Below is every ingredient in Nutgrass Face Wash with Neem & Soothing Chamomile 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.
Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) infusion is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its calming and antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and apigenin. It is commonly included to soothe irritated or sensitive skin.
Symplocos racemosa (Lodhra) infusion is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, traditionally applied to soothe and tone the skin. It contains tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids that may help reduce redness and tighten the appearance of pores.
Azadirachta indica (neem) infusion is a water-based botanical extract traditionally used in skincare for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is often included to support acne-prone or irritated skin.
Zn PCA (zinc PCA) is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, used in skincare to help control excess sebum production and provide mild antimicrobial and soothing effects. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin.
Cyperus rotundus (nutgrass) extract is a botanical ingredient used in skincare for its reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating and skin-brightening properties, and it is also studied for hair growth inhibition. It is typically derived from the tuber or rhizome of the plant.
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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated, but possible with high concentrations or prolonged contact. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported in patch-test studies, sometimes linked to alkyl glucoside cross-reactivity. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or redness on direct ocular contact in cleansing formulations. |
| Dryness or barrier disruption | Rare | Possible with frequent use, though milder than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated, but as a surfactant it can occasionally cause mild irritation or dryness, particularly with high concentrations or frequent use. |
| Temporary skin staining or yellow tint | Common | Curcuminoids are naturally pigmented and may leave a transient yellow cast on skin or fabrics. |
| Contact dermatitis / irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness, itching, or irritation may occur, especially on sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Allergic contact sensitization | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies; curcumin can act as an allergen in predisposed individuals. |
| Photosensitivity or phototoxic reaction | Very rare | Isolated reports; generally considered low risk but possible with certain extract formulations. |
| Sticky or tacky skin feel | Common | Cosmetic sensation at higher concentrations, not a health concern. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or with high concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or moisture-wicking in very low humidity | Uncommon | Can theoretically draw water from skin in extremely dry environments if not paired with occlusives. |
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. |
| Lauryl glucoside Surfactant/cleansing agent | Lauryl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm fatty alcohols and glucose, used as a mild cleansing and foaming agent in skin and hair care products. It is considered gentle and biodegradable, often replacing harsher anionic surfactants. |
| Capryl/caprylyl glucoside Surfactant/cleanser | Capryl/caprylyl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm fatty alcohols and glucose, used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in skincare and cleansers. It is valued for its low irritation potential and biodegradability. |
| 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. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| Matricaria recutita infusion Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical | Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) infusion is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its calming and antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and apigenin. It is commonly included to soothe irritated or sensitive skin. |
| Symplocos racemosa infusion Key active Skin-conditioning / astringent botanical | Symplocos racemosa (Lodhra) infusion is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, traditionally applied to soothe and tone the skin. It contains tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids that may help reduce redness and tighten the appearance of pores. |
| Sodium cocoyl glutamate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoyl glutamate is a gentle, amino-acid-derived anionic surfactant made from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid, commonly used in cleansers and shampoos for its mild, low-irritation foaming and cleansing properties. It is favored in skin-friendly and sulfate-free formulations due to its skin-compatible, near-physiologic pH profile. |
| Disodium cocoyl glutamate Mild anionic surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle amino acid-derived (glutamic acid + coconut fatty acid) surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide mild foaming and cleansing with low irritation potential. It is well tolerated and suited for sensitive skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| Azadirachta indica infusion Key active Botanical extract / antimicrobial-soothing agent | Azadirachta indica (neem) infusion is a water-based botanical extract traditionally used in skincare for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is often included to support acne-prone or irritated skin. |
| Citrus heticulata Fragrance/antioxidant botanical extract | Citrus reticulata (mandarin/tangerine) extract is derived from the peel or fruit and is used in skincare as a natural fragrance, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning agent due to its content of flavonoids, vitamin C, and aromatic essential oil compounds. It is most often included for sensory and supportive antioxidant benefits rather than as a primary clinical 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. |
| Zn PCA Key active Sebum regulator / antimicrobial | Zn PCA (zinc PCA) is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, used in skincare to help control excess sebum production and provide mild antimicrobial and soothing effects. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone 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. |
| Sodium levulinate Preservative / humectant | Sodium Levulinate is the sodium salt of levulinic acid, derived from natural sugars, used primarily as a mild preservative and antimicrobial agent that also provides moisturizing properties. It is often paired with sodium anisate in natural-leaning preservative systems. |
| 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. |
| Potassium sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Cyperus rotundus extract Key active Skin conditioning / oil control & brightening agent | Cyperus rotundus (nutgrass) extract is a botanical ingredient used in skincare for its reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating and skin-brightening properties, and it is also studied for hair growth inhibition. It is typically derived from the tuber or rhizome of the plant. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Citronellol Fragrance ingredient | Citronellol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance and flavoring agent, providing a rose-like, citrusy scent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is found in essential oils such as rose, geranium, and citronella. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Benzyl benzoate Fragrance/Preservative/Solvent | Benzyl benzoate is a naturally occurring ester used in cosmetics as a fragrance component, solvent, plasticizer, and fixative; it also has antimicrobial and acaricidal properties. In medicine it is used as a topical treatment for scabies and lice. |
| Benzyl salicylate Fragrance/UV-absorber | Benzyl salicylate is an aromatic ester used primarily as a fragrance ingredient and, to a lesser extent, as a UV-light absorber in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a faint floral, balsamic scent and helps stabilize fragrance compositions. |
| 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. |
| Farnesol Fragrance ingredient / antimicrobial | Farnesol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance component and deodorant agent, and it also exhibits mild antibacterial properties. It is found in essential oils such as rose, neroli, and citronella. |
| Eugenol Fragrance/flavoring agent | Eugenol is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in clove oil and other essential oils, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its mild antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is a recognized contact allergen and is one of the 26 fragrance allergens requiring declaration under EU regulations. |
| Isoeugenol Fragrance ingredient | Isoeugenol is a naturally occurring aromatic compound used as a fragrance and flavoring agent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is a known contact allergen and one of the fragrance constituents required to be labeled in many regions. |
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.