Below is every ingredient in Mars By Ghc Anti Ageing Face Serum With 5Percent Niacinamide 0 2Percent Retinol Hyaluronic 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.
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.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dryness and flaking | Common | Often occurs during the initial adjustment period as skin acclimates. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Mild irritation and redness, especially at higher concentrations. |
| Stinging or burning sensation | Common | Typically transient upon application. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | Skin becomes more susceptible to UV damage; daytime sunscreen recommended. |
| Peeling or scaling | Uncommon | More likely with frequent use or higher strengths. |
| Retinoid dermatitis | Uncommon | Contact dermatitis-like reaction with persistent irritation. |
| Purging (temporary breakouts) | Uncommon | Transient acne flare attributed to accelerated cell turnover. |
| Severe allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Hypersensitivity reaction requiring discontinuation. |
| Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation | Rare | More frequently reported in darker skin tones following irritation. |
| Transient skin tightness or dryness | Uncommon | May occur in low-humidity environments where the ingredient can draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive. |
| Mild irritation, redness, or stinging | Uncommon | Often related to other formulation components or compromised skin barrier rather than hyaluronic acid itself. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported infrequently; true hypersensitivity to topical hyaluronic acid is unusual. |
| Hypersensitivity reactions with injectable forms | Rare | Pertains to dermal filler use rather than topical application; includes swelling or nodule formation. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Rare | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin, usually transient |
| Contact allergy / allergic dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports; uncommon for amino acids |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Generally mild and resolves on discontinuation |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hyaluronic Acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| Arginine Amino acid / pH adjuster & conditioning agent | Arginine is a basic amino acid used in skincare primarily as a pH buffer/neutralizer and humectant-like conditioning agent that supports skin hydration and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and often paired with acidic ingredients to balance formulation pH. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
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.