Below is every ingredient in Kesar & Kojic Acid Face Wash - 100g 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%.
Crocus Sativus (saffron/Kesar) flower extract is a botanical derived from saffron, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties attributed to compounds like crocin, crocetin and safranal. It is used to help even skin tone and protect against oxidative stress.
Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection.
Kojic acid is a fungal-derived organic acid that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production and helping to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. It is commonly used in topical depigmenting formulations.
Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) Extract is derived from the fruit, seed, or kernel of the date palm and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, sugars, and vitamins. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, humectant, and skin-conditioning properties, with some research suggesting anti-aging and barrier-supporting benefits.
Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or tightness | Common | In soap-based cleansers, can disrupt the skin barrier and strip natural oils, especially with frequent use. |
| Mild irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Uncommon | Rated moderately comedogenic; may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to fatty acids or their derivatives is infrequent but documented in patch-test literature. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Skin irritation | Common | More likely with high-pH or poorly buffered formulations, especially on sensitive skin. |
| Dryness or tightness | Common | Can disrupt the skin barrier and strip natural oils with frequent use. |
| Chemical burns | Rare | Occurs primarily with concentrated raw material or improper formulation, not in finished consumer products. |
| Eye irritation or injury | Uncommon | Risk with accidental contact, particularly with cleansers near the eye area. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| \n\n\n\nMyristic Acid Surfactant/cleansing agent, emulsifier | Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and surfactant, frequently reacted with alkalis to form soaps in facial washes and cleansers. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster / saponifying agent | Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound used in cosmetics to adjust pH and to saponify fatty acids in the production of liquid soaps and cleansers. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, functioning as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| Ethylene Glycol Distearate Opacifier/pearlescent agent | Ethylene Glycol Distearate is a wax-like diester of stearic acid and ethylene glycol used primarily in rinse-off products such as shampoos and body washes to impart a pearly, opaque appearance and to act as a thickener and emollient. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Monostearate Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl monostearate is a non-ionic emulsifier and thickening agent widely used in creams and lotions to blend oil and water phases and improve texture. It also provides mild skin-conditioning and emollient properties. |
| 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%. |
| Crocus Sativus Flower (Kesar) Extract Key active Antioxidant / brightening botanical extract | Crocus Sativus (saffron/Kesar) flower extract is a botanical derived from saffron, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties attributed to compounds like crocin, crocetin and safranal. It is used to help even skin tone and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Key active Brightening / anti-inflammatory antioxidant | Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection. |
| Kojic Acid Key active Skin-brightening agent (tyrosinase inhibitor) | Kojic acid is a fungal-derived organic acid that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production and helping to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. It is commonly used in topical depigmenting formulations. |
| 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. |
| Glucose Humectant/skin-conditioning agent | Glucose is a simple sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can also serve as a substrate in formulations and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| 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. |
| Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm)Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) Extract is derived from the fruit, seed, or kernel of the date palm and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, sugars, and vitamins. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, humectant, and skin-conditioning properties, with some research suggesting anti-aging and barrier-supporting benefits. |
| 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. |
| Polyquaternium 7 Conditioning/film-forming polymer | Polyquaternium-7 is a cationic synthetic copolymer used in skincare and hair care as a conditioning agent and film former, imparting smoothness, reducing static, and enhancing sensory feel. It is 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. |
| Titanium Dioxide Key active UV filter / mineral sunscreen | Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin. |
| Butylated Hydroxytoluene Antioxidant/preservative | Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils and fats, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. It functions as a stabilizer rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Meta Bi Sulphate Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic sulfite salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It is a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment ingredient. |
| Glycolipids Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Glycolipids are lipid molecules linked to carbohydrate groups that help maintain the skin barrier and act as emollients and emulsifiers in cosmetic formulations. They support moisture retention and stabilize the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant/stabilizer | Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a hindered-phenol antioxidant (also known as the industrial stabilizer Irganox 1010) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fats, and other ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment. |
| Vitamin E Key active Antioxidant / emollient | Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect cells from oxidative damage and to stabilize formulations against rancidity. It also functions as an emollient and helps support 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. |
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.