Below is every ingredient in 20% Actives Peptide-Stem Cell Hair Growth Serum with Foligen Analupe & Anagain For Hair Growth - 30 ml 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.
Emblica Officinalis (Indian gooseberry/Amla) extract is a polyphenol-rich botanical used in skincare for its antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, supporting brightening and reduction of hyperpigmentation. It is considered relatively stable and is sometimes used as a milder alternative to other depigmenting agents.
Lupinus Albus (white lupin) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its conditioning, soothing, and antioxidant properties, and is sometimes promoted for anti-aging and firming effects due to its peptide and amino acid content. It is generally well tolerated in topical formulations.
Pisum Sativum (pea) Sprout Extract is a botanical derived from germinated pea seedlings, rich in peptides, amino acids, and phytonutrients. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and conditioning properties, with some formulations marketing it for skin firmness and hair-related benefits.
Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate is a copper-bound tripeptide derivative (a GHK-Cu type complex) used in cosmetics for its purported roles in supporting skin repair, collagen synthesis stimulation, and antioxidant activity. It is generally included as an anti-aging active in serums and creams.
Ocimum Basilicum (basil) Hairy Root Culture Extract is a biotechnology-derived plant extract produced via in vitro hairy root cultures, valued for its concentrated polyphenols and antioxidant compounds. It is used in skincare for antioxidant protection and skin-conditioning effects.
Zinc chloride is an inorganic zinc salt used in skincare and topical formulations as an astringent and antimicrobial agent, and in higher concentrations as a caustic/escharotic in dermatologic procedures. It can help reduce surface microbial load and tighten tissue.
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 transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Typically transient and associated with sensitive skin or high concentrations. |
| Mild stinging or itching | Rare | Usually resolves with discontinuation or lower concentration. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Cross-reactivity in legume-allergic individuals | Rare | Lupin is a known food allergen; those with peanut or other legume allergies may have increased sensitivity. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause irritation on direct contact with eyes, relevant in eye-area products. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Generally mild and concentration-dependent, more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Contact irritation (redness, stinging) | Rare | Possible in sensitive individuals, generally mild and transient. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness or stinging, more likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive/broken skin. |
| Contact urticaria (non-immunologic) | Rare | Transient localized hives or itching upon direct skin contact, typically resolving quickly. |
| Pseudoallergic/intolerance reactions | Very rare | Mostly documented with ingestion rather than topical use. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Emblica Officinalis Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-brightening | Emblica Officinalis (Indian gooseberry/Amla) extract is a polyphenol-rich botanical used in skincare for its antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, supporting brightening and reduction of hyperpigmentation. It is considered relatively stable and is sometimes used as a milder alternative to other depigmenting agents. |
| Lupinus Albus Extract Key active Skin conditioning / antioxidant | Lupinus Albus (white lupin) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its conditioning, soothing, and antioxidant properties, and is sometimes promoted for anti-aging and firming effects due to its peptide and amino acid content. It is generally well tolerated in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Pisum Sativum (pea) Sprout Extract is a botanical derived from germinated pea seedlings, rich in peptides, amino acids, and phytonutrients. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and conditioning properties, with some formulations marketing it for skin firmness and hair-related benefits. |
| 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. |
| Bis (Tripeptide 1 ) Copper Acetate Key active Skin-conditioning peptide / copper complex | Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate is a copper-bound tripeptide derivative (a GHK-Cu type complex) used in cosmetics for its purported roles in supporting skin repair, collagen synthesis stimulation, and antioxidant activity. It is generally included as an anti-aging active in serums and creams. |
| 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. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Ocimum Basilicum Hairy Root Culture Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Ocimum Basilicum (basil) Hairy Root Culture Extract is a biotechnology-derived plant extract produced via in vitro hairy root cultures, valued for its concentrated polyphenols and antioxidant compounds. It is used in skincare for antioxidant protection and skin-conditioning effects. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It releases sulfur dioxide, which helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. |
| Larix Europaea Wood Extract Skin conditioning / antioxidant | Larix Europaea (European larch) Wood Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in arabinogalactan polysaccharides and polyphenols, used in skincare for its conditioning, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is also valued as a humectant and film-forming agent that can support skin hydration. |
| Glycine Amino acid / humectant | Glycine is a small amino acid used in skincare as a humectant and conditioning agent, supporting skin hydration and acting as a building block for collagen and natural moisturizing factor. It is generally considered well-tolerated and is often included as part of moisturizing or barrier-support formulations. |
| Zinc Chloride Key active Astringent/antimicrobial | Zinc chloride is an inorganic zinc salt used in skincare and topical formulations as an astringent and antimicrobial agent, and in higher concentrations as a caustic/escharotic in dermatologic procedures. It can help reduce surface microbial load and tighten tissue. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Solubilizer/emulsifier | PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to dissolve fragrances and oils into water-based formulations and to stabilize emulsions. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract is a plant stem cell extract derived from a Swiss apple variety, marketed for antioxidant protection and to support the longevity and vitality of skin cells. It is commonly included in anti-aging formulations to help reduce signs of oxidative stress and photoaging. |
| 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. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| PPG-26-Buteth-26 Solubilizer/emulsifier | PPG-26-Buteth-26 is a polypropylene glycol-based ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solubilizer and emulsifying agent, helping to dissolve fragrances and oils into water-based products. It is considered a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Apigenin Key active Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory flavonoid | Apigenin is a plant-derived flavonoid used in topical skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is being studied for potential roles in supporting skin barrier function and reducing signs of photoaging. It is generally well tolerated in cosmetic concentrations. |
| Oleanolic Acid Key active Antioxidant / sebum-regulating active | Oleanolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid found in plants such as olive leaves and cloves, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting properties. It is studied for managing oily and acne-prone skin, supporting the skin barrier, and reducing signs of aging. |
| Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 Key active Hair/scalp conditioning peptide | Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 is a biotin-conjugated tripeptide marketed for strengthening hair anchorage and improving scalp/follicle condition, often used in anti-hair-loss and hair-growth formulations. It is thought to act on the extracellular matrix proteins surrounding the hair bulb, though clinical evidence is limited. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Anagain Key active Hair growth stimulant | Anagain is a pea sprout (Pisum sativum) extract marketed to stimulate signaling molecules associated with the hair follicle dermal papilla, aiming to prolong the anagen (growth) phase and reduce shedding. It is used in topical scalp and hair-care formulations as a botanical 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.