Below is every ingredient in Cica & Ceramide Gentle Cleanser -125ml 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.
D-Pantolactone is a lactone derivative related to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and panthenol, used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that can convert to or function similarly to pantothenic acid. It is valued for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.
Dexpanthenol is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it supports barrier function, hydration, and wound healing. It is widely used in topical formulations to soothe, moisturize, and promote repair of irritated or compromised skin.
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%.
Cica extract (derived from Centella asiatica) is a botanical ingredient rich in triterpenoids such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing supportive properties. It is commonly used to calm irritated, sensitized, or compromised skin barriers.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash in sensitized individuals. |
| Skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on broken or highly sensitive skin. |
| Contact urticaria (hives) | Rare | Immediate hypersensitivity reaction reported in isolated cases. |
| Delayed wound healing | Very rare | Reported in some surgical wound contexts with topical application. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; minor transient irritation possible in sensitive individuals or at high concentrations. |
| Eye or mucous membrane irritation | Rare | Possible stinging if products contact eyes during application. |
| Mild skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use; generally milder than sulfate surfactants. |
| Irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Possible in sensitive or compromised skin, particularly around the eyes. |
| Disruption of skin barrier with overuse | Rare | Excessive cleansing may reduce natural lipids over time. |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging, especially on contact with eyes or sensitive skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aloe Vera Extract Soothing humectant/emollient | Aloe vera extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties in skincare. It is commonly used to calm irritation and support skin barrier comfort. |
| 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. |
| 3 Propanediol Zemea Humectant/solvent | 1,3-Propanediol (Zemea) is a plant-derived glycol used as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier in skincare formulations. It improves moisturization, enhances preservative efficacy, and serves as a base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl (typically as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sarcosinate, or Glutamate) is a mild, coconut-derived anionic surfactant used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in cleansers, syndet bars, and shampoos. It produces a creamy lather while being less stripping to the skin barrier than harsher surfactants like SLS. |
| Isethionate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Isethionate (typically sodium cocoyl isethionate) is a mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids and isethionic acid, used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in syndet bars and facial cleansers. It is valued for its low irritation potential compared to traditional soaps. |
| D-Pantolactone Key active Provitamin/skin conditioning agent | D-Pantolactone is a lactone derivative related to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and panthenol, used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that can convert to or function similarly to pantothenic acid. It is valued for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Dexpanthenol Key active Humectant/skin conditioning agent (provitamin B5) | Dexpanthenol is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it supports barrier function, hydration, and wound healing. It is widely used in topical formulations to soothe, moisturize, and promote repair of irritated or compromised skin. |
| 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%. |
| Cica Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory | Cica extract (derived from Centella asiatica) is a botanical ingredient rich in triterpenoids such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing supportive properties. It is commonly used to calm irritated, sensitized, or compromised skin barriers. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| 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. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
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.