Below is every ingredient in 3% Vitamin E Face Moisturizer With Vitamin E & Lactic Acid - 100g 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Comedogenicity (acne/clogged pores) | Common | Considered a moderately to highly comedogenic ingredient; may worsen acne or cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation or stinging reported, particularly on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Occasional sensitization documented in patch-test studies, though it is generally regarded as a low allergen. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Follicular irritation linked to its occlusive and pore-clogging tendency. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Occasional redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Possible in acne-prone individuals depending on the specific fatty alcohol blend used. |
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Cross-reactivity with other fatty alcohols | Rare | Individuals sensitized to cetyl or stearyl alcohol may react to the blend. |
| 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. |
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. |
| Isopropyl Myristate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid used as an emollient, thickening reducer, and penetration enhancer in cosmetic and topical formulations. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel and improves spreadability of products. |
| Emulsifying Wax Emulsifier / texture enhancer | Emulsifying wax is a blend of fatty alcohols and surfactants used to bind oil and water phases into stable creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation base ingredient, improving texture and consistency rather than treating skin conditions. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Arlacel-165 Emulsifier | Arlacel-165 is a non-ionic self-emulsifying blend of glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate used to create stable oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient that improves texture and stability rather than providing a direct therapeutic effect. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| PEG-100 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Disodium Phosphate Buffering/pH adjuster | Disodium Phosphate is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and skincare formulations primarily as a buffering agent and pH adjuster. It helps stabilize product pH and acts as an emulsifying or sequestering aid in various topical preparations. |
| Saccharide Isomerate Humectant / moisturizer | Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's keratin to provide long-lasting hydration and improve moisture retention. It is structurally similar to carbohydrates naturally found in the skin's upper layers. |
| Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (argan oil) is a plant-derived emollient rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, and polyphenols, used to soften skin, support the skin barrier, and provide antioxidant activity. It functions primarily as a moisturizing and conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid 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. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Sodium PCA Humectant | Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is widely used in cosmetics as a water-binding humectant to hydrate and soften the 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. |
| Euxyl PE 9010 Preservative | Euxyl PE 9010 is a globally accepted cosmetic preservative blend of phenoxyethanol (90%) and ethylhexylglycerin (10%) used to protect formulations against bacterial, mold, and yeast contamination. The ethylhexylglycerin component also provides mild emollient and skin-conditioning properties and boosts the preservative efficacy of phenoxyethanol. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic 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.