Below is every ingredient in Mamaearth Aqua Glow Gel Face Moisturizer With Himalayan Thermal Water Hyaluronic Acid For 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.
Avena Strigosa (black oat) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants used to soothe, hydrate, and support the skin barrier. It is commonly included in formulations for sensitive or irritated skin for its emollient and calming properties.
Glycine Soja (soybean) Seed Extract is a soy-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning effects. It is also studied for brightening and anti-aging benefits attributed to its phytoestrogen and antioxidant content.
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 on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| 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 stinging or tingling | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated at typical use concentrations |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Hive-like reactions reported in those with oat or cereal allergy. |
| Hypersensitivity reaction | Very rare | Severe reactions rare and generally limited to highly soy-allergic individuals. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally considered low risk, but occlusive films may contribute to congestion in very acne-prone skin. |
| Contact irritation | Very rare | Considered inert and non-irritating; isolated reports only. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyethyl Urea Humectant / moisturizer | Hydroxyethyl Urea is a water-soluble humectant derived from urea that attracts and binds moisture to the skin, helping improve hydration and softness. It is commonly used in moisturizers and leave-on formulations as a gentle alternative to urea. |
| Avena Strigosa Extract Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Avena Strigosa (black oat) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants used to soothe, hydrate, and support the skin barrier. It is commonly included in formulations for sensitive or irritated skin for its emollient and calming properties. |
| Glycine Soja Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant/conditioning | Glycine Soja (soybean) Seed Extract is a soy-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning effects. It is also studied for brightening and anti-aging benefits attributed to its phytoestrogen and antioxidant content. |
| 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. |
| Hydrogenated Polyisobutene Emollient / occlusive | Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic hydrocarbon emollient that imparts a smooth, non-greasy slip and forms an occlusive film to reduce transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a lightweight alternative to mineral oil in moisturizers, lip products, and color cosmetics. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Vinyl Pyrrolidone Copolymer Film former / fixative | Vinyl Pyrrolidone Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics and skincare to form a thin, flexible film on the skin and hair, providing hold, water resistance, and improved product spreadability. It is commonly found in styling products, sunscreens, and long-wear formulations. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether Emulsifier/surfactant | Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether is a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant derived from glycerin and cetyl alcohol, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture in skincare formulations. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Hydrogenated Castor Oil Emollient / emulsifier | Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a waxy, saturated derivative of castor oil produced by hydrogenation, used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It improves texture, provides skin conditioning, and helps stabilize formulations. |
| Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharide Humectant/Moisturizer | Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharide (often marketed as Sacran) is a high-molecular-weight sulfated polysaccharide derived from the freshwater cyanobacterium Aphanothece sacrum. It is used in skincare for its strong water-binding and film-forming properties, providing hydration and a protective barrier on the skin surface. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Thickener / film-forming stabilizer | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic anionic polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations, often forming a smooth film on the skin. It functions primarily as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer rather than a treatment active. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| Parfum Fragrance | Parfum (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory/formulation purpose rather than providing any skin benefit. |
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.