Below is every ingredient in Cica Calming Night Gel (Niacinamide + Green Tea) 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.
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%.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support skin barrier repair, and promote collagen synthesis and wound healing. It is commonly included in products for sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, commonly known as tea tree oil, is an essential oil derived from the Australian tea tree, valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is frequently used in skincare to address acne, minor skin infections, and oily skin.
Silanetriol is an organic silicon compound used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, often included to support hydration and as a carrier for silicon delivery in anti-aging formulations. It is generally considered well tolerated at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types.
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. |
| 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. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation possible, generally attributed to residual acrylamide monomer rather than the polymer itself. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible upon direct contact with eyes in concentrated formulations. |
| Contact dermatitis/allergy | Very rare | Allergic contact reactions are uncommon as it is generally considered low-sensitizing. |
| Mild comedogenic potential | Rare | Hydrocarbon emollients may rarely contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible with higher concentrations or on sensitive/compromised skin. |
| Concern over residual 1,4-dioxane impurity | Rare | A potential ethoxylation byproduct; controlled via manufacturing purification. |
| Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
| Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Polyacrylamide Thickener/film-former | Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics primarily as a thickening agent, film former, and stabilizer that improves texture and viscosity of formulations. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| C13-14 Isoparaffin Emollient/thickener | C13-14 Isoparaffin is a synthetic hydrocarbon used in skincare primarily as an emollient and as a thickening or gelling agent, often paired with polyacrylamide-based systems to stabilize emulsions. It helps improve spreadability and texture but provides no active treatment benefit. |
| Laureth-7 Emulsifier/surfactant | Laureth-7 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in cosmetics as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to stabilize formulations and disperse oils. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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%. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Dicaprylyl Ether Emollient/Skin-conditioning agent | Dicaprylyl ether is a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient derived from caprylic alcohol, used to improve skin feel and reduce greasiness in formulations. It functions as a non-occlusive carrier and texture enhancer rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silicone-based texture enhancer/film former | Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a smooth, silky feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Xylitylglucoside Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-derived humectant, typically used in combination with anhydroxylitol and xylitol, that helps attract and retain water in the skin and supports the skin barrier. It is valued for its skin-hydrating and moisturizing properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| Anhydroxylitol Humectant / moisturizing agent | Anhydroxylitol is a sugar-derived (xylitol) humectant used in skincare to attract and retain water, helping to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is often combined with xylitol and xylitylglucoside to enhance the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Xylitol Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in topical formulations as a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, and it may support the skin's microbiome and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe for topical use. |
| 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. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties, often included to calm irritation and improve skin moisture. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support skin barrier repair, and promote collagen synthesis and wound healing. It is commonly included in products for sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| Melaleuca Alternafolia Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, commonly known as tea tree oil, is an essential oil derived from the Australian tea tree, valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is frequently used in skincare to address acne, minor skin infections, and oily skin. |
| Silanetriol Key active Silicon-based hydration/conditioning agent | Silanetriol is an organic silicon compound used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, often included to support hydration and as a carrier for silicon delivery in anti-aging formulations. It is generally considered well tolerated at typical cosmetic concentrations. |
| Hyaluronic Acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| Silanediol Salicylate Key active Anti-aging / skin-firming active | Silanediol Salicylate is an organosilicon compound combining silicon with salicylic acid, used in topical formulations for its purported skin-firming, collagen-supporting, and mild keratolytic properties. It is marketed as an anti-aging and skin-conditioning active. |
| Avena Sativa Meal Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory | Avena Sativa (oat) Meal Extract is a colloidal oat-derived ingredient rich in avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and starches, used to soothe, hydrate, and reduce irritation in sensitive or compromised skin. It is valued for its anti-inflammatory and skin-barrier-supporting properties. |
| 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. |
| Copper Chlorophyll Key active Colorant/antioxidant | Copper chlorophyll (chlorophyllin) is a water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll used in skincare as a green colorant and for its antioxidant and purported soothing or wound-supporting properties. It has also been studied topically for acne and skin-tone applications. |
| Laminaria Digitata Extract Conditioning/antioxidant | Laminaria Digitata Extract is derived from brown seaweed and is used in skincare for its mineral, polysaccharide, and antioxidant content, providing skin-conditioning, hydrating, and soothing benefits. It is commonly included for its purported moisturizing and protective properties. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Cetyl PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide Skin-conditioning emollient / pseudo-ceramide | Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide is a synthetic pseudo-ceramide used to mimic natural skin ceramides, helping to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It functions as an emollient and moisturizing agent commonly found in barrier-repair and dry-skin formulations. |
| Ceramide 1 Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide 1 (Ceramide EOP) is a naturally occurring epidermal lipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly combined with other ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to mimic the skin's natural lipid matrix. |
| Ceramide 2 Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is generally well tolerated and biocompatible with the skin's own ceramides. |
| Ceramide 3 Skin barrier replenisher / emollient | Ceramide 3 (also called Ceramide NP) is a lipid naturally found in the skin's stratum corneum that helps restore and maintain the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to improve hydration and skin integrity. |
| Ceramide 4 Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Ceramide 4 (Ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in formulations to help restore and reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It supports the stratum corneum's lipid matrix, improving hydration and skin resilience. |
| Ceramide 6 II Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Ceramide 6 II (a phytosphingosine-based ceramide, also known as ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the stratum corneum barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is typically incorporated as part of physiological lipid blends to support hydration and skin barrier function. |
| Cholesterol Skin barrier lipid / emollient | Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid found in the skin's stratum corneum that, alongside ceramides and fatty acids, helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. In skincare formulations it functions as an emollient and barrier-repair agent that improves hydration and skin resilience. |
| 1,2 Hexanediol Humectant / preservative booster | 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic diol used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, often allowing reduced or preservative-free systems. It helps maintain product stability while contributing mild moisturizing properties. |
| 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. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| 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. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
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.