Below is every ingredient in M A C Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cream To Foam Cleanser 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.
Paeonia Albiflora (white peony) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, often included to help brighten and calm the skin. It contains compounds such as paeoniflorin and polyphenols.
Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress.
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.
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 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. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Soap-based surfactants derived from it can strip natural oils, especially with frequent use. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals or at higher concentrations. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | Considered moderately comedogenic; may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent but has been reported. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional minor irritation, generally in sensitive individuals. |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact; generally considered low-irritation. |
| Contact allergy / dermatitis | Rare | Allergic sensitization is infrequently reported. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Uncommon | May contribute to pore blockage in acne-prone 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. |
| 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. |
| Myristic Acid Surfactant/cleansing agent | Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, often reacted with alkalis to form soap-based surfactants. It contributes to foaming and texture in cleansers and other formulations. |
| Behenic Acid Emollient/thickener | Behenic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid (C22) used in skincare as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer to improve texture and provide a smooth, conditioning feel. It is derived from plant oils such as rapeseed and peanut oil. |
| Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a gentle, taurine-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide foaming and cleansing while being milder than sulfate-based surfactants. It is generally well tolerated and often chosen for sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Palmitic Acid Emollient / surfactant | Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and cleansing agent that helps soften skin and stabilize formulations. It is also a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. |
| 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. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Algae Extract Emollient/conditioning agent (humectant, antioxidant) | Algae extract is a marine-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants used to hydrate, soothe, and condition the skin. It functions primarily as a moisturizing and skin-conditioning agent rather than a clinically proven therapeutic active. |
| Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Paeonia Albiflora (white peony) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, often included to help brighten and calm the skin. It contains compounds such as paeoniflorin and polyphenols. |
| Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate Humectant / conditioning agent | Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate is a cationic (quaternized) modified form of hyaluronic acid that carries a positive charge, improving its substantivity and ability to bind to skin and hair for enhanced moisturization and conditioning. It functions primarily as a humectant and film-forming conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. |
| Caffeine Key active Antioxidant / vasoconstrictor | Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| Sorbitol Humectant | Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used in skincare as a humectant and texture enhancer, drawing moisture into the skin and improving product spreadability. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Sucrose Humectant / emollient | Sucrose is a sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, and as a mild physical exfoliant in scrub formulations. It also functions as a texture-enhancing and slip agent in cosmetic bases. |
| 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. |
| Polyquaternium-7 Conditioning/film-forming polymer | Polyquaternium-7 is a cationic synthetic copolymer used in skincare and hair care as a conditioning agent and film former, imparting smoothness, reducing static, and enhancing sensory feel. It is a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Tetrasodium EDTA Chelating agent | Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preserving efficacy, and enhancing the performance of preservatives and surfactants. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance/UV-absorber | Benzyl salicylate is an aromatic ester used primarily as a fragrance ingredient and, to a lesser extent, as a UV-light absorber in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a faint floral, balsamic scent and helps stabilize fragrance compositions. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Dehydroacetate Preservative | Sodium dehydroacetate is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative to inhibit growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It is most effective in slightly acidic to neutral pH ranges. |
| Chlorphenesin Preservative / antimicrobial | Chlorphenesin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics and skincare as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is also occasionally used for its mild muscle-relaxant and antifungal properties in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.