Below is every ingredient in Mattifying Gel Moisturizer Refill (50g) 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.
Rosa Canina (rosehip) Fruit Extract is derived from the fruit of the wild rose and is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties.
Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin.
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 irritation or sensitivity | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional reactions in highly sensitive individuals. |
| Acneiform breakouts/clogged pores | Rare | Silicones are largely non-comedogenic, but rare clogging reports exist, often linked to overall formulation or inadequate cleansing. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True allergy to silicone polymers is exceptionally uncommon. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenic-related breakouts | Uncommon | Often anecdotal; dimethicone is largely regarded as non-comedogenic but may trap debris if skin is not cleansed well. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Rare | Transient stinging or discomfort if product enters the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible with high concentrations or on compromised skin barrier. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Reported on direct ocular contact with surfactant-containing products. |
| Concern over 1,4-dioxane trace contamination | Rare | A byproduct of ethoxylation; controlled by purification, not a direct effect of the ingredient itself. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Reported occasionally with PEG-based laureth surfactants. |
| Potential 1,4-dioxane contamination concern | Rare | Trace byproduct of ethoxylation; mitigated by manufacturer purification. |
| Contact allergy / sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are considered low-allergenic; documented reactions are exceptional. |
| Acne or comedone formation | Rare | Generally regarded as non-comedogenic, but isolated breakouts may occur depending on formulation. |
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. |
| Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silicone-based texture enhancer/film former | Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a smooth, silky feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Laureth-23 Surfactant / emulsifier | Laureth-23 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse poorly soluble ingredients rather than providing a direct therapeutic action. |
| Laureth-4 Surfactant/emulsifier | Laureth-4 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer in cosmetic and topical formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and improve product texture. |
| Caprylyl Methicone Emollient / spreading agent | Caprylyl Methicone is a volatile silicone fluid used in cosmetic formulations to provide a light, non-greasy, smooth skin feel and to enhance the spreadability of products. It also acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients, particularly in sunscreens and color cosmetics. |
| PEG-1 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer Emulsifier/Silicone elastomer | PEG-1 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer is a silicone-based crosspolymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations primarily as an emulsifier, texture enhancer, and sensory modifier. It helps stabilize emulsions and imparts a smooth, silky feel to products without contributing therapeutic activity. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| Biosaccharide Gum-1 Humectant / skin-conditioning film former | Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a naturally derived polysaccharide (produced via fermentation of sorbitol) used to hydrate, soothe, and form a smoothing protective film on the skin. It is valued for its moisturizing and skin-softening properties and is generally considered well tolerated. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Rosa Canina Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Rosa Canina (rosehip) Fruit Extract is derived from the fruit of the wild rose and is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties. |
| Sodium Polyacrylate Thickener / absorbent | Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent acrylic-acid polymer used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and water-binding agent that can hold large amounts of liquid to create gel-like textures. It functions as a formulation and texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Hydrogenated Polydecene Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Hydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic hydrocarbon emollient derived from hydrogenated polydecene oligomers, used to provide a lightweight, non-greasy occlusive film that softens skin and improves spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It serves as a base or texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| PPG-1 Trideceth-6 Surfactant / solubilizer | PPG-1 Trideceth-6 is a polypropylene glycol-derived nonionic surfactant used to solubilize fragrances and oils in aqueous formulations and to help emulsify or clean. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Zinc PCA Key active Sebum-regulating, antimicrobial | Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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.