Below is every ingredient in Cica Exosomes & Vitamin C Glow Serum - 30ml 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%.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol is a resorcinol-derivative tyrosinase inhibitor used to reduce melanin production, helping to fade hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. It is a potent active that requires careful formulation due to instability and oxidation potential.
Sclareolide is a naturally derived lactone (originally from clary sage) used in skincare for its purported sebum-regulating and skin-brightening properties. It is sometimes marketed as a tyrosinase-modulating ingredient to help even skin tone.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits.
SH-Oligopeptide-1 is a synthetic version of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) used in skincare to support cell proliferation, wound healing, and signs of skin repair and rejuvenation. It is typically incorporated into anti-aging and post-procedure formulations at low concentrations.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is converted to active ascorbic acid in the skin. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and is also studied for its brightening and anti-acne (antibacterial) effects.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water is essentially inert; reactions are attributable to other formula components, not the water itself. |
| Transient skin barrier disruption from excessive exposure | Rare | Prolonged or repeated wetting can contribute to mild barrier compromise, but this relates to usage patterns rather than the ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Documented in isolated case reports; true sensitization is unusual. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Rare | Possible with high concentrations in leave-on products. |
| Redness or erythema | Uncommon | Typically mild and resolves after discontinuation. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or redness possible, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports of hives following exposure. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible with higher concentrations or on compromised skin barrier. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with direct ocular contact, relevant in cleansers and rinse-off products. |
| Concern over ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane trace contaminants | Rare | Byproducts of ethoxylation; minimized by manufacturer purification and within regulatory limits. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Purified Water Solvent/vehicle | Purified water is a highly filtered, deionized water used as the primary solvent and base in most skincare formulations. It dissolves water-soluble ingredients and provides the medium in which other components are dispersed. |
| 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%. |
| Pentylene Glycol Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Solubilizer/emulsifier | PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to dissolve fragrances and oils into water-based formulations and to stabilize emulsions. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Trideceth-9 Surfactant/emulsifier | Trideceth-9 is a polyethylene glycol ether of tridecyl alcohol used as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse fragrances and other oil-soluble ingredients. |
| 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. |
| Phenylethyl Resorcinol Key active Skin-brightening agent | Phenylethyl Resorcinol is a resorcinol-derivative tyrosinase inhibitor used to reduce melanin production, helping to fade hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. It is a potent active that requires careful formulation due to instability and oxidation potential. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sclareolide Key active Skin-conditioning / sebum-regulating agent | Sclareolide is a naturally derived lactone (originally from clary sage) used in skincare for its purported sebum-regulating and skin-brightening properties. It is sometimes marketed as a tyrosinase-modulating ingredient to help even skin tone. |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening vitamin C derivative | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Solvent / penetration enhancer | Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (ethoxydiglycol) is a versatile solvent and penetration enhancer used in cosmetic and topical formulations to dissolve active ingredients and improve their absorption into the skin. It also functions as a viscosity reducer and coupling agent in mixed-phase products. |
| SH-Oligopeptide-1 Key active Growth factor / cell-signaling peptide | SH-Oligopeptide-1 is a synthetic version of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) used in skincare to support cell proliferation, wound healing, and signs of skin repair and rejuvenation. It is typically incorporated into anti-aging and post-procedure formulations at low concentrations. |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Key active Vitamin C derivative / antioxidant | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is converted to active ascorbic acid in the skin. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and is also studied for its brightening and anti-acne (antibacterial) effects. |
| Phosphatidylcholine Emollient / skin-conditioning phospholipid | Phosphatidylcholine is a naturally occurring phospholipid used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and delivery vehicle, often forming liposomes that enhance penetration of other ingredients. It also helps support and replenish the skin's lipid barrier. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Alpha-Arbutin Key active Skin-brightening agent | Alpha arbutin is a naturally derived hydroquinone derivative that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production. It is used to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. |
| Tranexamic Acid Key active Brightening / pigment-correcting active | Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative used topically to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark spots by inhibiting the plasminogen-plasmin pathway and reducing melanin transfer to keratinocytes. It is also valued for helping calm redness and improve uneven skin tone. |
| Centella Asiatica Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Key active Soothing / brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract is a botanical ingredient containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin, valued for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. |
| 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. |
| SH-Oligopeptide-2 Key active Cell-communicating peptide / signaling growth factor analog | SH-Oligopeptide-2 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), used in cosmetic formulations to support cell proliferation, skin repair, and anti-aging effects. It is typically incorporated into serums and creams aimed at improving skin texture and firmness. |
| 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. |
| 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 NG Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide NG (formerly ceramide 2) is a synthetic skin-identical lipid that helps restore and reinforce the stratum corneum barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Ceramide NP Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| 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 AP Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide AP (ceramide 6-II) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations, often combined with other ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Phytate Chelating agent | Sodium Phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, improving product stability and preventing oxidation. It can also offer mild antioxidant support and is often included at low concentrations. |
| Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Thickener / viscosity modifier | Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose derivative used to thicken and stabilize aqueous skincare formulations and improve texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film-forming agent rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate Antioxidant / chelating stabilizer | Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate is a hindered amine (HALS-type) antioxidant and metal-chelating agent used in skincare to protect formulations from oxidative degradation and to help neutralize free radicals. It functions primarily as a stabilizer and secondary antioxidant rather than a primary treatment active. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It releases sulfur dioxide, which helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. |
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.