Based on its listed ingredients, Charcoal Purifying Face Pack with Activated Charcoal & Glycolic Acid for Skin Detoxification - 200g can feed fungal acne; has higher pore-clogging potential; contains fragrance/allergens — details in the flags below.
Below is every ingredient in Charcoal Purifying Face Pack with Activated Charcoal & Glycolic Acid for Skin Detoxification - 200g 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.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin.
Octenidine HCl is a cationic surfactant antiseptic effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, used in skin and wound disinfection and as a preservative in topical formulations. It binds to negatively charged microbial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity.
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.
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Due to its oil-absorbing properties, especially with overuse or on already dry skin. |
Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Typically transient and related to overuse or sensitive skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions to kaolin or accompanying ingredients are infrequently reported. |
Respiratory irritation from powder inhalation | Rare | Relevant mainly to loose powder formulations during application, not topical use. |
Comedogenicity (acne/clogged pores) | Common | Considered a moderately to highly comedogenic ingredient; may worsen acne or cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals. |
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation or stinging reported, particularly on compromised or sensitive skin. |
Folliculitis | Rare | Follicular irritation linked to its occlusive and pore-clogging tendency. |
Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient redness or stinging in sensitive individuals. |
Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Uncommon | Low comedogenic potential, but may contribute to congestion in acne-prone skin at higher concentrations. |
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. |
Skin irritation, stinging, or burning sensation | Common | Often dose- and concentration-dependent, especially at low pH or high percentages. |
Redness (erythema) | Common | Usually transient and resolves after application or with reduced frequency. |
Dryness and peeling | Common | Result of increased exfoliation; mitigated by moisturizer use. |
Increased photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) | Common | AHAs reduce stratum corneum thickness; daily sunscreen is advised. |
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | More likely in darker skin tones or with overuse/irritation. |
Chemical burns or blistering | Rare | Typically associated with high concentrations, low pH, or prolonged contact in peels. |
Scarring | Very rare | Reported with improper high-strength peel application or severe burns. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Charcoal Water Formulation / support | |
| Kaolin Absorbent/clay cleanser | Kaolin is a naturally occurring soft white clay (hydrated aluminum silicate) used in skincare to absorb excess sebum, oil, and impurities. It is commonly found in face masks, cleansers, and powders as a mattifying and gentle exfoliating agent. |
| Isopropyl Myristate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid used as an emollient, thickening reducer, and penetration enhancer in cosmetic and topical formulations. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel and improves spreadability of products. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. 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. |
| Glycolic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Bentonite Absorbent clay / mask base | Bentonite is a montmorillonite-rich absorbent clay used in masks and cleansers to adsorb excess sebum, oils, and impurities from the skin. It also acts as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Soya Lecithin Emollient / emulsifier | Soya Lecithin is a phospholipid-rich substance derived from soybeans, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and delivery agent that helps stabilize formulations and enhance skin penetration of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| Octenidine HCl Key active Antiseptic/antimicrobial | Octenidine HCl is a cationic surfactant antiseptic effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, used in skin and wound disinfection and as a preservative in topical formulations. It binds to negatively charged microbial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity. |
| IFRA Certified Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | IFRA Certified Fragrance refers to a fragrance blend formulated in compliance with International Fragrance Association (IFRA) safety standards, used to impart scent or mask base odors in cosmetic products. It is a sensory/formulation additive rather than a functional skincare active. |
| 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. |
| Charcoal Powder Absorbent/cleansing agent | Charcoal powder (activated carbon) is a porous, adsorbent material used in cleansers and masks to bind oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin surface. It functions primarily as a physical absorbent rather than a chemically active treatment. |
| Chlorphenesin Preservative / antimicrobial | Chlorphenesin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics and skincare as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is also occasionally used for its mild muscle-relaxant and antifungal properties in topical formulations. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Didecyldimonium Chloride Antimicrobial preservative/conditioning agent | Didecyldimonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound (quat) used in cosmetics primarily as an antimicrobial preservative and antistatic conditioning agent. It is found in hair and skin formulations where it helps inhibit microbial growth and improves product feel. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Betaine Anhydrous Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine Anhydrous is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant, helping to attract and retain moisture while protecting cells against osmotic stress. It also imparts a smooth, conditioning feel and can reduce irritation potential of surfactant-based formulas. |
| 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. |
| Lactic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations. |
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.