Below is every ingredient in The Derma Co 1Percent Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash With Salicylic Acid Witch Hazel For Act 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.
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.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract is derived from white willow bark and contains salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid, valued for its mild keratolytic, exfoliating, and soothing properties. It is often used as a gentler, naturally derived alternative to synthetic salicylic acid in skincare formulations.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in tannins and polyphenols, used in skincare for its astringent, soothing, and mild antioxidant properties. It is commonly found in toners and products targeting oily or irritated skin.
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. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Strong detergency can strip natural lipids with frequent use. |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Irritant rather than typically allergic; sensitive skin more susceptible. |
| Allergic sensitization | Very rare | Genuine allergic reactions to AOS are infrequently reported. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation possible, particularly in leave-on or high-concentration use; generally well tolerated in rinse-off products. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization has been reported, sometimes attributed to manufacturing impurities such as residual amidoamine or fatty acids. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause transient stinging or redness on direct ocular contact in cleansers and shampoos. |
| 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. |
| Nitrosamine contamination concern | Very rare | Theoretical risk if formulated with nitrosating agents; ethanolamides can form nitrosamines under certain conditions. |
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. |
| Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Anionic surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) is an anionic surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide foaming, emulsifying, and cleansing action. It is valued for good lather and detergency, performing well even in hard water. |
| Oleamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant / cleansing agent | Oleamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant derived from oleic acid, used in cleansers and shampoos to provide gentle foaming, cleansing, and conditioning while reducing the harshness of primary surfactants. It also functions as a viscosity enhancer and antistatic agent in rinse-off formulations. |
| 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. |
| Cocamide MEA Foaming agent / surfactant | Cocamide MEA (Cocamide monoethanolamide) is a coconut oil-derived non-ionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos as a foam booster, viscosity enhancer, and emulsion stabilizer. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Lactate Humectant / NMF component | Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and a key component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used to hydrate the skin and buffer formulation pH. It also has mild exfoliating and humectant properties that help maintain skin moisture and barrier function. |
| 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. |
| Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract Key active Exfoliant / anti-inflammatory | Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract is derived from white willow bark and contains salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid, valued for its mild keratolytic, exfoliating, and soothing properties. It is often used as a gentler, naturally derived alternative to synthetic salicylic acid in skincare formulations. |
| Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract Key active Astringent / anti-inflammatory | Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in tannins and polyphenols, used in skincare for its astringent, soothing, and mild antioxidant properties. It is commonly found in toners and products targeting oily or irritated skin. |
| Coco-Glucoside Mild surfactant/cleanser | Coco Glucoside is a gentle, plant-derived nonionic surfactant (an alkyl polyglucoside made from coconut fatty alcohols and glucose) used as a cleansing and foaming agent in face washes, shampoos, and body cleansers. It is valued for its mildness, biodegradability, and good skin and eye tolerance compared with harsher surfactants. |
| Glyceryl Oleate Emollient / emulsifier | Glyceryl oleate is a monoglyceride ester of glycerin and oleic acid used in skincare as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and nonionic co-emulsifier. It helps stabilize emulsions, soften skin, and support the lipid barrier. |
| PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate Thickener/emulsifier | PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a polyethylene glycol-derived emollient and viscosity-building agent used in cleansers and surfactant systems to thicken formulations and provide a smooth, conditioned skin feel. It functions as a nonionic co-emulsifier and rheology modifier rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Triethylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Triethylene glycol is a low-molecular-weight glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and humectant, helping to dissolve ingredients and retain moisture. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment 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. |
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.