Below is every ingredient in Asaya 2 Salicylic Acid 5 Niacinamide Face Serum 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.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 used topically to support the skin barrier, regulate sebum, and reduce hyperpigmentation and redness. It is generally well tolerated across a range of skin types.
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.
Salix Alba (Willow Bark) Extract is derived from willow bark and contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, valued for its mild exfoliating, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is often used as a gentler alternative to synthetic salicylic acid in cosmetic formulations.
Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient with reported antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in formulations targeting acne-prone or irritated skin. It contains bioactive compounds such as nimbin, nimbidin, and flavonoids.
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.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to target acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient flushing or warmth | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or irritation | Uncommon | Often associated with high concentrations or sensitive skin. |
| Redness or erythema | Rare | Typically mild and resolves with discontinuation or lower dose. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported in the literature. |
| Skin dryness and peeling | Common | Mild flaking or tightness, especially with frequent use or higher concentrations. |
| Stinging, burning, or irritation | Common | Transient sensation on application, often more pronounced on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Temporary redness at the application site. |
| Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized inflammation; can be irritant or, less often, allergic in nature. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Uncommon | Exfoliation may heighten sun sensitivity; sunscreen use is advised. |
| Salicylism (systemic toxicity) | Rare | Reported with extensive application over large body areas, high concentrations, or occlusion; symptoms include nausea, tinnitus, and dizziness. |
| Severe allergic reaction | Very rare | Hypersensitivity reactions such as significant swelling or hives. |
| 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. |
| Skin irritation, stinging or burning | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised/sensitive skin. |
| Redness or dryness | Uncommon | Paradoxical irritation possible in some individuals despite its humectant role. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Key active Barrier support / brightening active | Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 used topically to support the skin barrier, regulate sebum, and reduce hyperpigmentation and redness. It is generally well tolerated across a range of skin types. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Lactate Humectant / NMF component | Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and a key component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used to hydrate the skin and buffer formulation pH. It also has mild exfoliating and humectant properties that help maintain skin moisture and barrier function. |
| 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. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations. |
| Salix Alba Bark (Willow Bark) Extract Key active Exfoliant / anti-inflammatory | Salix Alba (Willow Bark) Extract is derived from willow bark and contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, valued for its mild exfoliating, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is often used as a gentler alternative to synthetic salicylic acid in cosmetic formulations. |
| Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract Soothing / humectant | Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included to calm irritated or sun-exposed skin and to provide lightweight moisturization. |
| Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract Antioxidant/skin-conditioning botanical extract | Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetics for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-soothing properties attributed to compounds such as eugenol, linalool, and rosmarinic acid. It is typically included in low concentrations to support skin conditioning and provide a mild fragrance. |
| Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / antimicrobial botanical | Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient with reported antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in formulations targeting acne-prone or irritated skin. It contains bioactive compounds such as nimbin, nimbidin, and flavonoids. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Hydroxyethyl Urea Humectant / moisturizer | Hydroxyethyl Urea is a water-soluble humectant derived from urea that attracts and binds moisture to the skin, helping improve hydration and softness. It is commonly used in moisturizers and leave-on formulations as a gentle alternative to urea. |
| 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. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to target acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol. |
| Tocopherol Acetate Key active Antioxidant / vitamin E derivative | Tocopherol acetate (vitamin E acetate) is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It can be converted to active tocopherol in the skin and helps protect formulations and skin lipids from oxidative damage. |
| Heptyl Glucoside Surfactant / emulsifier | Heptyl Glucoside is a mild, plant-derived alkyl glucoside surfactant used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It is valued for its gentle cleansing properties and good skin tolerance. |
| 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. |
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.