Below is every ingredient in Hemp Soothing Elixir Facial Serum 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.
Curcuma Longa (turmeric) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to help calm skin, reduce oxidative stress, and brighten the appearance of the complexion.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity.
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations.
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. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic skin reaction | Uncommon | Redness, itching, or rash may occur in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | Transient sensation, particularly on broken or compromised skin. |
| Delayed wound healing | Rare | Reported in some studies when applied to surgical or deep wounds. |
| Photosensitivity or worsening of dermatitis | Rare | Occasional reports, possibly related to anthraquinone content in poorly processed extracts. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports; generally well tolerated. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential but possible in acne-prone skin. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; occasional sensitivity in reactive skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Low comedogenic potential but possible in very acne-prone skin. |
| Oxidation-related skin sensitivity | Very rare | Rancid or oxidized oil may increase irritation potential. |
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. |
| Aloe barbadensis Soothing/hydrating agent | Aloe Barbadensis (aloe vera) is a plant-derived gel rich in polysaccharides, water, and bioactive compounds used in skincare for its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly applied to support skin hydration and calm minor irritation or sunburn. |
| 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. |
| Isoamyl laurate Emollient | Isoamyl Laurate is a plant-derived ester (from isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid) used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that improves skin feel and product texture. It functions to soften and condition the skin and acts as a natural alternative to silicones. |
| Cannabis sativa seed oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is a lightweight, non-psychoactive oil derived from hemp seeds, rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid). It functions primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that supports the skin barrier and provides antioxidant benefits. |
| Caprylic/Capric triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Cetearyl glucoside Emulsifier | Cetearyl Glucoside is a plant-derived (glucose and fatty alcohol) nonionic emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It is valued for being mild and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations. |
| Cetearyl alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Glyceryl stearate SE Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions, also providing a softening, conditioning effect on skin. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| Glyceryl Laurate Emulsifier / emollient / antimicrobial | Glyceryl laurate (glyceryl monolaurate) is a glycerol ester of lauric acid used in cosmetics as a non-ionic emulsifier, emollient, and surfactant, with mild antimicrobial properties that can support preservative systems. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from coconut-sourced fatty alcohols and caprylic/capric acids, used to provide a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and to act as a silicone alternative. It functions primarily as a spreading agent and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. |
| Triheptanoin Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Triheptanoin is a triglyceride of heptanoic acid (a medium-chain fatty acid) used in skincare as an emollient and solvent that softens skin and helps deliver lipophilic ingredients. It also serves as a medical-grade lipid in some therapeutic contexts. |
| C9-12 Alkane Emollient / solvent | C9-12 Alkane is a lightweight, biodegradable hydrocarbon blend derived from plant sources (often used as a sustainable alternative to silicones and volatile silicones). It functions as a spreading agent, emollient, and solvent that improves texture and skin feel in cosmetic formulations. |
| Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol/PDI Crosspolymer Emollient/film-former | Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol/PDI Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosspolymer used as an emollient and occlusive film-forming agent in skincare. It helps condition the skin surface, improve texture, and reduce moisture loss without delivering a specific biological treatment effect. |
| Curcuma longa extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory | Curcuma Longa (turmeric) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to help calm skin, reduce oxidative stress, and brighten the appearance of the complexion. |
| Glycyrrhiza glabra extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory & brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Sclerotium gum Thickener / stabilizer | Sclerotium Gum is a natural polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, used as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It also imparts a smooth skin feel and helps suspend particles in creams, gels, and serums. |
| Lactic acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a mild, amino-acid-derived (glutamic acid and stearic acid) anionic surfactant used primarily as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It is well tolerated and often chosen for gentle, naturally derived cosmetic systems. |
| Sodium gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
| Linalool Fragrance/masking agent | Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, and many other plants, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance component. It readily oxidizes upon exposure to air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. |
| Geraniol Fragrance/aroma compound | Geraniol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its pleasant rose-like scent. It also has mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but is included mainly for olfactory rather than therapeutic purposes. |
| Citral Fragrance/aroma ingredient | Citral is a naturally occurring aldehyde found in citrus and lemongrass oils, used in cosmetics primarily for its fresh, lemon-like scent. It is a recognized fragrance allergen 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.