Below is every ingredient in 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel Face Wash with Glycerin & Allantoin for Active Acne - 100 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.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antimicrobial and keratolytic agent widely used to treat acne by reducing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria and promoting follicular exfoliation. It is available over-the-counter and by prescription in concentrations typically ranging from 2.5% to 10%.
Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products.
Zinc Oxide Sulphonated Shale Oil combines the soothing, mild astringent and physical barrier properties of zinc oxide with the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseborrhoeic effects of sulphonated shale oil (ichthammol). It is used in topical preparations for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, mild eczema and minor irritations.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent that releases oxygen to kill Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria and has mild keratolytic and comedolytic effects. It is widely used to treat inflammatory and comedonal acne.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water is essentially inert; reactions are attributable to other formula components, not the water itself. |
| Transient skin barrier disruption from excessive exposure | Rare | Prolonged or repeated wetting can contribute to mild barrier compromise, but this relates to usage patterns rather than the ingredient. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated, but mild irritation can occur, particularly with high concentrations or compromised skin barrier. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented as a contact allergen in some patch-test studies, occasionally cross-reacting with other alkyl glucosides. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | May cause stinging or irritation on direct eye contact, relevant in cleanser and shampoo formulations. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Common | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised/sensitive skin |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Non-allergic irritation, often dose-dependent |
| Worsening of pre-existing eczema or barrier-impaired skin | Rare | Penetration-enhancing effect may increase reactivity |
| Systemic toxicity from topical use | Very rare | Reported mainly with extensive application on broken skin, especially in infants or burn patients |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible with higher concentrations or in sensitive individuals, especially around the eyes. |
| Skin dryness | Uncommon | As with most surfactants, repeated use may reduce skin lipids in some users. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or irritation, more likely in concentrated or rinse-off products and around the eyes. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
| Mild stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | Usually transient, more likely on broken or irritated skin. |
| Contact urticaria (hives) | Rare | Immediate localized wheal-and-flare reaction in allergic individuals. |
| Delayed wound healing with topical use on surgical wounds | Rare | Reported in isolated cases; clinical relevance limited. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Purified Water Solvent/vehicle | Purified water is a highly filtered, deionized water used as the primary solvent and base in most skincare formulations. It dissolves water-soluble ingredients and provides the medium in which other components are dispersed. |
| Decyl Glucoside Surfactant/Cleanser | Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, commonly used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby care products. It is valued for its biodegradability and low irritation potential compared to harsher surfactants. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium lauryl sarcosinate is a mild anionic surfactant derived from sarcosine and lauric acid, used in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste to provide foaming and cleansing. It is generally considered gentler than sodium lauryl sulfate. |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant / foaming cleanser | Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle foaming, viscosity, and to reduce the harshness of stronger anionic surfactants. It is widely regarded as mild but is a recognized contact allergen. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is derived from the aloe vera plant and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included as a supportive base ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Coco-Glucoside Mild surfactant/cleanser | Coco Glucoside is a gentle, plant-derived nonionic surfactant (an alkyl polyglucoside made from coconut fatty alcohols and glucose) used as a cleansing and foaming agent in face washes, shampoos, and body cleansers. It is valued for its mildness, biodegradability, and good skin and eye tolerance compared with harsher surfactants. |
| Benzoyl peroxide Key active Acne treatment / antibacterial | Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antimicrobial and keratolytic agent widely used to treat acne by reducing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria and promoting follicular exfoliation. It is available over-the-counter and by prescription in concentrations typically ranging from 2.5% to 10%. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| Cocamide MEA Foaming agent / surfactant | Cocamide MEA (Cocamide monoethanolamide) is a coconut oil-derived non-ionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos as a foam booster, viscosity enhancer, and emulsion stabilizer. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Laminaria Digitata Extract Conditioning/antioxidant | Laminaria Digitata Extract is derived from brown seaweed and is used in skincare for its mineral, polysaccharide, and antioxidant content, providing skin-conditioning, hydrating, and soothing benefits. It is commonly included for its purported moisturizing and protective properties. |
| Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide Skin-conditioning emollient / pseudo-ceramide | Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide is a synthetic pseudo-ceramide used to mimic natural skin ceramides, helping to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It functions as an emollient and moisturizing agent commonly found in barrier-repair and dry-skin formulations. |
| Ceramide 1 Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide 1 (Ceramide EOP) is a naturally occurring epidermal lipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly combined with other ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to mimic the skin's natural lipid matrix. |
| Ceramide 2 Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is generally well tolerated and biocompatible with the skin's own ceramides. |
| Ceramide 3 Skin barrier replenisher / emollient | Ceramide 3 (also called Ceramide NP) is a lipid naturally found in the skin's stratum corneum that helps restore and maintain the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to improve hydration and skin integrity. |
| Ceramide 4 Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Ceramide 4 (Ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in formulations to help restore and reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It supports the stratum corneum's lipid matrix, improving hydration and skin resilience. |
| Ceramide 6 II Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Ceramide 6 II (a phytosphingosine-based ceramide, also known as ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the stratum corneum barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is typically incorporated as part of physiological lipid blends to support hydration and skin barrier function. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Zinc Oxide Sulphonated Shale Oil Key active Antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory active | Zinc Oxide Sulphonated Shale Oil combines the soothing, mild astringent and physical barrier properties of zinc oxide with the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseborrhoeic effects of sulphonated shale oil (ichthammol). It is used in topical preparations for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, mild eczema and minor irritations. |
| 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. |
| Benzoyl Peroxide (antibacterial Key active Antibacterial / acne treatment | Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent that releases oxygen to kill Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria and has mild keratolytic and comedolytic effects. It is widely used to treat inflammatory and comedonal acne. |
| dust particles Contaminant/particulate matter | Dust particles are not a deliberate skincare ingredient but airborne or environmental particulate matter (including pollution, mineral dust, and microscopic debris) that can settle on skin or contaminate formulations. They are generally considered undesirable rather than functional in cosmetic products. |
| pollutants Environmental skin stressor (not a deliberate ingredient) | Pollutants such as particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ozone, and cigarette smoke are environmental contaminants that deposit on or penetrate the skin. They are recognized as contributors to oxidative stress, skin aging, and barrier dysfunction rather than being added to formulations. |
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.