Below is every ingredient in Chemist At Play 1 5Percent Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum 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.
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.
Oryza Sativa (rice)-derived phytoceramide is a plant-based ceramide-like lipid used to help reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is valued in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations for its ability to support stratum corneum integrity and improve hydration.
Amorphophallus Konjac Phytoceramide is a plant-derived ceramide ingredient extracted from konjac tuber, used to support the skin's lipid barrier and improve hydration and moisture retention. It functions as an emollient and barrier-conditioning agent in skincare formulations.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | Transient, often more noticeable at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
| Skin dryness or flaking | Common | Result of accelerated exfoliation, especially when overused. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Usually temporary; more pronounced with higher strengths. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | AHAs heighten UV sensitivity; daily sunscreen is advised. |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Burning, itching, or persistent redness, often from overuse or high concentration. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | More likely in darker skin tones following irritation. |
| Chemical burn or blistering | Rare | Associated with high-concentration peels or prolonged contact. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True hypersensitivity to lactic acid is uncommon. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional sensitivity reported, often related to overall formulation. |
| Skin irritation, redness, or dryness | Uncommon | Associated with higher concentrations, low pH, or frequent use |
| Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported in sensitized individuals |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Saccharide Isomerate Humectant / moisturizer | Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's keratin to provide long-lasting hydration and improve moisture retention. It is structurally similar to carbohydrates naturally found in the skin's upper layers. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Oryza Sativa Phytoceramide Key active Skin-conditioning / moisturizing (ceramide-type emollient) | Oryza Sativa (rice)-derived phytoceramide is a plant-based ceramide-like lipid used to help reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is valued in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations for its ability to support stratum corneum integrity and improve hydration. |
| Amorphophallus Konjac Phytoceramide Key active Skin-conditioning / moisturizing agent | Amorphophallus Konjac Phytoceramide is a plant-derived ceramide ingredient extracted from konjac tuber, used to support the skin's lipid barrier and improve hydration and moisture retention. It functions as an emollient and barrier-conditioning agent in skincare formulations. |
| Phospholipids Emollient / skin-conditioning agent and liposome-forming emulsifier | Phospholipids are amphiphilic lipids (commonly derived from soy or egg lecithin) used in skincare to form liposomes, stabilize emulsions, and reinforce the skin barrier. They also enhance penetration and delivery of other actives. |
| Sphingolipids Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Sphingolipids are a class of lipids, including ceramides, that are naturally present in the stratum corneum and help maintain the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. In topical formulations they are used to restore barrier function and improve hydration in dry or compromised skin. |
| 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. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory & brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation. |
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.