Below is every ingredient in 5% AHA BHA Face Gel - 30g 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.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
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. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Tannins and any residual alcohol can have a drying effect with frequent use. |
| Irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive, broken, or already dry skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented sensitization to witch hazel or accompanying preservatives/fragrance. |
| Worsening of eczema or compromised barrier | Rare | Astringent action may aggravate inflammatory or barrier-impaired skin. |
| Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
| Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
| Skin irritation, stinging, or burning sensation | Common | Often dose- and concentration-dependent, especially at low pH or high percentages. |
| Redness (erythema) | Common | Usually transient and resolves after application or with reduced frequency. |
| Dryness and peeling | Common | Result of increased exfoliation; mitigated by moisturizer use. |
| Increased photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) | Common | AHAs reduce stratum corneum thickness; daily sunscreen is advised. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | More likely in darker skin tones or with overuse/irritation. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Genuine allergy is uncommon; most reactions are irritant rather than allergic. |
| Chemical burns or blistering | Rare | Typically associated with high concentrations, low pH, or prolonged contact in peels. |
| Scarring | Very rare | Reported with improper high-strength peel application or severe burns. |
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. |
| Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water Astringent/toner | Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water is a plant-derived hydrosol containing tannins used in skincare as an astringent, soothing, and mild antioxidant agent. It is commonly found in toners and treatments for oily or acne-prone skin. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Glycolic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Ammonium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Ammonium hydroxide is an alkaline solution of ammonia in water used primarily to neutralize and adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It functions as a buffering agent rather than a skin-treatment active. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Polyquaternium-10 Conditioning/film-former | Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic cellulose-derived polymer used in skincare and hair care to provide conditioning, smoothing, antistatic effects, and to form a thin film on skin and hair. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Arginine Amino acid / pH adjuster & conditioning agent | Arginine is a basic amino acid used in skincare primarily as a pH buffer/neutralizer and humectant-like conditioning agent that supports skin hydration and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and often paired with acidic ingredients to balance formulation pH. |
| 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. |
| Tetrasodium EDTA Chelating agent | Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preserving efficacy, and enhancing the performance of preservatives and surfactants. It is 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.