Nykaa · 🇮🇳 India

Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash

15 ingredients
What's in it

Below is every ingredient in Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.

Suitability at a glance — for Indian skin

🍄 May trigger fungal acne
1 ingredient(s) can feed Malassezia — relevant in humid Indian weather
Pore-clogging risk: Low
Highest comedogenic rating 0/5 — matters for oily, acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free
No fragrance or EU-declared allergens

Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.

Your questions, answered from the ingredient list

Is Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash fungal-acne safe?
Based on its listed ingredients, Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash contains 1 ingredient(s) reported to feed Malassezia (the yeast behind fungal acne): Ferment Extract. If you are fungal-acne prone, you may want to avoid these.
Does Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash contain fragrance?
No fragrance ingredients or EU-declared allergens were detected in the listed ingredients of Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash.
Will Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash clog pores?
The highest comedogenic rating among its listed ingredients is 0/5 (low). Comedogenicity matters most for oily, acne-prone skin in humid Indian weather; it is a property of ingredients in lab tests, not a guarantee either way.
Is Vilvah Milk Powder Face Wash safe to use in pregnancy?
None of its listed ingredients are flagged for pregnancy caution in our reference data — but always confirm your full routine with your own doctor.

Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.

Key actives

Ferment Extract
Conditioning/soothing

Ferment extracts are bioactive ingredients produced by fermenting plant, yeast, or bacterial substrates, yielding amino acids, peptides, organic acids, and polysaccharides. They are used in skincare for hydration, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting effects.

Hyaluronic Acid
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.

Papain
Enzymatic exfoliant

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from papaya (Carica papaya) that breaks down keratin and dead skin proteins, providing gentle exfoliation. It is also used to soften skin and aid in the removal of debris and surface buildup.

Crocus Sativus Extract
Antioxidant/skin-brightening botanical

Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids and flavonoids used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is often included to help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect against oxidative stress.

Side effects reported in research

Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.

Reported effectHow oftenNotes
Skin irritation or contact dermatitisRareGenerally well tolerated; occasional mild irritation reported in sensitive individuals.
Allergic contact sensitizationVery rareIsolated case reports, sometimes linked to corn allergy or residual proteins.
Folliculitis or worsening of fungal/yeast conditionsUncommonAs a starch, it can serve as a substrate for microbial growth in moist or occluded areas.
Respiratory irritation from inhalation of loose powderRareRelevant mainly to powdered products applied near the face.
Skin irritation or drynessUncommonMore likely at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact, though milder than sulfates.
Eye irritationUncommonCan cause stinging if formulations contact the eyes.
Allergic contact dermatitisRareSensitization reported infrequently in patch-test literature.
Mucosal irritation in oral productsRareOccasionally noted with toothpaste use in sensitive individuals.
Mild skin dryness or tightnessUncommonMore likely with high concentrations or frequent use on already dry skin.
Skin irritation or rednessRareGenerally considered low-irritant; possible in sensitive individuals or with prolonged contact.
Mild transient stinging or irritationRareGenerally very well tolerated; minor irritation reported mostly on compromised skin
Redness or tinglingRareTypically resolves quickly after discontinuation
Mild skin irritationRareOccasional redness or dryness, typically in sensitive skin.
Pore congestionRareMay occur in acne-prone skin if powder accumulates.

Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.

Full ingredient breakdown

IngredientWhat it does
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Absorbent / anti-caking agent
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch is a natural polysaccharide powder derived from corn kernels, used in cosmetics to absorb moisture and oil, impart a soft matte feel, and act as a bulking or anti-caking agent. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Surfactant / cleansing agent
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is an amino acid-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos and toothpastes to provide gentle foaming and cleansing. It is generally considered milder than traditional sulfate surfactants.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Mild surfactant/cleansing agent
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle, coconut-derived anionic surfactant widely used in syndet cleansing bars and facial cleansers to produce a creamy lather while being milder than traditional soaps. It cleanses by emulsifying oils and debris with relatively low irritation potential.
Betaine
Humectant / osmolyte
Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder
Absorbent/Mattifying agent
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder is a finely milled rice-derived powder used in cosmetics primarily to absorb excess oil and sebum, provide a soft matte finish, and improve product texture. It functions as a natural bulking, anti-caking, and skin-soothing agent in formulations.
Oryza Sativa Cera
Emollient / thickener (rice bran wax)
Oryza Sativa Cera is a plant-derived wax obtained from rice bran (Oryza sativa) that functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and structuring component in balms, sticks, and creams. It helps stabilize emulsions, impart a smooth texture, and provide a protective occlusive film on the skin.
Ferment Extract Key active
Conditioning/soothing
Ferment extracts are bioactive ingredients produced by fermenting plant, yeast, or bacterial substrates, yielding amino acids, peptides, organic acids, and polysaccharides. They are used in skincare for hydration, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting effects.
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.
Oryza Sativa Hull Powder
Abrasive/absorbent
Oryza Sativa (rice) Hull Powder is a finely milled powder derived from rice husks, used in cosmetics as a mild physical exfoliant, bulking agent, and oil-absorbing component. It is valued in scrubs and powders for its gentle abrasive texture and natural origin.
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Soothing agent / skin-conditioning
Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Flour is a finely milled oat-derived ingredient rich in starches, beta-glucans, and avenanthramides that helps soothe, soften, and protect the skin barrier. It is commonly used in colloidal oatmeal preparations to relieve dryness and minor irritation.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent / cationic polymer
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a quaternized, cationic derivative of guar gum used in skincare and haircare as a conditioning, antistatic, and viscosity-modifying agent. It deposits on negatively charged skin and hair surfaces to improve softness, manageability, and texture.
Papain Key active
Enzymatic exfoliant
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from papaya (Carica papaya) that breaks down keratin and dead skin proteins, providing gentle exfoliation. It is also used to soften skin and aid in the removal of debris and surface buildup.
Crocus Sativus Extract Key active
Antioxidant/skin-brightening botanical
Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids and flavonoids used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is often included to help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect against oxidative stress.
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.
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.

From published literature

Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.

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