Below is every ingredient in Aplb Kojic Acid Vitamin C Ampoule Serum 40 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.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water is a water-based extract of the gotu kola plant valued for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to triterpenoid compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside. It is commonly used to calm irritation and support skin barrier function in topical formulations.
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.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
Kojic acid is a fungal-derived organic acid that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production and helping to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. It is commonly used in topical depigmenting formulations.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen.
Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin derived from Centella asiatica, valued for stimulating collagen synthesis and promoting wound healing and skin barrier repair. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in topical formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact allergic dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to Centella triterpenes can cause localized redness or itching in predisposed individuals. |
| Mild stinging or transient irritation | Uncommon | Usually associated with sensitive or compromised skin rather than the extract itself. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports of hive-like reactions. |
| 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 | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin barriers. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Occasional case reports; patch testing can confirm. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Uncommon | Relevant mainly in leave-on or rinse-off products near the eye area. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Centella Asiatica Leaf Water Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical | Centella Asiatica Leaf Water is a water-based extract of the gotu kola plant valued for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to triterpenoid compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside. It is commonly used to calm irritation and support skin barrier function in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| 2-Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a 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. |
| Diethoxyethyl Succinate Emollient/Solvent | Diethoxyethyl Succinate is a synthetic diester used in skincare primarily as an emollient and solvent that improves spreadability and skin feel. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Emulsifier / thickener | Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps create smooth, gel-like textures and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. |
| 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. |
| Cellulose Thickener / absorbent / texturizer | Cellulose is a plant-derived polysaccharide used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and absorbent agent, and in exfoliant or film-forming roles. It is generally inert and well tolerated as a formulation base ingredient. |
| Disodium Edta Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Key active Anti-inflammatory/soothing agent | Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity. |
| 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. |
| Inulin Prebiotic / skin-conditioning agent | Inulin is a plant-derived fructan polysaccharide used in skincare as a prebiotic to support the skin's microbiome and as a mild humectant and texture-enhancing ingredient. It is generally considered well tolerated and is most often found in microbiome-targeted or moisturizing formulations. |
| Kojic Acid Key active Skin-brightening agent (tyrosinase inhibitor) | Kojic acid is a fungal-derived organic acid that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production and helping to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. It is commonly used in topical depigmenting formulations. |
| Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer Film-former / humectant | Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations primarily as a film-forming agent and humectant. It helps form a flexible, breathable film on the skin that improves moisture retention, sensory feel, and the stability or wear of the product. |
| Cellulose Thickener / absorbent / texturizer | Cellulose is a plant-derived polysaccharide used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and absorbent agent, and in exfoliant or film-forming roles. It is generally inert and well tolerated as a formulation base ingredient. |
| Fructose Humectant | Fructose is a simple monosaccharide sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant that attracts and binds water to help maintain skin hydration. It is generally considered a supporting/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Glucose Humectant/skin-conditioning agent | Glucose is a simple sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can also serve as a substrate in formulations and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention properties. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| C12-14 Alketh-12 Emulsifier/surfactant | C12-14 Alketh-12 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol (a nonionic surfactant) used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and cleansing agent. It helps blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions rather than providing a direct therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Asiaticoside Key active Wound healing / soothing active | Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin derived from Centella asiatica, valued for stimulating collagen synthesis and promoting wound healing and skin barrier repair. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in topical formulations. |
| Madecassic Acid Key active Anti-inflammatory / soothing active | Madecassic acid is a triterpenoid compound derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is often used in formulations targeting irritation, redness, and wound healing. |
| Asiatic Acid Key active Antioxidant / soothing active | Asiatic acid is a triterpenoid derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties in skincare. It is used to support wound healing, calm irritation, and improve skin barrier function. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract is derived from the Australian tea tree and is valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in skincare products targeting acne, blemishes, and oily skin. |
| Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / emollient | Hippophae Rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) Fruit Extract is derived from the berries of the sea buckthorn plant and is rich in carotenoids, vitamins (C and E), flavonoids, and fatty acids. In skincare it functions as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, valued for its potential to support barrier function and reduce oxidative stress. |
| Hydrolyzed Collagen Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids, used in topical formulations to attract and bind water and improve skin surface smoothness and hydration. It functions primarily as a moisturizer and film-former rather than rebuilding the skin's own collagen. |
| Beta-Glucan Key active Hydrating soothing agent | Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from sources such as oats, yeast, and mushrooms that functions as a humectant and skin-soothing ingredient. It supports hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and has been studied for antioxidant and wound-healing properties. |
| 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. |
| Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Nelumbium Speciosum (sacred lotus) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to flavonoids and polyphenols. It is commonly included to help soothe skin and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Artemisia Annua Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Artemisia Annua (sweet wormwood) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, largely attributed to flavonoids and artemisinin compounds. It is commonly included to help calm sensitive or irritated skin and provide environmental protection. |
| Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract is derived from rice and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and soothing properties, owing to its content of ferulic acid, vitamins, and amino acids. It is often included to help even skin tone and provide mild moisturizing and barrier-supporting benefits. |
| Saccharomyces Ferment Key active Skin-conditioning / fermentation-derived bioactive | Saccharomyces Ferment is a yeast-derived fermentation filtrate used in skincare for its content of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and peptides that support hydration, barrier function, and a brightening or soothing effect. It is valued as a multifunctional bioactive often featured in 'ferment' or essence-type formulations. |
| Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins (notably nasunin), used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It may help protect skin from oxidative stress and has been studied topically for actinic keratoses. |
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.