Below is every ingredient in Kora Organics Kakadu Plum 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.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid.
Lactobacillus Ferment is a postbiotic ingredient produced by the fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria, used in skincare for its soothing, barrier-supporting, and antioxidant properties. It may help balance the skin microbiome and reduce visible signs of irritation.
A postbiotic ingredient produced by fermenting acerola cherry with Lactobacillus, valued for its naturally high vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. It is used in skincare to help brighten, support the skin barrier, and provide soothing conditioning benefits.
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract is derived from chili pepper fruit and contains capsaicinoids, vitamins, and antioxidants. In skincare it is used to stimulate local circulation, provide a warming sensation, and for its antioxidant and conditioning properties.
Lactobacillus refers to a genus of lactic acid bacteria used in skincare as live cultures, ferment filtrates, or lysates to support the skin microbiome, barrier function, and provide soothing or antimicrobial effects. It is often included for its purported balancing and conditioning properties.
Morinda Citrifolia (noni) Fruit Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in vitamin C, polysaccharides, and phenolic antioxidants, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally well tolerated and incorporated for soothing and protective claims.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sensitization can cause redness, itching, or rash, particularly in individuals allergic to plants in the Liliaceae family. |
| Mild stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | Transient sensation, more likely on broken or sensitive skin. |
| Skin redness or irritation | Rare | Generally mild and self-limiting; may relate to preservatives or anthraquinone content in poorly processed extracts. |
| Delayed wound healing | Very rare | Reported in isolated cases when applied to surgical or deep wounds. |
| Mild transient stinging or tingling | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after discontinuation |
| Dryness or mild irritation | Rare | Can occur depending on formulation and pH |
| 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. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Rare | Typically resolves shortly after application; more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Contact erythema (redness) | Rare | Localized and usually temporary. |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties, often included to calm irritation and improve skin moisture. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Ascorbyl Glucoside Key active Antioxidant / vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid. |
| 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. |
| Lactobacillus Ferment Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning/soothing agent | Lactobacillus Ferment is a postbiotic ingredient produced by the fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria, used in skincare for its soothing, barrier-supporting, and antioxidant properties. It may help balance the skin microbiome and reduce visible signs of irritation. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster / saponifying agent | Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound used in cosmetics to adjust pH and to saponify fatty acids in the production of liquid soaps and cleansers. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, functioning as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment. |
| Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning (probiotic ferment) | A postbiotic ingredient produced by fermenting acerola cherry with Lactobacillus, valued for its naturally high vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. It is used in skincare to help brighten, support the skin barrier, and provide soothing conditioning benefits. |
| Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract Key active Skin-conditioning / circulation stimulant | Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract is derived from chili pepper fruit and contains capsaicinoids, vitamins, and antioxidants. In skincare it is used to stimulate local circulation, provide a warming sensation, and for its antioxidant and conditioning properties. |
| Dicaprylyl Carbonate Emollient / texture enhancer | Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut-based fatty alcohols and carbonic acid, used to improve skin feel and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a solvent and helps distribute pigments and other ingredients evenly. |
| Lactobacillus Key active Probiotic/skin-conditioning | Lactobacillus refers to a genus of lactic acid bacteria used in skincare as live cultures, ferment filtrates, or lysates to support the skin microbiome, barrier function, and provide soothing or antimicrobial effects. It is often included for its purported balancing and conditioning properties. |
| Citrus Limon Peel Extract Astringent/fragrance/antioxidant | Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract is derived from lemon rind and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and brightening properties as well as its natural fragrance. It contains vitamin C, flavonoids, and citrus essential oil components such as limonene. |
| Lysolecithin Emulsifier / penetration enhancer | Lysolecithin is a hydrolyzed form of lecithin used in skincare primarily as an emulsifier and delivery agent that helps blend oil and water phases and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients. It is generally well tolerated and functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sclerotium Gum Thickener / stabilizer | Sclerotium Gum is a natural polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, used as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It also imparts a smooth skin feel and helps suspend particles in creams, gels, and serums. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Pullulan Film-forming agent / texturizer | Pullulan is a naturally derived polysaccharide produced by fermentation of starch by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. In skincare it forms a thin, breathable film on the skin, providing a temporary tightening or smoothing effect and helping to stabilize formulations. |
| Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract Emollient/skin-conditioning | Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Fruit Extract is derived from the coconut and is used in skincare primarily for its emollient, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties. It contains fatty acids and other lipids that help soften skin and support the skin barrier. |
| 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. |
| Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrating agent | Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is an enzymatically or chemically fragmented, low-molecular-weight form of sodium hyaluronate used in skincare to attract and bind water. Its smaller size allows better penetration into the upper layers of the skin compared to high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, supporting surface hydration and a smoother appearance. |
| Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Morinda Citrifolia (noni) Fruit Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in vitamin C, polysaccharides, and phenolic antioxidants, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally well tolerated and incorporated for soothing and protective claims. |
| Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit extract is an exceptionally rich natural source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) along with ellagic and gallic acids, valued in skincare for antioxidant protection and potential brightening effects. It helps neutralize free radicals and may support collagen-related processes when stabilized in formulations. |
| Sodium Phytate Chelating agent | Sodium Phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, improving product stability and preventing oxidation. It can also offer mild antioxidant support and is often included at low concentrations. |
| Silica Absorbent/texturizer | Silica is a mineral-derived ingredient (silicon dioxide) used in cosmetics to absorb oil and sebum, improve texture, and act as a bulking, anti-caking, or matting agent. It is generally inert and well tolerated on skin. |
| Salvia Sclarea Extract Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Salvia Sclarea (clary sage) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, often included to help soothe and condition the skin. It contains polyphenols and aromatic compounds that may help balance sebum and provide a calming effect. |
| Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Natural preservative | Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a fermentation-derived ingredient produced by culturing Leuconostoc bacteria on radish roots, yielding antimicrobial peptides used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. It helps protect water-based cosmetic formulations from microbial growth while sometimes contributing mild conditioning properties. |
| 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. |
| 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 Salicylate Exfoliant / preservative | Sodium salicylate is the sodium salt of salicylic acid, used in skincare as a beta-hydroxy acid exfoliant and as a preservative or pH-adjusting agent. It offers mild keratolytic and anti-inflammatory effects similar to salicylic acid but with greater water solubility. |
| Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract Antioxidant / fragrance-skin conditioning | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (sweet orange) Peel Extract is derived from orange peel and contains flavonoids, limonene, and vitamin C, used in skincare for antioxidant, conditioning, and fragrance properties. It can add a citrus scent and provide mild brightening or soothing effects. |
| Alcohol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Alcohol (typically ethanol or denatured alcohol) is used in skincare as a solvent, antimicrobial agent, and to improve product spreadability and rapid drying. It also enhances penetration of other ingredients and gives a lightweight feel to formulations. |
| 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. |
| Citral Fragrance/aroma ingredient | Citral is a naturally occurring aldehyde found in citrus and lemongrass oils, used in cosmetics primarily for its fresh, lemon-like scent. It is a recognized fragrance allergen rather than a treatment active. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
| Linalool Fragrance/masking agent | Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, and many other plants, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance component. It readily oxidizes upon exposure to air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. |
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.