Below is every ingredient in Fixderma Anti Acne Face Serum For Oily Skin Spot Treatment 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.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to target acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol.
Vaccinium Myrtillus (bilberry) Fruit Extract is derived from bilberries and is rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols, providing antioxidant activity in topical formulations. It is used to help protect skin from oxidative stress and as a skin-conditioning agent.
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract is derived from sugar cane and is used in skincare as a humectant and as a source of glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids that provide mild exfoliating and skin-conditioning effects. It is commonly marketed as a natural AHA ingredient, though the actual acid concentration in extracts is often low and variable.
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract is derived from sugar maple sap and is a natural source of malic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids, often used in skincare for mild exfoliation, skin conditioning, and humectant effects. It is sometimes combined with extracts from other plants to create plant-based 'natural AHA' complexes.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract is derived from lemon fruit and contains citric acid, vitamin C, and flavonoids; it is used in skincare for its mild astringent, antioxidant, and brightening properties. It can act as a natural exfoliant and fragrance component.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible at higher concentrations, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to glycol ethers is infrequently reported. |
| Enhanced irritation from co-formulated actives | Uncommon | By increasing penetration, it may intensify the effects or irritation potential of other ingredients. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can occur with accidental contact in concentrated form. |
| 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. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Genuine allergy is uncommon; most reactions are irritant rather than allergic. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Ethoxydiglycol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Ethoxydiglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a glycol ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and viscosity reducer that helps dissolve active ingredients and improve their skin penetration. It is considered a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Cyclodextrin Stabilizer / delivery carrier | Cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide that forms inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules, used in skincare to stabilize, solubilize, and improve delivery of active ingredients while reducing odor and irritation. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a direct skin-active. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to target acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol. |
| 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. |
| Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin conditioning | Vaccinium Myrtillus (bilberry) Fruit Extract is derived from bilberries and is rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols, providing antioxidant activity in topical formulations. It is used to help protect skin from oxidative stress and as a skin-conditioning agent. |
| Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract Key active Humectant / natural exfoliant (AHA source) | Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract is derived from sugar cane and is used in skincare as a humectant and as a source of glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids that provide mild exfoliating and skin-conditioning effects. It is commonly marketed as a natural AHA ingredient, though the actual acid concentration in extracts is often low and variable. |
| Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract Key active Natural AHA source / exfoliant & humectant | Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract is derived from sugar maple sap and is a natural source of malic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids, often used in skincare for mild exfoliation, skin conditioning, and humectant effects. It is sometimes combined with extracts from other plants to create plant-based 'natural AHA' complexes. |
| Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract is derived from sweet orange fruit and is used in skincare for its vitamin C content, antioxidant flavonoids, and skin-conditioning and natural fragrance properties. It is typically included as a supportive botanical ingredient rather than a primary clinical active. |
| Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract Key active Astringent/brightening botanical extract | Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract is derived from lemon fruit and contains citric acid, vitamin C, and flavonoids; it is used in skincare for its mild astringent, antioxidant, and brightening properties. It can act as a natural exfoliant and fragrance component. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil (also known as chaulmoogra oil) is a plant-derived oil historically used in topical preparations and as a skin-conditioning emollient. It contains cyclopentenyl fatty acids and has a long history of medicinal use, notably in the historical treatment of leprosy. |
| Nigella Sativa Seed Oil Key active Emollient / antioxidant | Nigella Sativa (black seed) oil is a plant-derived oil rich in thymoquinone and unsaturated fatty acids, used in skincare for its emollient, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included to soften skin and may help soothe inflammatory conditions. |
| Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil Antimicrobial/fragrance | Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil, commonly known as manuka oil, is an essential oil derived from the New Zealand manuka plant and is used in skincare for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is sometimes incorporated into formulations targeting acne or minor skin irritations, though it also contributes a characteristic aroma. |
| Potassium Lauroyl Wheat Amino Acids Surfactant/Cleansing agent | Potassium Lauroyl Wheat Amino Acids is a mild, amino-acid-derived anionic surfactant made by combining lauric acid with hydrolyzed wheat protein amino acids, neutralized with potassium. It is used in cleansers and foaming products to provide gentle cleansing and conditioning while being less stripping than traditional sulfates. |
| Palm Glycerides Emollient/emulsifier | Palm Glycerides are a mixture of mono-, di-, and triglycerides derived from palm oil, used in skincare primarily as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and co-emulsifier. They help soften skin and stabilize oil-water formulations. |
| Capryloyl Glycine Key active Antimicrobial/sebum-regulating amino acid derivative | Capryloyl Glycine is a lipoamino acid formed from caprylic acid and glycine, used in skincare for its mild antimicrobial, sebum-regulating, and conditioning properties. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin and as a deodorizing or preservative-boosting agent. |
| Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory soothing agent | Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract is a botanical extract rich in lignans such as magnolol and honokiol, valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is used in skincare to help calm irritation, reduce redness and support the skin barrier. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid Key active Conditioning/sebum-regulating agent | 10-Hydroxydecanoic acid is a medium-chain hydroxy fatty acid (a component of royal jelly) used in skincare for its skin-conditioning and reported sebum-modulating and soothing properties. It is sometimes included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin. |
| Sebacic Acid Skin-conditioning/emollient & emulsifier precursor | Sebacic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics primarily as a building block for emollients, emulsifiers, and conditioning esters, and occasionally for mild skin-conditioning effects. It is generally regarded as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a primary therapeutic active. |
| 1,10-Decanediol Key active Acne-active / antimicrobial agent | 1,10-Decanediol is a diol used in topical skincare, primarily in acne-targeted formulations, where it exhibits antimicrobial and sebum-modulating properties against Cutibacterium acnes. It also functions as a mild emollient and preservative-boosting ingredient in some products. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| Capryloyl Glycine Key active Antimicrobial/sebum-regulating amino acid derivative | Capryloyl Glycine is a lipoamino acid formed from caprylic acid and glycine, used in skincare for its mild antimicrobial, sebum-regulating, and conditioning properties. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin and as a deodorizing or preservative-boosting agent. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Sodium Ascorbate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Sodium ascorbate is a mineral (sodium) salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) used as a more pH-neutral, less irritating antioxidant in skincare. It functions to neutralize free radicals, support collagen synthesis, and brighten skin tone. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Retinol Key active Vitamin A derivative / anti-aging active | Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne. |
| Polyquaternium-10 Conditioning/film-former | Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic cellulose-derived polymer used in skincare and hair care to provide conditioning, smoothing, antistatic effects, and to form a thin film on skin and hair. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
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.