Below is every ingredient in Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant 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.
Copper sulfate is an inorganic copper salt used in some topical formulations as an antimicrobial, astringent, and source of copper ions intended to support skin enzymatic and wound-healing processes. It is also used historically in dermatology for certain infections and as a styptic.
Zinc sulfate is a water-soluble zinc salt used in topical formulations for its astringent, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It is often included to help control sebum, soothe irritation, and support skin barrier repair.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculation-supporting properties. It is used in formulations aimed at reducing oxidative stress and soothing the 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Generally low irritation potential, but can occur with high concentrations or prolonged contact. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; occasional reports linked to residual manufacturing impurities. |
| Dryness or stinging | Rare | More likely on already compromised or very sensitive skin. |
| Skin dryness and barrier disruption | Common | Can strip natural lipids with frequent or prolonged use, especially in high concentrations |
| Worsening of existing dermatitis/eczema | Uncommon | May aggravate compromised skin barriers in atopic conditions |
| Concerns regarding 1,4-dioxane contamination | Rare | A trace by-product of ethoxylation; controlled by manufacturing purification standards |
| Skin irritation and contact dermatitis | Common | Redness, itching, or burning at the application site, especially at higher concentrations. |
| Dryness and astringent tightening | Common | Due to its astringent, protein-precipitating action on skin. |
| Allergic contact sensitization | Uncommon | Copper allergy can develop with repeated exposure, confirmable by patch testing. |
| Skin discoloration or greenish staining | Uncommon | Copper salts can leave temporary green-blue tinting on skin or hair. |
| Mucosal or ocular irritation | Rare | Accidental contact with eyes or mucous membranes may cause stinging and inflammation. |
| Systemic copper toxicity | Very rare | Reported only with ingestion or extensive application to broken skin; topical cosmetic use poses minimal risk. |
| Skin irritation or stinging | Common | Mild transient irritation, especially at higher concentrations or on broken skin. |
| Dryness | Uncommon | Astringent action can cause localized dryness with frequent use. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Temporary redness at the application site. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foaming, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for its mildness and is commonly found in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant widely used as a foaming and cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It is generally considered milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate due to ethoxylation. |
| Copper Sulfate Key active Antimicrobial / trace mineral | Copper sulfate is an inorganic copper salt used in some topical formulations as an antimicrobial, astringent, and source of copper ions intended to support skin enzymatic and wound-healing processes. It is also used historically in dermatology for certain infections and as a styptic. |
| Zinc Sulfate Key active Astringent / antimicrobial | Zinc sulfate is a water-soluble zinc salt used in topical formulations for its astringent, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It is often included to help control sebum, soothe irritation, and support skin barrier repair. |
| Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory | Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculation-supporting properties. It is used in formulations aimed at reducing oxidative stress and soothing the skin. |
| 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. |
| Methylpropanediol Humectant/solvent | Methylpropanediol is a small glycol-type ingredient used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that helps hydrate skin and enhance the penetration of other actives. It also contributes to product texture and can support preservative efficacy. |
| PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol-modified glyceryl ester used in cosmetic formulations as a nonionic emulsifier, solubilizer, and mild surfactant. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse fragrances or active ingredients in cleansers, lotions, and creams. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Laureth-2 Emulsifier/surfactant | Laureth-2 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in skincare and cosmetic formulations primarily as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and improve product texture rather than providing a direct therapeutic effect. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| 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. |
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.