if not paired with occlusives. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to glycerine is uncommon but has been documented in patch-test studies. |
| Transient mild stinging or tingling on application | Uncommon | Usually brief, more likely on compromised or sensitized skin. |
| Localized redness or irritation | Uncommon | Generally mild and self-limiting. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Possible sensitization; patch testing advised for reactive skin. |
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. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer Emollient/silicone film-former | A blend of volatile cyclopentasiloxane and a silicone elastomer that provides a smooth, dry, silky skin feel and soft-focus blurring effect. It is commonly used as a vehicle and texture enhancer in primers, foundations, and skincare formulations. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| Silanetriol (and) Hyaluronic Acid Key active Hydrating active / silicon-delivery humectant | Silanetriol combined with hyaluronic acid is an organic silicon compound paired with a glycosaminoglycan humectant, used to bind water in the skin and support hydration, firmness, and the appearance of skin density. The silanetriol component is also marketed for its potential role in supporting connective tissue and collagen-associated structures. |
| 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%. |
| Methylsilanol Mannuronate Key active Hydrating/conditioning agent | Methylsilanol Mannuronate is an organosilicon compound combining silanol with mannuronic acid (derived from algae), used in skincare for its humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is marketed to support hydration and skin firmness, though robust clinical evidence is limited. |
| 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. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties. It is commonly included as a base or supporting ingredient to calm and moisturize the skin. |
| Avena Sativa Kernel (Oat) Extract Key active Soothing/anti-irritant | Avena Sativa Kernel (Oat) Extract is derived from oat grains and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to compounds such as avenanthramides and beta-glucans. It is commonly incorporated into products targeting dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. |
| Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract is a botanical rich in polyphenols (notably EGCG) used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may soothe irritated skin. |
| Centella Asiatica (Cica) Leaf Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica leaf extract is a botanical rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm irritation, support skin barrier repair, and stimulate collagen synthesis. It is commonly included in products targeting redness, sensitivity, and wound healing. |
| Benzyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Tocopherol Preservative blend / antioxidant | A multifunctional formulation blend combining benzyl alcohol and ethylhexylglycerin as preservatives/skin-conditioning agents with tocopherol (vitamin E) as an antioxidant. It is used to protect products from microbial spoilage and oxidation rather than to treat skin conditions. |
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.