Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop Tea Tree Gel Cleanser Korean Face Wash With Salicylic Acid Bha Aha Pha For A 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.
Carnitine is an amino acid derivative used in skincare primarily to reduce sebum production and improve the appearance of oily skin. It supports fatty acid transport and lipid metabolism within cells.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) flower/leaf/stem extract is derived from the Australian tea tree and contains terpene compounds valued for antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne, oily skin, and minor skin irritation.
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin surface, provides antioxidant and humectant benefits, and is often considered milder than alpha hydroxy acids. It is well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, due to its larger molecular size and slower penetration.
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 irritation | Uncommon | Generally considered mild, but can cause irritation at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | May sting or irritate eyes in rinse-off products if direct contact occurs. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is uncommon; occasional reactions may relate to manufacturing impurities. |
| Mild transient skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Generally less drying than sulfate surfactants, but possible with frequent or prolonged use. |
| Eye irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Can occur on direct contact in cleansers; usually mild and reversible. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Considered a low-irritant surfactant; reactions are infrequent and typically mild. |
| Mild skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Generally low irritation potential; may occur with high concentrations or in sensitive/compromised skin. |
| Transient eye irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Less irritating than many surfactants, but contact with eyes can cause temporary discomfort. |
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. |
| Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Surfactant/cleansing agent | Lauryl Hydroxysultaine is a zwitterionic (amphoteric) surfactant derived from coconut or synthetic lauryl sources, used as a secondary cleansing and foam-boosting agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It is valued for its mildness and ability to reduce the irritancy of stronger anionic surfactants. |
| Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is an amino acid-derived (glycine-based) anionic surfactant produced from coconut fatty acids. It is valued as a gentle, mild cleansing and foaming agent that is less irritating and more skin-compatible than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate is an amino acid-derived (alanine and coconut fatty acid) anionic surfactant used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in face washes, shampoos, and body cleansers. It is valued for its mildness and good skin compatibility compared to harsher sulfate-based surfactants. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| 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. |
| Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil Soothing / fragrance | Anthemis Nobilis (Roman chamomile) Flower Oil is an essential oil derived from chamomile flowers, used in skincare for its perceived soothing, anti-inflammatory, and aromatic properties. It is typically included at low concentrations as a fragrance and calming additive rather than a primary treatment ingredient. |
| Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil Fragrance/Aromatic | Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil is an essential oil distilled from vetiver roots, used primarily as a fragrance and aromatic component in cosmetic formulations. It contains sesquiterpene compounds and is valued for its earthy, woody scent. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention properties. |
| 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. |
| Carnitine Key active Sebum-regulating agent | Carnitine is an amino acid derivative used in skincare primarily to reduce sebum production and improve the appearance of oily skin. It supports fatty acid transport and lipid metabolism within cells. |
| Serine Humectant / amino acid | Serine is a naturally occurring amino acid and component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used in skincare to support hydration and help maintain the skin barrier. It is typically incorporated as a conditioning and water-binding agent rather than a clinical treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 1,2-Hexanediol Humectant / preservative booster | 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic diol used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, often allowing reduced or preservative-free systems. It helps maintain product stability while contributing mild moisturizing properties. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract Key active Antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) flower/leaf/stem extract is derived from the Australian tea tree and contains terpene compounds valued for antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne, oily skin, and minor skin irritation. |
| Gluconolactone Key active Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant/humectant | Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin surface, provides antioxidant and humectant benefits, and is often considered milder than alpha hydroxy acids. It is well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, due to its larger molecular size and slower penetration. |
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant / moisturizer | Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid broken into smaller fragments, allowing better penetration into the skin to bind water and improve hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to enhance skin moisture content and surface smoothness. |
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.