Below is every ingredient in Farmacy Beauty 10Percent Waterless Vitamin C 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.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen.
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.
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect.
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 irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; propanediol is generally considered low-risk for allergy. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| 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. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | More likely at higher concentrations or low pH, and on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Transient redness (erythema) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after acclimation or reducing frequency. |
| Dryness or skin irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with frequent use or in combination with other actives. |
| Yellow-orange skin staining from oxidized product | Rare | Caused by degraded (oxidized) formulations rather than the fresh active itself. |
| Redness or tingling | Rare | Typically resolves quickly after discontinuation |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Typically transient, more likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Redness (erythema) | Uncommon | Usually mild and resolves with discontinuation or reduced frequency. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Patch testing recommended for those with sensitive or reactive skin. |
| Paradoxical hyperpigmentation | Very rare | Theoretical concern linked to hydroquinone-type compounds; not well documented for alpha arbutin at typical use levels. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations. |
| 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. |
| Ferulic Acid Key active Antioxidant | Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect. |
| Citrus Aurantium Amara Fruit Extract Skin conditioning / astringent | Citrus Aurantium Amara (bitter orange) Fruit Extract is derived from the bitter orange fruit and is used in skincare for its conditioning, toning, and mild astringent properties, often contributing fragrance and antioxidant compounds. It contains flavonoids, vitamin C, and volatile oils. |
| Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract Botanical extract / antioxidant | Citrus Reticulata (mandarin/tangerine) Fruit Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties, supplied by vitamin C, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. It is typically included as a supportive botanical rather than a primary clinical active. |
| Citrus Aurantium Sinensis Peel Extract Fragrance/antioxidant | Citrus Aurantium Sinensis (sweet orange) peel extract is derived from orange peel and is used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance, flavoring, and skin-conditioning agent, with some antioxidant properties from naturally occurring flavonoids and limonene. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.